Once She Came Like a Flash novel Chapter 23

**Chapter 23**

Despite Lola’s instinct that Charlie would never stoop to such pettiness, the shadows of their tumultuous past loomed large, casting doubt over her trust in him. The events that had transpired left her feeling like a ship lost at sea, adrift in uncertainty and mistrust.

In an effort to sidestep any potential complications, she reached out to the lawyer who had previously managed her affairs. After carefully listening to her concerns, he advised her to bring him along to ensure that everything was documented clearly in writing with Charlie. A formal contract, he suggested, would eliminate any loopholes that could lead to future disputes.

Lola nodded in agreement, her mind racing with the implications of this meeting. She felt a twinge of anxiety as she retrieved the old SIM card she had left behind, sliding it into a new phone. As she powered it on, the screen lit up, revealing a flood of messages and missed calls that cascaded down like a waterfall. Without taking a moment to sift through the digital debris of her past, she swiftly wiped everything clean with a single tap and dialed Charlie’s number.

Meanwhile, Charlie found himself in the midst of a board meeting, his mind focused on the discussions at hand when his phone buzzed insistently. Irritation flickered within him at the interruption, but as he glanced at the screen and saw Lola’s name, all annoyance evaporated, replaced by a profound sense of emptiness. A wave of anxiety washed over him as he raised his hand to pause the conversation, excusing himself from the table. The directors exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions a mixture of surprise and curiosity. Everyone knew Mr. Hudson was a workaholic; for him to abandon a meeting mid-sentence was nothing short of extraordinary. Who could possibly hold such sway over him?

Charlie’s steps were brisk, his heart racing with anticipation. He pressed the phone to his ear, forcing his voice to steady itself. “Hello?”

“Is this Charlie Hudson? This is Lola Hudson.” Her voice was calm, almost clinical, as if they were discussing business rather than the complexities of their relationship. “I need to talk about a few matters with you. Do you have time to meet?”

“Yes. Whenever you want,” he replied, his eagerness betraying his cool facade.

“This afternoon. I’ll send you the address.”

With that, she hung up, leaving Charlie in a whirlwind of thoughts. Moments later, a text pinged through with the address of a law office. He saved it immediately, a sense of urgency propelling him back to the boardroom. There, he announced that the meeting was postponed, a decision that raised a few eyebrows. He then dialed his son.

“Edwin, your mom’s back. Do you… want to see her?”

There was a brief pause on the other end, a silence thick with emotion. Edwin’s voice came through, soft and hesitant. “I do. But… would she even want to see me?”

Upon arrival, Charlie’s heart sank as he realized they were at a law office. A frown creased his brow. Why had she chosen such a formal setting for their reunion? An uneasy thought slithered into his mind—was this meeting related to that attorney who had once managed all of Lola’s affairs? Did their relationship extend beyond mere professionalism?

The very idea made his grip on Edwin’s hand tighten involuntarily, causing the boy to wince in discomfort. Startled, Charlie loosened his hold, forcing a smile. “Sorry, buddy. Dad’s just a little nervous. Let’s go inside.”

Together, they entered the building, approached the front desk, and announced their names. Soon, they were led to a conference room, the anticipation palpable in the air.

As the door swung open, Charlie’s gaze immediately locked onto Lola. She sat poised at the table, a few documents in hand, her demeanor calm and composed. Beside her was her lawyer, maintaining a respectful distance, a clear indication that their relationship was strictly professional. A wave of relief washed over Charlie, easing the tension that had built up within him.

Edwin, however, was oblivious to the nuances of the situation. The moment his eyes landed on Lola, they glistened with unshed tears, his lips quivering as he breathed out a single word, “Mom?”

Lola’s head snapped up, her heart racing as if she had just heard a voice calling from a distant past. That single word reverberated through her, a haunting echo that brought forth a rush of memories, both cherished and painful.