18.3 % Chapter 29 Chapter 29 CHARLOTTE I was too stunned to make any sudden moves . My life was crumbling before my eyes , and I couldnt do anything about it . I slid onto a couch next to the door and sobbed quietly . My heart raced , and my body trembled terribly . I had finally lost everything that was important to me . It felt like life enjoyed playing cruel tricks on me . First , it was my dad and mom dying , leaving me to fend for myself in a world where everyone operated on a different set of rules than the one I had been raised with . Now my husband was gone . This cant be happening , I said to myself as tears streamed down my cheeks . Its all a bad dream , and Ill wake up from it soon . I closed my eyes and exhaled slowly . I wiped my face and slowly opened my eyes , hoping to meet different circumstances . My resolve wavered as I opened my eyes and the house became silent . I was still in the library ; nothing had changed . The silence made it worse ; it was easier to deal with this when I could still hear people talking to each other in the hallway . This stillness carried an air of finality with it that I refused to accept . I stood up and walked towards the window and watched as the trucks moved away , carrying most of the items in the house . Fresh tears rolled down my face as I watched Rogerio get into his car and follow closely behind . Dont leave , I tried to say , but my mouth opened and no sound came forth . I swallowed and slowly backed away from the window . I took one more look at the library and chuckled with realization . The shelves were empty too ; he had taken every piece of literature that lined them , and thats how I knew that we were done . Rogerio could abandon anything but never his books . During the months we spent getting to know each other , he referred to this room as his fortress and the books as his companions . If he had left the books or taken some of them , I would have been assured that he would come back . Now ? I knew that nothing of the sort would happen . I slowly made my way out of the library and into the hallway to meet Maria , standing at the end of the room . She lowered her head and sighed loudly . Are you going to leave me , too ? I asked . I understand that you work for the Thuthais , not me , and you dont have to be here . Especially now that I dont know how Im going to pay you or anyone who works here . My life had changed in more ways than one . I had reverted to a life of solving my problems on my own , and this time was just as terrible as the last . I wasnt ready to go down that path ; I didnt know the first thing about being alone , and I had no idea how I would sort out the responsibilities that came with it . I glanced at Maria as she shifted her weight and lifted her head to meet my eyes . She smiled sadly and shook her head slowly . Everyones gone , Signora . Gone ? Whats that supposed to mean ? I inquired as a puzzled expression crossed my face . Whered they go ? Some of them left with Signor Rogerio ; the others … Well , they chose a different path , she answered , watching my 21:20 Dancing into the Heart of Mr. Cole 18.5 % Chapter 29 reaction to the news . I chuckled and started walking towards the bedroom . I needed to lie down or I would do something much worse . I couldnt tell what it was at the moment , but I knew my bedroom was the best alternative at the time . I entered the room in quick strides and crawled under my sheets . A few minutes later , I heard her walk into the room . The cleaner , the butler, the gardener , and the drivers are all gone , yet youre still here . Why ? I questioned and closed my eyes . I couldnt bring myself to leave , Signora . It doesnt seem right . None of this seems right , she replied as she shut the door behind her . No use shutting doors when its just two of us living here . Whats the point ? Forgive me , Signora ; Im a creature of habit . Charlotte , I corrected her and buried my head under the sheets . What ? Charlotte . Thats my name , none of that Signora nonsense . It means nothing now , I answered , and she shrugged . Its not nonsense ; you are still Signora Thuthai . Up until you sign the divorce papers , then you can be anything you like . I can be anything I like , I whispered and I moved the cloth away from my face . You say it like its that easy . Nothing is easy , but the good part is that you can try . Now you have a chance to take the cards youve been handed and make something out of them . I wouldnt know the first thing about turning lifes lemons into lemonade , Maria , I replied , slowly dragging my body into a sitting position . I doubt that . You just need to find the strength to make up your mind and do what you need to do . What I need to do … I echoed and smiled wistfully . Well , I dont feel strong enough for anything . Thats understandable given the circumstances . It can also stem from the fact that you havent had anything to eat since last night . Food is the last thing on my mind right now . Thats rather unfortunate . It should be the first ; you cant make good decisions on an empty stomach , she retorted and glanced at the tray on the table . Thats cold already ; Ill make something else . Then what ? Well throw this away . I gestured towards the tray . I dont think we have the luxury of being wasteful . She chuckled . I understand . Ill leave you now . I have to examine the grounds to make sure everything is in good shape . 18.8 % Chapter 29 Alright , I muttered , and she made her way to the door , Maria ?! I called out just as she pulled it open . She stopped in her tracks and looked at me . Her eyes held the emotion she desperately tried to conceal sympathy . Yes , Signora ? Thank you . For staying , I uttered , and she nodded in response and left the room , I can be anything I want to be , I asked myself as I got off the bed and moved towards the table . I had no appetite for food , but Maria was right . I needed to conserve energy for the work ahead . At this point , I only sought one thing : closure , and I was going to get it . I had done everything right by Rogerio . I was devoted to him and what did I get in return ? A lifetime of neglect and heartbreak . I needed to find out the reason for his actions . This was something I shouldve done a long time ago , but I let myself be blinded by my affection . Look how far thats gotten you , Charlotte , I mumbled drily and uncovered the plates on the tray . I picked up a fork and dug into the meal in front of me as I considered my options . There were a few ways to find out what Rogerio had been up to , and a few of them included spending money I wasnt sure I had anymore . I couldnt afford a private investigator , and it would be rather stupid to put it on his tab . If someone was divorcing you , they certainly had no desire to accommodate your expenses . Especially if those expenses revolved around hiring someone to stalk them . I had one other option ; it was risky given that he had warned me about coming to wherever he had moved to , but I had to do it anyway . The only way he could press charges was if I got caught . All I have to do is avoid getting caught , I said to myself and shoved a fork full of pasta into my mouth . I could barely taste the meal , but I couldnt care less . I had my mind set on what I wanted to do , and the food was simply a means to an end . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!