From Mob Princess to Mugshot Photographer novel Chapter 57

**Chapter 6**

A wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd, a palpable tension igniting the air as Ethan’s words sliced through the gathering like a sharpened blade. The instant his voice broke the fragile silence, it felt as if an old wound had been torn open anew, sending a familiar, agonizing ache surging through my chest.

The baby… oh, how I had fought tooth and nail for the mere chance to bring a child into this world.

Yet to Ethan, my pain was nothing more than a tool for manipulation, a weapon he wielded with cruel precision to assert that I remained forever shackled to him, unable to escape the chains of our past.

Beside me, Sebastian stood like an unyielding fortress, his arm encircling my waist with a warmth that felt both protective and empowering. The gentle, reassuring circles of his hand on my back were a balm against the tempest swirling around us, a reminder that I was not alone in this battle.

Ethan’s glare was a smoldering fire, fixated on Sebastian’s hand resting on me, his expression contorted with fury as if he wished to incinerate that very touch with the heat of his disdain.

“Charlotte, you’ve truly outdone yourself! You know full well that Sebastian and I can’t stand each other, so you’ve dragged him into this pathetic charade to win me back?”

His voice dripped with contempt, each word a deliberate thrust aimed straight at my heart.

“And you, Sebastian—are you completely out of your mind? Playing along with her little games? What did she dangle in front of you to make this farce worth your time?”

Sebastian’s laughter rang out, cold and dismissive, slicing through the tension like a knife. “Ethan, you’re the one who’s lost touch with reality. My wife doesn’t need to reside in YOUR house anymore.”

With a grand flourish, Sebastian gestured to his assistant, who promptly stepped forward, presenting a hefty stack of property deeds.

Each document bore my name, a testament to Sebastian’s unwavering commitment to me.

“Every single one of these properties is now yours, sweetheart. The beach house, the penthouse, the historic mansion—whatever you desire, whenever your heart wishes for it.”

A wave of envy swept through the crowd, gasps of disbelief mingling with murmurs of admiration:

“Those properties are worth billions. Sebastian isn’t playing around.”

“It seems he truly values Charlotte as his most cherished possession.”

“Some people just have all the luck.”

As I stood there, a warmth blossomed within me, knowing Sebastian was fearlessly standing up for me. It ignited something deep inside, a flicker of hope amidst the chaos.

Yet Ethan remained obstinate, disbelief etched across his face. “This is impossible! Absolutely impossible!”

“Charlotte took a knife for me! She endured the agony of watching me have children with another woman! Everyone knows how deeply she cares for me—she would never actually marry you!”

A realization dawned on me as I saw the accusation glimmer in his eyes. “I understand now—you two must have struck some underhanded deal behind the scenes, haven’t you? Sebastian, Charlotte is damaged goods, and she can’t even bear children! Your family’s bloodline hangs by a thread—are you really willing to let it end completely?”

Sebastian’s expression darkened, a storm brewing behind his eyes, but before he could unleash his wrath, I struck Ethan across the face with a resounding slap that echoed in the charged atmosphere.

If it weren’t for him, I would still have had the chance to be a mother.

What was once a symbol of our love had morphed into a source of shame and despair.

I turned my gaze to the assembled guests, my voice steady and clear.

“I, Charlotte Chase, willingly take Sebastian Cross as my husband today. Not because of anyone else’s influence, but because I choose him.”

Ethan’s brow furrowed, his expression darkening as he processed my declaration.

Just as the tension reached its zenith, the hotel doors swung open with a crash.

Lily strode in, both kids in tow, and the atmosphere shifted once more.

**Conclusion**

In that moment of defiance, a weight lifted from my shoulders, and the storm that had raged within me began to settle. The crowd, once a sea of judgment and speculation, transformed into witnesses of my liberation. With each word I spoke, I reclaimed my narrative, shedding the shackles of Ethan’s manipulation and the guilt that had haunted me for so long. My heart swelled with a fierce pride as I stood beside Sebastian, the man who had recognized my worth and cherished me despite the scars I bore. I had fought for my identity and my right to choose love on my own terms, and as I gazed into Sebastian’s eyes, I saw not just a husband but a partner who understood the depths of my pain and the heights of my hope.

As Lily entered the room, the shift in energy was palpable, signaling a new beginning for us all. The children, innocent and bright, represented the possibilities that lay ahead, untainted by the past’s darkness. In that instant, I realized that my journey had not been in vain; every hardship had led me to this moment of clarity and strength. The storm behind me had shaped me, but it would not define my future. With Sebastian by my side and the love of my family surrounding me, I was ready to embrace the life ahead—one filled with resilience, joy, and the promise of new beginnings.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, the stakes will rise as the unexpected arrival of Lily and the children promises to unravel the carefully woven threads of Charlotte’s newfound resolve. With her entrance, the dynamic within the room will shift dramatically, forcing Charlotte to confront not only her past with Ethan but also the complexities of her present with Sebastian. Will Lily’s presence bring forth a wave of nostalgia, or will it serve as a catalyst for Charlotte to solidify her commitment to Sebastian? The tension is palpable, and the air is thick with unspoken emotions and unresolved conflicts.

As the crowd watches with bated breath, the confrontation between Charlotte and Ethan is far from over. The simmering animosity between the two men will ignite, possibly leading to a showdown that could expose hidden truths and buried resentments. Will Sebastian’s protective instincts take over, or will Ethan’s desperation to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his push him to resort to drastic measures? The echoes of Charlotte’s past decisions will reverberate through the space, leaving readers eager to discover how she will navigate this emotional minefield. With every moment, the storm that has been brewing threatens to break, and the consequences of their choices will unfold in ways no one can anticipate.