Chapter 27 CHARLOTTE Rogerio , I whispered as he shut the door behind him and stepped into the night . The clock ticked softly in the corner of the room as my heart pounded against my chest . I clutched the sides of my stomach to steady my body as a sharp pain shot up my spine , and my eyes ached terribly , I stood up a few seconds later to look at myself in the mirror again . My reflection stared back at me as my heart broke into a million pieces . I did everything right ! I yelled and sobbed loudly . I heard the door open and looked up , expecting to see him and hear that he had changed his mind , but it was the door that led to the staff quarters , not the one he had walked through . I felt whatever was left of my dignity shed as Maria stepped into the hallway . Signora , she said and ran towards me , enveloping me in an embrace . Lets get you out of here . I did everything right , Maria , I repeated in between sobs . She sighed and patted my head . Lets get you into the bedroom . This has caused quite a stir . We cant let the other staff see you in this state . Come , she uttered calmly , and she led me down the hallway to my bedroom . I let her guide me , as I could barely make sense of what had happened . I had gone from being happily married to tearing up divorce papers . How did I get here ? I asked no one in particular as she led me to the bed , and I sat down . Stay here , Ill be back with … Her eyes roamed my entire body , and she smiled wistfully . A lot of things . Stay here , Signora , please . I exhaled and nodded in response . I had sobbed so much that my throat was sore , and I was scared to say anything so I wouldnt break into a fresh batch of tears . I slipped to the floor as she shut the door behind her and stared at the picture placed on the wall in front of me . It was the only picture Rogerio , and I had of our wedding . I had placed it in the sitting room , but his mother showed her disapproval when she visited , and his grandfather made a snide comment . The next morning , he asked the staff to take the picture in the bedroom . I sat up and looked around the room . We spent only one night together in this room , and that shouldve told me everything I needed to know at the time . But I had fallen in love with him ; I didnt mind how terribly his family treated me . He still paid attention to me at the time ; he made me feel the same way I felt the night he walked into the bar . Rogerio and I had met under what you would call regular circumstances , but our marriage had been a tad different . He walked into the bar where I was working one evening , looking sad and lost , so I kept the bar open just for him for the next two hours . During that time , we got to know each other better , and he invited me to have dinner with his family that weekend . 21:20 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. C 17.2 % Chapter 27 On our way to the venue , he informed me that his girlfriend had abandoned him a few weeks before their wedding . and his parents were insisting that the only way he could claim his inheritance was by getting married . He asked me to marry him and convince his mother and grandfather that we had been dating for a while now , but they sniffed out the lie before it could be told . When we arrived , they told him that they were disappointed he wasnt marrying someone who belonged to their class but didnt object to the wedding . I paid no heed to their caustic remarks at the time ; I had been nice to a guy for a few hours , and he was offering me a better life than what I had bartending , and I was ready to grab it with both hands . The weeks following that meeting changed my perspective . I realized I wasnt just interested in Rogerio for his money . As we spent time together planning the wedding , I got to see a different side of him . His ability to organize things and still schedule dates for us to have some fun and get to know each other more left me feeling things I would never have considered for him . A month before the wedding , I was certain I was in love with him . I could swear on my life that even if he didnt have all this wealth , he was still someone I could look forward to being with for the rest of my life . Our wedding was the talk of the city . I cried midway through the reception . I knew no one in attendance , nor could I invite any family members to come over . Dead people dont get invites to parties , and you cant really invite family members who have never cared about you to your wedding . While the audience fawned over me , thinking my tears were those of a happy bride , I felt a little alone and decided that I would make the best of this opportunity to build a family with the Thuthais . All of that had been taken away from me in one night . Were getting a divorce , I repeated and smiled as tears streaked down my cheeks . My thoughts shifted to the relationship my parents had before they died . I had been born into a caring family . My parents , Chloe and Larry Edwards were loving parents ; they were high school sweethearts who stuck with each other and got married after college . I grew up in a family that set an example of the type of family I would want for myself . My parents made it easy for me to grow around warmth and love ; I never witnessed them having a single argument up until that terrible accident that took them from me . Their lessons about life and empathy set the tone