Charles' POV:
I was no longer worried when Scarlett and I finally talked over the call. However, my worry turned into dismay.
When would she finally be able to let go of our misunderstandings and accept me?
In the evening, Spencer invited me out for a drink, to which I agreed. I stared at the tequila shot in front of me. Without much thought, I picked it up and drank it up.
I could not wait to numb the pain in my heart with alcohol. For once, I did not want to think about Scarlett. Well, the joke was on me as she was on my mind the entire night.
"What happened? You look troubled," Spencer asked with a frown.
I merely glanced at him. I did not feel like talking, so I just drank in silence.
"What? Is it because you haven't seen her for a long time?" Spencer guessed with a smug look on his face.
"We see each other a lot," I corrected before he could make another wild guess.
Spencer looked at me in confusion. "If that's the case, why do you look glum? Cheer up, man."
David also looked at me with bewilderment.
I sighed exasperatedly and explained, "Scarlett's apartment is not safe. That day, someone broke into her apartment with a knife."
The cheeky smile on Spencer's face faltered. "Could it be that it was the same person who had almost hit her with a car?" he worriedly asked.
"I don't know yet, but the investigation is underway. Right now, there's nothing I can do but wait for the result." I kneaded my temples and leaned against the sofa wearily.
David patted me on the shoulder for reassurance. "Let's wait until the result of the investigation comes out. But seriously, can you rest assured while Scarlett is abroad on her own?"
I glanced at him and heaved a sigh. "Of course, not! I'm worried about her. But, she has her own plan, and I trust that she would take care of herself. Besides, I can't take her back by force, can I?"
At that moment, Spencer looked at me with narrowed eyes and eyed me with suspicion. "Tell me the truth. Are you unhappy because Scarlett was attacked, or is it because of something else?"
I sighed yet again. His question made me even more irritable. Sometimes, true friends would seem as though they could read your mind. They could see through each other at a glance.
"Scarlett told me not to waste my time on her."
Spencer and David's eyes lit up as soon as I finished speaking. It seemed as though they found my dilemma amusing.
"Aww. Look at you—so sad and pitiful. Sorry, it's just that it's unusual to see you like this. It's funny." David's face turned red as he tried to stifle his laughter.
I stared daggers at him.
"Well, from what I can see, you still have a long way to go before you finally win Scarlett over. Admit it, women are more difficult to deal with than business."
I shot Spencer a furious glance and kicked him in the shin. "Are you two really my friends or not?" "Of course, we're friends. That's why I hope you win Scarlett's heart as soon as possible." Spencer and David raised their glasses at the same time. Although those two were getting on my nerves, I also raised my glass and clinked it with theirs. All of a sudden, the door opened, and the person I wanted to see the least walked in.
"Why is she here again?" Spencer asked while looking at the woman who barged into the room with utter disgust.
I did not answer and just stood up to leave.
Just as I reached the door, Rita tried to stop me. "Charles, please don't go!" she implored.
"I'm going to have a video call with Scarlett," I replied coldly. Despite Rita's dissuasion, I went straight out.
Rita fell stunned, but she immediately got ahold of herself. "Charles, you've always treated Scarlett as a sister," she reminded with a bitter smile, hoping that that would make me rethink my feelings.
I looked at her with a deep frown and corrected her, "Scarlett is my wife."
"No... Charles, stop being so cruel to me. Please. I... I saved your life, remember? Charles, I'm dying. I want to spend my remaining days happy and without regrets. Can you please stop being cold and distant to me?" Rita looked at me pleadingly. All of a sudden, she threw herself into my arms. She must have expected me to catch her. But... I did not.
I dodged her, which made her fall to the cold, hard ground. Her face went beet red in shame and embarrassment.
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