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Charlotte is the daughter of Charles’s late best friend. Her father, a man Charles deeply respected, died when she was just a child. On his deathbed, he entrusted Charlotte’s safety and future to Charles, making him promise to protect her no matter what. For years, Charles financially supported her and acting as a father figure, ensuring she had everything she needed.

But now, Charlotte has turned 18, and circumstances force her to step into Charles’s world. No longer a helpless child, she is a beautiful, intelligent young woman, and for the first time, Charles sees her differently. He fights against his emotions, knowing she’s too young, too pure, and most of all—someone he has sworn to protect. But Charlotte, unaware of his internal struggle, finds herself drawn to him, eager to prove that what they feel is real.

Torn between Duty and Desires

Charlotte refuses to let things go. Charles may keep pushing her away, but she knows the truth now—he's fighting himself, not her. And if he thinks distance will make her stop, he's dead wrong.

The next morning, Charlotte finds Charles in the kitchen, dressed in his usual crisp white shirt, the top buttons undone. He's sipping coffee, looking effortlessly composed.

She leans against the counter, watching him. "Are you going to avoid me forever?"

Charles doesn't look at her. "I'm not avoiding you."

"Right." She steps closer, reaching for the sugar beside him. But instead of grabbing it, she lets her fingers lightly brush his hand.

Charles tenses, his grip tightening around his mug. "Charlotte."

She smiles, feigning innocence. "Yes?"

Later that day, Charlotte has lunch at a café near campus. She doesn't expect Ethan Hayes to slide into the seat across from her, his signature cocky grin in place.

"I feel like I haven't seen you in days," he says, propping his chin on his hand. "Did your mysterious guardian lock you away?"

Charlotte rolls her eyes. "Charles is not my—"

She looks up to find Charles standing there, looking down at Ethan like he's an insect that needs to be flicked off the table.

Ethan smirks. "Ah, speak of the devil."

Charles doesn't acknowledge him. His attention is solely on Charlotte. "We're leaving."

Charlotte raises an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"I said we're leaving." His voice is calm, but there's a sharpness to it, a possessiveness she's never heard before.

Ethan leans back, amused. "Looks like someone's feeling territorial."

Charlotte expects Charles to deny it. To act indifferent. But instead, he simply says, "Watch yourself, Hayes."

Charles has always been controlled, but this? This is raw jealousy.

The car ride back to the mansion is silent. Tense.

Charlotte watches Charles's grip on the steering wheel, the way his knuckles are white. She should probably let it go. But she doesn't.

His jaw works, but he says nothing.

For the first time, she's found a crack in his walls. And she's going to break through it.

Chapter 8: Cracks in the Wall