Chapter 12 Coming Clean

"Don't worry about it. We have to focus on the present, not the past." Luke tried to lighten the mood. "It makes sense now why Frank and Lorraine haven't had kids after all these years. It was Frank's issue all along." "I was afraid you wouldn't believe me since he's your nephew." Charlotte felt a weight lift off her shoulders as she spoke openly. "I trust you." Luke looked firm. Charlotte lowered her head. "He had all the IVF documents, so I couldn't clear my name." "You shouldn't feel uneasy because I'm his uncle. Truth is, I hardly know him. We're not that close." Charlotte appreciated this moment with Luke; his trust was something she hadn't anticipated. "That's why Frank was so guarded around me, afraid I'd spill the beans to his current wife. I left him with nothing, and he was scared I'd want revenge. He even asked if I wanted anything. I asked for the villa we got when we married, but he refused." Luke's frustration grew as he listened, regretting assigning Frank an important company project. "Now that I'm aware of this, I'm here if you need help." He paused. "My family knows about us now. If Frank tries to slander you again, I've got your back." Charlotte grasped Luke's intentions, realizing their relationship was just a cover to protect each other. "I understand, boss, and I promise I won't cross any lines." Despite not seeking romance with Luke, his resemblance to Andy evoked a sense of warmth and connection in her. Together, they arrived at their workplace, where Luke, indifferent to onlookers, politely opened the car door for her. In the elevator, he casually said, "Stop by my office later, okay?" "Sure." The elevator was Luke's private one, usually off-limits to everyone except for Charlotte and his assistant. This exclusivity sparked jealousy among her female colleagues. Yet, they all knew Luke's reputation for maintaining professional boundaries with women, leaving them no avenue to approach him. Luke's interest in Charlotte was sincere. While he often received flirtatious overtures from female staff and even marriage proposals from women of influential families at social events, he only saw in Charlotte a genuine longing for a simple, happy life. Her past, which she had bravely shared, only elevated his respect for her. Aware of how society often belittled women, he admired her resilience in raising two children alone under such challenging conditions. In his office, Luke retrieved a diamond necklace, a purchase from the charity event. "Even though our relationship isn't real, I want to give you this. You can't refuse it this time. As my 'girlfriend', you should have some elegant jewelry for the events we'll attend." Charlotte was reluctant to accept the necklace, feeling it was too much. "How about I wear it just for events? It seems too extravagant." But Luke was insistent, placing the box in her hands. "Please accept it. I've never gifted anything to a woman before. This is only my second time, and I hope you won't turn it down." Charlotte, slightly touched by his gesture and the earnest look in his eyes, accepted the gift. "Okay, I'll accept your kindness this time." Luke sighed in relief, pleased to have a meaningful gift for their arrangement. Determined to uncover Charlotte's past, Luke personally began an investigation. Using his private account and maintaining anonymity, he delved into the matter. By noon, he unearthed a file from a private hospital, listing Charlotte's name, her IVF details, and Frank's signature. After securing a copy, Luke summoned Frank to discuss the potential cancellation of their business contract. Frank, hastily leaving Lorraine mid-shopping upon hearing this, hurried to meet Luke, a clear sign of his alarm and desperation. "Luke, we had a deal. Why are you backing out?" Luke's response was measured and professional. "Considering your recent foray into this field, I've been introduced to an architect with more experience. He has a slight advantage over you, so I think it's wiser to be cautious. I'm sorry, Frank, but we can't work together on this project." For Frank, who had married Lorraine and was keen on proving his worth to her family, this project with Luke was a golden opportunity. Luke's abrupt cancellation was both shocking and disheartening. Desperate, Frank tried to reason. "My team includes seasoned architects too. Perhaps we could still negotiate." Luke, however, was resolute. "I've already made arrangements with another party. Their architect's portfolio is slightly superior to what you offer." "Backing out like this isn't like you, Luke. Is it because of Charlotte?" Luke, though irked, remained composed. "No, my relationship with Charlotte doesn't influence my professional decisions. This is strictly a business matter, separate from personal affairs." Frank wasn't easily dissuaded. "But why the sudden cancellation?" Luke's reply was vague. "I've been mulling over this decision for some time; I just hadn't informed you until now." Frank closed his eyes for a bit. "Alright, I get it." Still, his frustration boiled over, and he confronted Charlotte in her office. "This is your doing, isn't it?" Charlotte was genuinely baffled. "What are you talking about?" Having been engrossed in her designs since the morning, especially after receiving Luke's gift, Charlotte hadn't left her office. She was truly at a loss about Frank's allegations.