for the type of home I wanted to build with someone I loved . Love at first sight and a beautiful home filled with love were all I ever wanted , but I quickly learned that things can go south . My attention turned to the door , which was being pushed open . Maria stepped through the doors carrying a tray with warm towels stacked high and pills in a small container . She set them down next to me and left the room to grab a bowl and a jug of water . When she stepped back into the room , she handed me the painkillers and started cleaning the food off my body and hair . I had spent two years married to Rogerio , and she was the only person who treated me like an actual human being . Signora , Im going to get the bath running now . Would you like something to eat ? She dropped the stained towels onto the tray , poured some water into the cup , and handed it to me . Drink up ; itll 21 20 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. 17.3 % Chapter 27 help you feel better . I dont think anything would help me feel better , Maria . Im not even sure how I feel , I responded , my votre barely above a whisper . Signora , I dont think its in my place to say anything , but Id like to ask this . Now that you know Signor Rogerio doesnt want to be married to you anymore , what next ? Why do you always have to be the one that says what everyone else is thinking . Maria ? Ive been trying to avoid that . Im sorry , Signora , she apologized , lowering her gaze . She picked up the tray and rose to her feet Rogerio isnt serious about breaking up . I started , and she let out an exhausted sigh . I know you dont believe it , but there was a time Rogerio loved me . I just need to remind him about that . He said hed keep sending the papers until you sign them , Signora . Good thing I can also use my hands to tear them up . Im going to fight for our marriage , Maria . When he returns , Ill talk to him . Hell be calmer , and we will have a conversation about couples therapy or some other way to make our marriage better . She looked at me long and hard , then shook her head slowly . Alright , Signora , Im certain youll always know whats best for you . Rest now ; youll need your energy in the morning , Ill run the bath and will be in the staff quarters if you need me . Thank you , Maria , I said . She nodded in response and left the room . I stood up from my seated position and crawled onto the bed . The drugs had started to take effect , which left me feeling drowsy . My eyes closed as soon as my head rested on the soft pillows . I needed all the strength I could get for tomorrow . Roggies coming , I muttered , and I slipped into a deep sleep.CHARLOTTE Rogerio , I whispered as he shut the door behind him and stepped into the night . The clock ticked softly in the corner of the room as my heart pounded against my chest . I clutched the sides of my stomach to steady my body as a sharp pain shot up my spine , and my eyes ached terribly . I stood up a few seconds later to look at myself in the mirror again . My reflection stared back at me as my heart broke into a million pieces . I did everything right ! I yelled and sobbed loudly . I heard the door open and looked up , expecting to see him and hear that he had changed his mind , but it was the door that led to the staff quarters , not the one he had walked through . I felt whatever was left of my dignity shed as Maria stepped into the hallway . Signora , she said and ran towards me , enveloping me in an embrace . Lets get you out of here . I did everything right , Maria , I repeated in between sobs . She sighed and patted my head . Lets get you into the bedroom . This has caused quite a stir . We cant let the other staff see you in this state . Come , 21:20 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Cel 17.4 % Chapter 27 she uttered calmly , and she led me down the hallway to my bedroom . I let her guide me , as I could barely make sense of what had happened . I had gone from being happily married to tearing up divorce papers . How did I get here ? I asked no one in particular as she led me to the bed , and I sat down . Stay here , Ill be back with … Her eyes roamed my entire body , and she smiled wistfully . A lot of things . Stay here , Signora , please . I exhaled and nodded in response . I had sobbed so much that my throat was sore , and I was scared to say anything so I wouldnt break into a fresh batch of tears . I slipped to the floor as she shut the door behind her and stared at the picture placed on the wall in front of me . It was the only picture Rogerio , and I had of our wedding . I had placed it in the sitting room , but his mother showed her disapproval when she visited , and his grandfather made a snide comment . The next morning , he asked the staff to take the picture in the bedroom . I sat up and looked around the room . We spent only one night together in this room , and that shouldve told me everything I needed to know at the time . But I had fallen in love with him ; I didnt mind how terribly his family treated me . He still paid attention to me at the time ; he made me feel the same way I felt the night he walked into the bar . Rogerio and I had met under what you would call regular circumstances , but our marriage had been a tad different . He walked into the bar where I was working one evening , looking sad and lost , so I kept the bar open just for him for the next two hours . During that time , we got to know each other better , and he invited me to have dinner with his family that weekend . On our way to the venue , he informed me that his girlfriend had abandoned him a few weeks before their wedding , and his parents were insisting that the only way he could claim his inheritance was by getting married . He asked me to marry him and convince his mother and grandfather that we had been dating for a while now , but they sniffed out the lie before it could be told . When we arrived , they told him that they were disappointed he wasnt marrying someone who belonged to their class but didnt object to the wedding . I paid no heed to their caustic remarks at the time ; I had been nice to a guy for a few hours , and he was offering me a better life than what I had bartending , and I was ready to grab it with both hands . The weeks following that meeting changed my perspective . I realized I wasnt just interested in Rogerio for his money . As we spent time together planning the wedding , I got to see a different side of him . His ability to organize things and still schedule dates for us to have some fun and get to know each other more left me feeling things I would never have considered for him . A month before the wedding , I was certain I was in love with him . I could swear on my life that even if he didnt have all this wealth , he was still someone I could look forward to being with for the rest of my life . Our wedding was the talk of the city . I cried midway through the reception . I knew no one in attendance , nor could I invite any family members to come over . Dead people dont get invites to parties , and you cant really invite family members who have never cared about you to your wedding . While the audience fawned over me , thinking my tears were those of a happy bride , I felt a little alone and decided 21:20 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Cold 17.5 % Chapter 27 that I would make the best of this opportunity to build a family with the Thuthais . All of that had been taken away from me in one night . Were getting a divorce , I repeated and smiled as tears streaked down my cheeks . My thoughts shifted to the relationship my parents had before they died . I had been born into a caring family . My parents , Chloe and Larry Edwards were loving parents ; they were high school sweethearts who stuck with each other and got married after college . I grew up in a family that set an example of the type of family I would want for myself . My parents made it easy for me to grow around warmth and love ; I never witnessed them having a single argument up until that terrible accident that took them from me . Their lessons about life and empathy set the tone for the type of home I wanted to build with someone I loved . Love at first sight and a beautiful home filled with love were all I ever wanted , but I quickly learned that things can go south . My attention turned to the door , which was being pushed open . Maria stepped through the doors carrying a tray with warm towels stacked high and pills in a small container . She set them down next to me and left the room to grab a bowl and a jug of water . When she stepped back into the room , she handed me the painkillers and started cleaning the food off my body and hair . I had spent two years married to Rogerio , and she was the only person who treated me like an actual human being . Signora , Im going to get the bath running now . Would you like something to eat ? She dropped the stained towels onto the tray , poured some water into the cup , and handed it to me . Drink up ; itll help you feel better . I dont think anything would help me feel better , Maria . Im not even sure how I feel , I responded , my voice barely above a whisper .. Signora , I dont think its in my place to say anything , but Id like to ask this . Now that you know Signor Rogerio doesnt want to be married to you anymore , what next ? Why do you always have to be the one that says what everyone else is thinking , Maria ? Ive been trying to avoid that . Im sorry , Signora , she apologized , lowering her gaze . She picked up the tray and rose to her feet . Rogerio isnt serious about breaking up , I started , and she let out an exhausted sigh . I know you dont believe it but there was a time Rogerio loved me . I just need to remind him about that . He said hed keep sending the papers until you sign them , Signora . Good thing I can also use my hands to tear them up . Im going to fight for our marriage , Maria . When he returns , Ill talk to him . Hell be calmer , and we will have a conversation about couples therapy or some other way to make our marriage better . She looked at me long and hard , then shook her head slowly . Alright , Signora , Im certain youll always know 21:20 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Ce 17.7 % Chapter 27 whats best for you . Rest now , youll need your energy in the mor Chapter 27 CHARLOTTE Rogerio , I whispered as he shut the door behind him and stepped into the night . The clock ticked softly in the corner of the room as my heart pounded against my chest . I clutched the sides of my stomach to steady my body as a sharp pain shot up my spine , and my eyes ached terribly , I stood up a few seconds later to look at myself in the mirror again . My reflection stared back at me as my heart broke into a million pieces . I did everything right ! I