Chapter 34 Enjoying Seeing Her Happy

As Charlotte approached the counter to pay, Luke presented her with a dress. "I think you'd look great in this. Why not try it on?" Charlotte hadn't worn a dress or skirt in a long time. She preferred pant suits for work as they were more practical. She looked from the clothes on the counter to the dress Luke was holding. She had to admit, Luke had a good sense of style, and the dress did catch her interest. "Alright, I'll try it on. Just wait here for me," she said. Luke sat down on the sofa nearby, waiting patiently. When Charlotte came out of the dressing room wearing the dress, he was taken aback by her stunning appearance. The dress shimmered like moonlight, complementing Charlotte's elegant and serene nature perfectly. As she approached Luke, she asked, "Does it look okay?" But Luke, mesmerized, didn't initially respond, lost in his admiration. Misinterpreting his silence, Charlotte felt a bit self-conscious. She hadn't worn such attire in a long time and thought maybe the dress wasn't right for her. "Maybe I should change back," she suggested hesitantly. Snapped back to reality, Luke quickly stood up. "No, let's buy it. You look amazing in it. I'd love to see you in more dresses and skirts when you're with me." Charlotte's heart warmed at his affirmation. Realizing her earlier misinterpretation, she returned to the fitting room with a smile, changed back, and took the dress to the cashier. Luke effortlessly paid with his black card before guiding Charlotte to another women's clothing store. "Are we still shopping?" "Yes, I want to make sure your closet is well-stocked." She felt a bit self-conscious seeing Luke carrying numerous shopping bags. Shopping sprees were not something she was used to. Even during her time with Frank, she had never indulged like this. Looking at the bags in Luke's hands, she said, "Isn't this a bit much? We've already bought a lot. Maybe we should head back?" "Don't worry about me. These aren't heavy. Just enjoy your shopping," Luke reassured her. Encouraged by his words, Charlotte said, "Well, in that case, I'll take you up on that offer." Luke smiled, "Even if you wanted the whole mall today, I wouldn't mind. I love seeing you happy. It's only natural for a husband to spoil his wife, right?" With renewed enthusiasm, Charlotte entered the next store. This time, she confidently browsed through the selections, picking out clothes without hesitation. Exiting the mall, Luke was loaded with shopping bags, his hands completely full. Charlotte offered to help, but Luke declined, "No need, I've got this. They're not too heavy for me." "Just tell me if you get tired," Charlotte insisted. "I'll be fine," Luke assured her. Together, they made their way back home, Luke carrying the multitude of bags. Upon arriving home, Charlotte was greeted by the sight of Linda directing the servants as they brought in a variety of vitamins and supplements. Andrew, concerned about the delicate nature of the items, was helping them to ensure everything was handled with care. While Andrew joined in to help move things, worried that the servants might be too rough and damage the items. Charlotte, puzzled by the large quantity of health products, asked Linda about it. "Mrs. Allen, what is all this?" Linda responded with genuine concern, "These are high-quality health products. You seem a bit too slender, and it's important for you to take care of your health properly." Charlotte's smile widened as she was touched by their thoughtful gesture. "We really don't need all of this. It might go to waste if we don't use it in time," she gently pointed out. Linda responded with understanding, "If it spoils, we'll just throw it away. Don't feel pressured to consume everything quickly. Improving your health is a gradual process." "Thank you so much." Upon Linda and Andrew's arrival, Andy and Lilya were still asleep, but they seemed to sense their mother's return. As soon as Charlotte stepped in, they woke up and came downstairs. "Mama, you're back!" Lilya exclaimed, running up for a hug. Luke handed the shopping bags to the servants and lifted Lilya in his arms. "Are you both comfortable here?" Andy nodded in response, "Yeah, it's nice here." Upon hearing the kids' contentment, Luke felt relieved. Linda and Andrew, having arranged the health products, were now delighted to spend time with their grandchildren. The joy on the faces of the grandparents, each holding a grandchild, was unmistakable. For them, the transition from their son's prolonged bachelorhood to suddenly having a family was a joyful surprise. Charlotte, basking in this newfound familial warmth, felt compelled to capture the moment. She took out her phone, got everyone close and took a wefie. It felt like their very first family portrait. Meanwhile, in another mansion, Lorna was grappling with her own frustrations. When she returned home that afternoon, she had hoped to seek support from Caelan. But Caelan, showing little patience, had curtly dismissed her from his study, adding to her sense of rejection and anger. Left with no alternative, Lorna decided to wait until dinner to talk to her father, Robert Smith. Even Robert, who was usually affectionate toward her, showed signs of irritation. "I can't intervene in this," Robert said firmly. "You've known Luke for years, but he's never shown romantic interest in you. "It's time to move on. He's in a relationship and planning to marry. "If you try to disrupt their lives, I'll have no choice but to ask you to leave." Lorna, with desperation in her voice, protested, "But Charlotte already has kids; she's not right for Luke. She's just shameless. How can she so easily win his love?" Robert's response to Lorna lacked their usual easygoing banter. He looked at her sternly as he said, "I'm aware of what's going on. Those children are Luke's. "It's time for you to accept this reality. You'll meet someone right for you someday. "Some things are just meant to be and can't be changed by wishful thinking." Although Robert had once hoped for Luke to become a part of their family, he understood that love couldn't be forced. A lifetime with someone you don't love was a prospect he found unacceptable. Knowing Lorna's personality well, Robert was convinced that she wasn't the right match for Luke. To keep harmony between the Allen and Smith families, he had never pushed for a union between Luke and Lorna. Having seen Luke grow up, Robert found solace in seeing him happy and content in his new life, even if it meant Lorna had to face some hard truths.