Chapter Eight: A New Beginning

After that the ride home was quiet, but not uncomfortable. James kept one hand on the wheel while his other rested on Charlotte's thigh, his thumb tracing slow, reassuring circles. She didn't pull away. For once, she allowed herself to lean into his warmth.

By the time they reached the mansion, the night had deepened. The grand estate was silent, the staff long retired for the evening. As James parked and helped Charlotte out of the car, he didn't let go of her hand.

"Are you tired?" he asked, his voice softer than usual.

"A little," Charlotte admitted. "But I don't want to be alone yet."

James studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Come with me."

She followed him inside, past the towering staircase and luxurious decor, until they reached his personal study. Unlike the rest of the house, which was filled with extravagant displays of wealth, this room felt… personal. The dark wooden shelves were lined with books, some old and well-worn. A decanter of whiskey sat on the desk beside scattered papers, and a plush couch near the fireplace made it clear that James spent long nights here.

Charlotte ran her fingers along the spine of a book. "You actually read?" she teased lightly.

James smirked as he poured himself a drink. "I do more than just sign business deals, you know."

She settled onto the couch, curling her legs beneath her. "Tell me something about you that no one else knows."

James raised a brow as he took a sip of his whiskey. "That's a dangerous request, Mrs. Clemens."

Charlotte smiled. "I can handle it."

He exhaled, setting his glass down before joining her on the couch. "Alright. When I was younger, before I got caught up in all the business, the power plays… I wanted to be a pilot."

Charlotte blinked. "A pilot?"

James nodded. "I loved the idea of flying. Of being free. But my family had other plans for me."

She understood that all too well. "Do you regret it?"

James looked at her, his gaze intense. "Not anymore."

A comfortable silence settled between them. Then, without thinking, Charlotte rested her head against his shoulder. "You're not as bad as people say you are," she murmured.

James chuckled. "Don't let that get out. I have a reputation to maintain."

She smiled, closing her eyes. "Our marriage started as something neither of us wanted. But now… I don't know. It feels different."

James tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. "That's because it is different."

And before she could say another word, he kissed her.

It wasn't like their previous kisses—hesitant, filled with uncertainty. This one was deep, claiming, filled with the promise of something new. Something real.

Charlotte melted into him, realizing that whatever this was between them, it was no longer forced. It was no longer something she had to endure.

It was something she wanted.