Forsaking the Years of Longing novel Chapter 8

Charlotte turned around, and the two men, seeing that she wasn’t angry, seemed to relax. Jaziel stepped forward, taking her hand. “You don’t need to worry about packing; it’s too much work. I’ll have my driver come over, and we’ll move everything to the new place together.”

Nolan nodded in agreement. For a brief moment, Charlotte felt as if she’d glimpsed the versions of them from long ago, when their eyes held only her.

Back then, they were young—she loved to chat, and they loved to laugh. But now, those youthful promises had turned to empty words.

Glancing over at Sophie, Charlotte shook her head. “No need. There’s a lot I want to sort myself.” Without waiting for a response, she turned and left.

Once home, she packed for a while, freshened up, and had barely laid down when she received a call from Sophie. Her sweet voice came through the receiver, brimming with barely concealed pride.

“Charlotte, I went to both Jaziel’s and Nolan’s houses tonight. Their parents were so kind to me,” she said. “They even showed me their family heirlooms, saying they wanted to give them to me. Do you think that means…”

Charlotte interrupted her calm and clear, “I’m not interested in anything about you and them. It’s none of my business.” She hung up immediately.

The day before her departure, Charlotte went out. She’d arranged to meet her best friend, Lily, for lunch. Charlotte had few friends in Miami, as Jaziel and Nolan had always tightly controlled her social circle. They hadn’t allowed her to date, accept love letters from boys, or even make female friends without interference.

Back then, they’d pitifully said, “Charlotte, aren’t we enough for you? You’re so wonderful; we’re even worried that girls might fall for you.”

Their possessiveness was overwhelming, wanting her attention solely on them. But now, they were the ones pushing her away.

At a newly opened restaurant, Lily was already waiting. When she saw Charlotte, she greeted her with a big hug, sadness welling up again at the thought of her leaving.