yelled and sobbed loudly . I heard the door open and looked up , expecting to see him and hear that he had changed his mind , but it was the door that led to the staff quarters , not the one he had walked through . I felt whatever was left of my dignity shed as Maria stepped into the hallway . Signora , she said and ran towards me , enveloping me in an embrace . Lets get you out of here . I did everything right , Maria , I repeated in between sobs . She sighed and patted my head . Lets get you into the bedroom . This has caused quite a stir . We cant let the other staff see you in this state . Come , she uttered calmly , and she led me down the hallway to my bedroom . I let her guide me , as I could barely make sense of what had happened . I had gone from being happily married to tearing up divorce papers . How did I get here ? I asked no one in particular as she led me to the bed , and I sat down . Stay here , Ill be back with … Her eyes roamed my entire body , and she smiled wistfully . A lot of things . Stay here , Signora , please . I exhaled and nodded in response . I had sobbed so much that my throat was sore , and I was scared to say anything so I wouldnt break into a fresh batch of tears . I slipped to the floor as she shut the door behind her and stared at the picture placed on the wall in front of me . It was the only picture Rogerio , and I had of our wedding . I had placed it in the sitting room , but his mother showed her disapproval when she visited , and his grandfather made a snide comment . The next morning , he asked the staff to take the picture in the bedroom . I sat up and looked around the room . We spent only one night together in this room , and that shouldve told me everything I needed to know at the time . But I had fallen in love with him ; I didnt mind how terribly his family treated me . He still paid attention to me at the time ; he made me feel the same way I felt the night he walked into the bar . Rogerio and I had met under what you would call regular circumstances , but our marriage had been a tad different . He walked into the bar where I was working one evening , looking sad and lost , so I kept the bar open just for him for the next two hours . During that time , we got to know each other better , and he invited me to have dinner with his family that weekend . 21:20 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. C 17.2 % Chapter 27 On our way to the venue , he informed me that his girlfriend had abandoned him a few weeks before their wedding . and his parents were insisting that the only way he could claim his inheritance was by getting married . He asked me to marry him and convince his mother and grandfather that we had been dating for a while now , but they sniffed out the lie before it could be told . When we arrived , they told him that they were disappointed he wasnt marrying someone who belonged to their class but didnt object to the wedding . I paid no heed to their caustic remarks at the time ; I had been nice to a guy for a few hours , and he was offering me a better life than what I had bartending , and I was ready to grab it with both hands . The weeks following that meeting changed my perspective . I realized I wasnt just interested in Rogerio for his money . As we spent time together planning the wedding , I got to see a different side of him . His ability to organize things and still schedule dates for us to have some fun and get to know each other more left me feeling things I would never have considered for him . A month before the wedding , I was certain I was in love with him . I could swear on my life that even if he didnt have all this wealth , he was still someone I could look forward to being with for the rest of my life . Our wedding was the talk of the city . I cried midway through the reception . I knew no one in attendance , nor could I invite any family members to come over . Dead people dont get invites to parties , and you cant really invite family members who have never cared about you to your wedding . While the audience fawned over me , thinking my tears were those of a happy bride , I felt a little alone and decided that I would make the best of this opportunity to build a family with the Thuthais . All of that had been taken away from me in one night . Were getting a divorce , I repeated and smiled as tears streaked down my cheeks . My thoughts shifted to the relationship my parents had before they died . I had been born into a caring family . My parents , Chloe and Larry Edwards were loving parents ; they were high school sweethearts who stuck with each other and got married after college . I grew up in a family that set an example of the type of family I would want for myself . My parents made it easy for me to grow around warmth and love ; I never witnessed them having a single argument up until that terrible accident that took them from me . Their lessons about life and empathy set the tone for the type of home I wanted to build with someone I loved . Love at first sight and a beautiful home filled with love were all I ever wanted , but I quickly learned that things can go south . My attention turned to the door , which was being pushed open . Maria stepped through the doors carrying a tray with warm towels stacked high and pills in a small container . She set them down next to me and left the room to grab a bowl and a jug of water . When she stepped back into the room , she handed me the painkillers and started cleaning the food off my body and hair . I had spent two years married to Rogerio , and she was the only person who treated me like an actual human being . Signora , Im going to get the bath running now . Would you like something to eat ? She dropped the stained towels onto the tray , poured some water into the cup , and handed it to me . Drink up ; itll 21 20 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. 