Chapter 28 CHARLOTTE I woke up to the sound of hurried footsteps moving through the house and voices yelling in unison . Too disoriented to make sense of it , I struggled to block out the noise coming from the engines of trucks revving in the distance . Yawning and stretching my arms , I sat up , looking around the room with a confused expression . My mind felt like a blank slate for a hot minute , delighted yet frightened at the prospect . But a few seconds later , the feeling dispersed as my brain started to recall the events of last night . I sighed and smiled sadly . Life had taken a different turn , one I couldnt deny I hadnt foreseen as the days rolled by . I remembered the terms of the marriage that Rogerio and I had . We hadnt started our relationship on the basis of love , but I could swear we were great friends . When I fell in love with him , he never made it feel like it was an unrequited love . I felt safe and secure , like I had found someone who was ready to stick with me through thick and thin until he gained access to his inheritance . Slowly , the veil came off , and I saw him for who he truly was , but I was too invested in the union to walk away . I wanted to make it work and build a life like the one I had seen my parents thrive in before their deaths . If wishes were horses … I mumbled under my breath , stopping midway , and closing my eyes . The clause didnt fully apply to me , as I had lived a life of luxury and affluence , but it couldnt compensate for the neglect I felt in my marriage to a Thuthai . His family didnt make it any better ; they utilized whatever chance they got to remind me that I wasnt worth being married to their son . Given the agreement with Rogerio , I couldnt tell them that I was actually doing their family a favor by being there . It hurt like hell that he didnt try to defend me , either . But I had grown to love him , so none of that really mattered . I turned my head to the door as a knock pulled me out of my reverie . Signora ? Are you awake yet ? Yes , Maria . Im surprised I slept a wink . Come in … I answered and waited for her to open the door , then step into the room . As she made her way through the entrance , the commotion from the hallway caught my attention . Whats that ? I asked , and she smiled wistfully , then shut the door behind her . Just people … moving around . I think you should worry about yourself , especially after the night youve just had . I watched as Maria placed the tray on the table in the center of the room . Maria , I appreciate your concern , but I believe I am capable of choosing what thoughts to dwell on . This doesnt seem like a usual morning at the estate . Please update me on the current situation , or I will seek out the information myself . Signora … I , she started to say , then hesitated . She lowered her gaze and clasped her fingers behind her . Your silence is worse than the muffled sounds I hear outside my door . I am as curious as I am concerned , so speak up already . 21:20 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Cal 17.9 % Chapter 28 Very well . Its Signor Rogerio , hes back . He is ?! I clapped my hands excitedly . See ? I told you hed be back . Now we only need a minute to ourselves , we could have breakfast together . Or lunch , whatever the time is , I replied and jumped off the bed . She opened her mouth to say something but decided against it . My gaze landed on the tray she had brought with her . Is that my breakfast ? Yes , she responded , her voice barely above a whisper . Great ! Take it to the dining room , get a plate for my husband as well , I answered , sprinting out of the room as I heard the sound of his voice in the distance . Signora , dont , she started to say , but I was already out of the room and I had shut the door behind me . My excitement gave way to confusion as a strange man walked past me in the hallway, carrying two suitcases . Hey ! Who are you and where are you taking those bags ? I asked , and he stopped in his tracks , looked at me with soulful eyes , and continued walking , What is happening ? I looked around the hallway . Everyone who walked past me had one thing in common : they were wearing a blue shirt and brown khaki pants , and they all carried one thing or another . I looked at the walls and felt a knot in my stomach . The only pieces that were left hanging were the ones I had added to the collection ; the walls felt bare and different in a way that made me start feeling like something had been taken from me . I followed the sound of Rogerios voice into the library and stopped at the door . He wasnt alone ; some other men were in the room with him . Leaning against the doorframe , I watched them converse for a few minutes before locking gazes with one of the men : Paul Cohhen , the priest who officiated at our wedding . My eyes moved back to Rogerio , who was standing with his back to the entrance , still wearing the same clothes he had on last night . He turned around and caught me staring at him . When our eyes met , I felt a chill wash over me from the icy glare he gave me . Leave us , he said to the men , and they exited the room in a heartbeat . They seemed relieved to be out of there , and for some reason , I envied them . My mind had started to piece together bits of the puzzle , but a part of me remained in denial . The other part of me wanted to turn around and run in the opposite direction to avoid whatever was coming . Are you going to come in , or are you just going to stand there ? Im not sure , I answered , turning to look at the hallway . Whats happening out there ? Oh , that ? Im moving . No , thats not how to break it to you properly , Im leaving , Charlotte . I turned to look at him as he placed his hands across his chest . You cant be serious , I muttered , and he chuckled in response . Ive never been more serious about anything in my life . You mean nothing to me ; I dont want to be here , and 21:20 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. 18.1 % Chapter 24 youre being an asshole about signing the papers , so Im leaving You dont mean that , right ? I demanded and stepped into the room . You dont mean that , do you ? What ? Leaving ? Oh yes , I realize that you just woke up so it might take a little longer than usual to process things , but Ill give you a quick update : the people you saw in the hallway ? Theyre movers . The trucks parked outside are here to take my things out of this wretched house , No , not that . You dont really mean it when you say I mean nothing to you . Youre just angry about something Ive done , and I understand it . We can make this work , Rogerio , we could go to therapy , go on a vacation , or something Anything but this , you dont have to move out of your own house to prove a point . Sometimes , I wonder if you were always this slow and I didnt catch it in time or if you like to act obtuse on purpose . Let me clarify something for you ; our marriage was an act of convenience , It was useful to meet our needs at the time , and it has run its course . Im sick of it , and Im sick of you . Rogerio , 1 … Shut up and let me finish . Theres nothing you can say or do that will change the events of things . I cant throw you out of the estate ; it became yours when we got married and even after the divorce , itll be yours . But I can leave , and thats what Im doing . He turned around and pointed to a black envelope on the table . Thats a copy of the divorce papers . Try not to tear them up this time . Sign them . If you attempt to contact me without my lawyers present , I will file a restraining order against you or find something to press charges about . Its your choice , this house or prison . He added , picked up his suitcase , and left the room . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!