Chapter Five: An unexpected Encounter

Chapter Five: An Unexpected Encounter

For the first time in their marriage, Charlotte and James felt at ease with one another. Their relationship, once built on obligation, was now rooted in something real. Love.

To celebrate, James insisted on taking Charlotte out to one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city.

"You deserve a night out," he said as he helped her into the car. "Just the two of us. No business, no stress."

Charlotte smiled, appreciating his effort. "That sounds perfect."

The restaurant was a place of elegance—gold chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, soft jazz playing in the background, and tables filled with the city's elite. As they entered, heads turned. James Clemens was a man who commanded attention wherever he went, but tonight, it was Charlotte who stole the spotlight in a sleek, fitted dress that accentuated her natural grace.

James led her to their private table, his hand on the small of her back. "I think I enjoy showing you off," he murmured.

Charlotte rolled her eyes playfully. "You act like I'm some prize."

"You are," he said without hesitation.

Just as they were settling in, the moment of bliss shattered.

"Charlotte?"

The voice was sickeningly familiar. Cold. Sharp.

Charlotte's body stiffened before she even turned around.

Standing just a few feet away were Janet Ann Andrew and her daughters, Aurora and Olivia. They were dressed in designer gowns, clearly enjoying a lavish night out, but their smiles faded the moment they saw Charlotte.

For a brief second, no one spoke. Then Janet's lips curled into a smirk. "Well, well. I must say, I didn't expect to see you here."

Aurora, always the more ruthless of the two sisters, folded her arms. "And with James, no less. I thought you'd be gone by now."

Charlotte's heart pounded, but she refused to let them see her shaken. She lifted her chin. "Clearly, you were wrong."

James, who had been silent until now, leaned back in his chair, his sharp gaze settling on Janet. "Should I be offended that none of you said hello to me first?" His tone was smooth, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.

Janet laughed, though it lacked warmth. "Of course not, James. It's just surprising to see Charlotte still… relevant."

James's expression darkened. "You speak as if she was ever anything but important."

The response silenced Janet and her daughters, and for the first time, Charlotte saw a flicker of unease in Aurora's eyes.

Olivia, who had always been the least aggressive, attempted to change the subject. "We just weren't expecting to run into you, that's all. It's been so long since we've… caught up."

Charlotte clenched her fists under the table. Caught up? They had ruined her life, taken her father's company, forced her into a marriage they thought would break her. And now they wanted to act like distant relatives exchanging pleasantries?

James reached for Charlotte's hand under the table, squeezing it gently—a silent reassurance that he was there.

She exhaled slowly and forced a polite smile. "Yes, it has been a while. But as you can see, I'm doing just fine."

Aurora's jaw tightened. "Seems that way."

James tilted his head slightly. "You seem surprised."

Janet forced another smile. "Not at all. I just assumed Charlotte would struggle to… adjust to your lifestyle."

James's smirk was lethal. "She adjusted better than any of my ex-wives."

The tension was thick. It was clear Janet and her daughters had expected to see Charlotte as a miserable, unwanted wife. Instead, they found a woman who had flourished, who had not only survived but thrived.

Aurora's fake smile twitched. "Well, we won't keep you. Enjoy your night."

Janet and Olivia followed, but not before Olivia gave Charlotte a glance that almost seemed… apologetic.

As they disappeared into the restaurant, James turned to Charlotte. "Are you okay?"

Charlotte took a deep breath, then looked at him with unwavering confidence. "More than okay."

She wasn't that scared, powerless girl anymore.

She was Charlotte Michael Clemens—James's wife, a woman who had fought for her happiness, and won.