Do you know how Mathieu died? [Bonus chapter]

"You are taking too much pain and trouble for me, Édouard. I think I should have not married–" her words remained in her mouth as Édouard placed his index finger over her lips.

"Don't say that," Édouard said.

Charlotte stared into his eyes and then lowered his hand. "Am I not supposed to lessen your worries? However, the opposite is happening," she said.

"My Father has always been cruel to me. It has nothing to do with you. Didn't you tell me marrying me brought your lost happiness? With your arrival in my life, I am less stressed because I have someone to lean on," Édouard said and pulled her down on the mattress.

He covered them with the blanket and hooked his arm around her. His nose rubbed her smooth, soft cheek and he said, "You and Mother are very precious to me. You are my life, Charlotte. When you were not with me, I watched myself dying every day. You were so near me, but I could never touch you, or smile at you. I don't want you to be away from me."