“They truly are remarkable,” I agree, my heart swelling. “They’ve come into their own, especially lately.” Because of my wife, not me.
“I’m really enjoying my time with them,” Charlotte continues, her voice softening as she gazes into the dancing flames. “I wasn’t sure if leaving France was the right move. I had been living there such a long time, but I’m glad I took the chance and made the leap.”
“What made you decide to do that? Make the leap, as you say?”
She stares into the flames as darkness crosses her features. Slowly she raises her gaze to mine, and it’s as if I imagined it,her eyes are now open and bright. “Timing is everything,” she says. “I’d been thinking about returning to Messalina for a while. Everything came together at the right moment, and I considered it fate.”
The way she phrases that hits me on another level. Bellamy always felt like fate to me, but lately, with all that’s happened, that word feels dangerous and unsettled. It feels out of control. Like fate is working against us instead of with us.
“Sebastian?” Charlotte’s voice breaks through my reverie, her wide eyes full of concern. “Is everything all right? You seem…distracted.”
“Sorry,” I murmur, forcing a smile onto my face. “I was just thinking about Bellamy.” My chest tightens as I say her name, a sharp reminder of the widening chasm between us.
“Ah,” Charlotte breathes, her eyes downcast. “I didn’t mean to pry. Is everything all right with you two?”
No. I’m breaking my wife’s heart and I don’t know how to stop.
“Yes, we’re doing fine.”
Only she’s not buying it because, obviously, I’m not selling it. “Is there anything I can do to help?” she asks, her words genuine and full of compassion.
“Unfortunately, no,” I sigh, the weight of my guilt pressing down on me. “This is something Bellamy and I must work through on our own.”
“Of course,” Charlotte murmurs, taking another sip from her glass. “But if you ever need someone to talk to, I’ll be here.”
“Thank you,” I say again, my voice strained, though she is only trying to be kind and helpful.
That is until she says, “Rowan left the palace earlier today rather abruptly. I hope everything is all right with him as well.”
“Yes.” I pause, considering how much information to divulge. “He had to attend to some family business.” And byfamily business, I mean he got a lead on Marie and sped off for Italy like a bat out of hell.
She takes a sip of her drink, curiosity unabated. “Family business?” she echoes, her eyes searching mine for more details. “I don’t mean to pry, but can I ask what kind of family business Rowan is attending to?”
My stomach tightens, and the weight of the secret bears down on me. I stare at her a little harder now. She’s a curious one, asking for things she certainly hasn’t earned.
“Nothing too important,” I assure her, my voice firm as I offer a tight smile I’m positive doesn’t reach my eyes. “Just something he needed to take care of.”
“Of course,” she murmurs, a blush staining her cheeks at my harsher tone. “Sebastian,” Charlotte begins hesitantly, her eyes meeting mine once more. “I hope I didn’t overstep. I want you to know that I’m here for you and your family. If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Well, now I feel like an ass. “I appreciate that,” I reply evenly, taking another sip of my drink.
Just as I allow myself to relax again, the door swings open with a soft creak and a gentle tap. Bellamy steps into the study, her eyes widening in surprise as they land on Charlotte and me. The sight of her, stunning even in her confusion, sends a pang of longing through me.
“Am I interrupting something?” she asks, her voice cool and distant.
“No,” I say smoothly, though I know exactly how this looks to Bellamy. She’s remembering that forbidden night we had together too. I was her boss, and she was the nanny, and we fought and kissed, and I so very nearly took her virginity that night. “Charlotte and I were just discussing?—”
“Family matters,” Charlotte finishes smoothly. Certainly not the words I would have chosen. She made it sound private, like we’re sharing confidences and keeping secrets from Bellamywhen that’s not the case at all. She sets her glass down and stands up. “I should go to bed. It’s very late now. Thank you for the drink, Sebastian.”
I don’t offer her anything but a brief, curt nod, my gaze straying back to Bellamy. I can see the hurt in her eyes, mirroring the pain that’s been gnawing at me.
“Goodnight, Sebastian. Bellamy,” Charlotte says as she slips out of the room, leaving the two of us in an uncomfortable silence.
My heart clenches at the sight of Bellamy’s wounded expression, and I know I must try to ease her mind before the chasm between us grows any wider.
“Come here.” I beckon her to me, and she shakes her head. I sigh. “Please?”
“What were you talking about with her?”
