Chapter 36 Everyone Has Their Struggles

Caelan's transformation into a playboy began after a tragic loss. He seemed uninterested in serious relationships, but Luke understood the true cause. Caelan was trying to escape the pain of losing his beloved, a challenge anyone would find hard to face. Yet, he confided only in Luke. "Moving on isn't simple," Caelan admitted, expressing his regret at not being able to let go sooner. Luke, unsure how to offer more comfort, sighed. Charlotte, feeling the sadness around them, pieced together their story. Luke said, "I think when she looks down from heaven, she wouldn't want you living aimlessly like this." "I'll try." Caelan sighed deeply. Listening to Caelan's woes about marriage pressure and his past, Charlotte realized that everyone had their own struggles and weaknesses, often concealed behind a guise of resilience. She reflected on her best friend Sofia, who, like Caelan, had been single and distant from home due to similar pressures. 'Most young people face marriage expectations,' she thought. Charlotte, having lost her mother early, longed for maternal affection and yearned for someone to show her that level of care. After a long night of drinking with Caelan and Luke, Charlotte was too tired to continue and went to rest in the master bedroom. The following morning, Luke had already left early, leaving Charlotte uninformed of his plans. It was Denise who mentioned at breakfast that Luke had gone out. Charlotte, feeling uneasy, called Luke to find out where he was. His unclear answer raised her suspicions, fueling her insecurities. She couldn't help but fear, 'Is Luke meeting another woman in secret?' This thought sent Charlotte into a state of panic. She contemplated leaving early to avoid the hurt of being possibly abandoned again. The idea of experiencing the pain of betrayal once more was daunting. In an effort to calm her fears, Luke called back shortly. "I'm handling something important that I can't reveal just yet. Don't worry, I'm by myself." Charlotte's smile returned, comforted by Luke's understanding of her concerns. His prompt response to clarify the situation helped alleviate her anxiety, suggesting that her fears were likely misplaced. Andy, still sleepy from his morning slumber, made his way downstairs. He rubbed his eyes and somewhat clumsily climbed onto his dining chair. "Has Daddy gone out today?" Charlotte finished her bite of breakfast. "Yes, he's got a busy day, so I'm here to spend time with you and Lilya." Andy's eyes lit up with a mix of hope and excitement. "Can we go out then? It's been ages since you took us somewhere." Charlotte realized it indeed had been quite some time since their last family outing. "Sure, as soon as your sister wakes up, we'll head out." About an hour later, with both children ready, they set off for a day of adventure. Denise, always willing to lend a hand, joined them. At the amusement park, Lilya's persistent requests for ice cream couldn't be ignored. Charlotte relented, buying an ice cream for each child. The morning was filled with fun as Charlotte and Denise accompanied the kids. The children were too small for most rides, so they enjoyed the Ferris wheel and the merry-go-round. Their mother's presence made the day even more special for them. Come noon, they headed to a restaurant Luke had reserved for them. Denise drove them, and upon arrival, they unexpectedly encountered Frank. He seemed to be engaged in a business meeting, working hard even on the weekend, which looked quite exhausting. Frank, noticing their arrival, couldn't help but acknowledge Charlotte's captivating presence. Despite his past misdeeds against her, she remained an unforgettable figure in his mind. Hastily concluding his business, Frank approached their table directly. "You planned this encounter, didn't you?" Charlotte shot back, "I was thinking the same about you." Denise, caught off guard by their tense interaction, turned to Charlotte. "Madam, should I inform sir to come here?" "There's no need," Charlotte replied with a dismissive air. "He's just a nobody." Recognizing Denise as part of Luke's household, Frank understood that her presence indicated the family's total embrace of Charlotte. He marveled inwardly at how Charlotte had grown more astute and strategic since their separation. Frank couldn't fathom why Charlotte would go to such lengths to get close to his uncle. Was it a ploy for revenge? He cautioned her, "I suggest you keep your schemes away from me, or you won't get off easily." Charlotte had reached her limit with Frank's repetitive accusations. "Do you think everyone is out to get you? Since I've returned, I've never approached you; you're the one who keeps bothering me." Frank retorted cynically, "Who can say what's on your mind? First, you charmed my uncle, then forced him to sell the villa back to me at an exorbitant price. Quite the maneuver." With a disdainful chuckle, Charlotte replied, "Sometimes, your ego amazes me." Frank's eyes shifted to the children sitting quietly. "If you didn't know I'd be here, why drag the kids along just to irritate me?" Angered and not bothering to hide it, Charlotte stood up, firmly holding her children's hands. "We're leaving, Denise." Frank's scoff echoed in the background, "Running away? Why come here at all if not to find me?" As Charlotte rolled her eyes, her thoughts were clear. 'How could I have ever been attracted to such a man? I was young and naive, which led to so much pain. Now, as I'm finally moving on to a new chapter in my life, he keeps reappearing, always dampening my spirits!'