17.3 % Chapter 27 help you feel better . I dont think anything would help me feel better , Maria . Im not even sure how I feel , I responded , my votre barely above a whisper . Signora , I dont think its in my place to say anything , but Id like to ask this . Now that you know Signor Rogerio doesnt want to be married to you anymore , what next ? Why do you always have to be the one that says what everyone else is thinking . Maria ? Ive been trying to avoid that . Im sorry , Signora , she apologized , lowering her gaze . She picked up the tray and rose to her feet Rogerio isnt serious about breaking up . I started , and she let out an exhausted sigh . I know you dont believe it , but there was a time Rogerio loved me . I just need to remind him about that . He said hed keep sending the papers until you sign them , Signora . Good thing I can also use my hands to tear them up . Im going to fight for our marriage , Maria . When he returns , Ill talk to him . Hell be calmer , and we will have a conversation about couples therapy or some other way to make our marriage better . She looked at me long and hard , then shook her head slowly . Alright , Signora , Im certain youll always know whats best for you . Rest now ; youll need your energy in the morning , Ill run the bath and will be in the staff quarters if you need me . Thank you , Maria , I said . She nodded in response and left the room . I stood up from my seated position and crawled onto the bed . The drugs had started to take effect , which left me feeling drowsy . My eyes closed as soon as my head rested on the soft pillows . I needed all the strength I could get for tomorrow . Roggies coming , I muttered , and I slipped into a deep sleep.CHARLOTTE Rogerio , I whispered as he shut the door behind him and stepped into the night . The clock ticked softly in the corner of the room as my heart pounded against my chest . I clutched the sides of my stomach to steady my body as a sharp pain shot up my spine , and my eyes ached terribly . I stood up a few seconds later to look at myself in the mirror again . My reflection stared back at me as my heart broke into a million pieces . I did everything right ! I yelled and sobbed loudly . I heard the door open and looked up , expecting to see him and hear that he had changed his mind , but it was the door that led to the staff quarters , not the one he had walked through . I felt whatever was left of my dignity shed as Maria stepped into the hallway . Signora , she said and ran towards me , enveloping me in an embrace . Lets get you out of here . I did everything right , Maria , I repeated in between sobs . She sighed and patted my head . Lets get you into the bedroom . This has caused quite a stir . We cant let the other staff see you in this state . Come , 21:20 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Cel 17.4 % Chapter 27 she uttered calmly , and she led me down the hallway to my bedroom . I let her guide me , as I could barely make sense of what had happened . I had gone from being happily married to tearing up divorce papers . How did I get here ? I asked no one in particular as she led me to the bed , and I sat down . Stay here , Ill be back with … Her eyes roamed my entire body , and she smiled wistfully . A lot of things . Stay here , Signora , please . I exhaled and nodded in response . I had sobbed so much that my throat was sore , and I was scared to say anything so I wouldnt break into a fresh batch of tears . I slipped to the floor as she shut the door behind her and stared at the picture placed on the wall in front of me . It was the only picture Rogerio , and I had of our wedding . I had placed it in the sitting room , but his mother showed her disapproval when she visited , and his grandfather made a snide comment . The next morning , he asked the staff to take the picture in the bedroom . I sat up and looked around the room . We spent only one night together in this room , and that shouldve told me everything I needed to know at the time . But I had fallen in love with him ; I didnt mind how terribly his family treated me . He still paid attention to me at the time ; he made me feel the same way I felt the night he walked into the bar . Rogerio and I had met under what you would call regular circumstances , but our marriage had been a tad different . He walked into the bar where I was working one evening , looking sad and lost , so I kept the bar open just for him for the next two hours . During that time , we got to know each other better , and he invited me to have dinner with his family that weekend . On our way to the venue , he informed me that his girlfriend had abandoned him a few weeks before their wedding , and his parents were insisting that the only way he could claim his inheritance was by getting married . He asked me to marry him and convince his mother and grandfather that we had been dating for a while now , but they sniffed out the lie before it could be told . When we arrived , they told him that they were disappointed he wasnt marrying someone who belonged to their class but didnt object to the wedding . I paid no heed to their caustic remarks at the time ; I had been nice to a guy for a few hours , and he was offering me a better life than what I had bartending , and I was ready to grab it with both hands . The weeks following that meeting changed my perspective . I realized I wasnt just interested in Rogerio for his money . As we spent time together planning the wedding , I got to see a different side of him . His ability to organize things and still schedule dates for us to have some fun and get to know each other more left me feeling things I would never have considered for him . A month before the wedding , I was certain I was in love with him . I could swear on my life that even if he didnt have all this wealth , he was still someone I could look forward to being with for the rest of my life . Our wedding was the talk of the city . I cried midway through the reception . I knew no one in attendance , nor could I invite any family members to come over . Dead people dont get invites to parties , and you cant really invite family members who have never cared about you to your wedding . While the audience fawned over me , thinking my tears were those of a happy bride , I felt a little alone and decided 21:20 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Cold 17.5 % Chapter 27 that I would make the best of this opportunity to build a family with the Thuthais . All of that had been taken away from me in one night . Were getting a divorce , I repeated and smiled as tears streaked down my cheeks . My thoughts shifted to the relationship my parents had before they died . I had been born into a caring family . My parents , Chloe and Larry Edwards were loving parents ; they were high school sweethearts who stuck with each other and got married after college . I grew up in a family that set an example of the type of family I would want for myself . My parents made it easy for me to grow around warmth and love ; I never witnessed them having a single argument up until that terrible accident that took them from me . Their lessons about life and empathy set the tone for the type of home I wanted to build with someone I loved . Love at first sight and a beautiful home filled with love were all I ever wanted , but I quickly learned that things can go south . My attention turned to the door , which was being pushed open . Maria stepped through the doors carrying a tray with warm towels stacked high and pills in a small container . She set them down next to me and left the room to grab a bowl and a jug of water . When she stepped back into the room , she handed me the painkillers and started cleaning the food off my body and hair . I had spent two years married to Rogerio , and she was the only person who treated me like an actual human being . Signora , Im going to get the bath running now . Would you like something to eat ? She dropped the stained towels onto the tray , poured some water into the cup , and handed it to me . Drink up ; itll help you feel better . I dont think anything would help me feel better , Maria . Im not even sure how I feel , I responded , my voice barely above a whisper .. Signora , I dont think its in my place to say anything , but Id like to ask this . Now that you know Signor Rogerio doesnt want to be married to you anymore , what next ? Why do you always have to be the one that says what everyone else is thinking , Maria ? Ive been trying to avoid that . Im sorry , Signora , she apologized , lowering her gaze . She picked up the tray and rose to her feet . Rogerio isnt serious about breaking up , I started , and she let out an exhausted sigh . I know you dont believe it but there was a time Rogerio loved me . I just need to remind him about that . He said hed keep sending the papers until you sign them , Signora . Good thing I can also use my hands to tear them up . Im going to fight for our marriage , Maria . When he returns , Ill talk to him . Hell be calmer , and we will have a conversation about couples therapy or some other way to make our marriage better . She looked at me long and hard , then shook her head slowly . Alright , Signora , Im certain youll always know 21:20 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Ce 17.7 % Chapter 27 whats best for you . Rest now , youll need your energy in the morning Ill run the bath and will be in the wat quarters if you need me , Thank you , Maria , I said . She nodded in response and left the room . I stood up from my seated position and crawled onto the bed . The drugs had started to take effect , which left me feeling drowsy , My eyes closed as soon as my head rested on the soft pillows , I needed all the strength I could get for tomorrow . Roggies coming , I muttered , and I slipped into a deep sleep . 21.20 ning Ill run the bath and will be in the wat quarters if you need me , Thank you , Maria , I said . She nodded in response and left the room . I stood up from my seated position and crawled onto the bed . The drugs had started to take effect , which left me feeling drowsy , My eyes closed as soon as my head rested on the soft pillows , I needed all the strength I could get for tomorrow . Roggies coming , I muttered , and I slipped into a deep sleep . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!