Mr Spencer(133)

Interesting. I’m going to find out exactly what is going on here.

I dial Harold’s number. He answers on the first ring. “Hello, Spencer.” “What’s the catch?” I ask

“No catch. I want to move on.”

“And Edward?”

“Edward wants his sister to be happy. This dinner will be a starting point.”

I stay silent on the phone.

“Thank you for coming to me with your concerns for Charlotte. I appreciate it.”

“Does she know I came to you?”

“No, and I don’t want her to.”

“I only want for her to be happy.”

“As do we. Charlotte is my only concern. So, will I see you Saturday night?” he asks.

“Sure, I’ll see you there.”





*



“Don’t bring up anything about the fight we had.” Charlotte smiles. She’s holding my free hand even though I’m driving, her eyes are on me while I watch the road.

It’s Saturday night and we’re on our way to meet her family. Charlotte is buzzing. Me? I’m trying my hardest not to roll my eyes.

“Yes, got it.”

“And ask William about his job as a doctor. He loves speaking about that. It’ll break the ice.”

“Okay.”

“And ask Edward about work. Try to make casual conversation with him, even though he’s quite abrupt at first.”

No shit.

“Do you think I look okay?” She straightens out her dress.

I glance at her and then frown. “You look beautiful.”

“And just—”

“Will you stop telling me what to say?” I interrupt. “I am perfectly capable of holding a civilised conversation.”

“I know,” she sighs. “I just really want this to work out.” She leans over and kisses my cheek as I keep my eyes on the road. “It means so much to me that you’re willing to forgive and forget.”

I force a smile because it’s kind of cute how excited she is. Honestly, I just want this night over with.

This is for her.

We soon arrive at the restaurant, and I can already see four guards at the door. I park the car and take Charlotte’s hand in mine, and then we make our way inside.

Charlotte spots them quickly and waves happily. I can see Edward, Harold, and another man who I’m assuming is William… and then...

The blood drains from my face.

“Who is that woman at the table?” I whisper.

Charlotte smiles and drags me though the restaurant. “That’s Penelope. William’s wife.”

I feel the floor move beneath me. No, it can’t be.

Oh my God.

I’m the man Penelope fucked behind her husband’s back.





23





Spencer


I stand still, my feet frozen to the spot.

The air drains from my lungs.

William glances up and sees me as we approach the table, and his face quickly falls.

He recognises me.

“Charlotte,” I whisper, coming to another stop. “I need to talk to you. Outside… now.”

“This way.” She keeps dragging me to the table.

“You fucking dog.” William sneers as he stands.

Penelope’s eyes widen in horror. “Oh my God,” she whispers the second she sees me.

Charlotte’s face falls in confusion as she looks between us. “William?” she asks.

“What’s wrong?”

“Get the fuck outside, now!” William growls.

My jaw feels like it’s on the floor. What are the chances?

I’m completely speechless. What the fuck do I say to this?

“You know each other?” Edward asks, confused by our interaction.

William glares at me. “Oh, we know each other, all right.”

Charlottes glances between the two of us. “I don’t understand.”

“Last time I saw him he was in my bed, balls deep inside my wife.” William lunges for me, connecting a fist to my jaw which forces me to fly back.

“Oh my God!” Penelope yells when the table goes flying.

I glance over to see Charlotte’s hands are over her mouth as she connects the dots.

Harold holds onto the table to stop himself from falling over and, of course, Edward erupts like a madman. “What the fuck?” he yells.

“No!” Charlotte cries. “That can’t be true.” Her haunted eyes meet mine.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

“No!” she whispers. Her face screws up in pain as she realises it’s true.

“Charlotte,” I whisper as she begins to cry hysterically. “I didn’t know she was married. I swear to you.”

Edward grabs me and pushes me towards the door. I see the flash of a camera hit my face.

“That’s not true!” Penelope yells. “You knew exactly who I was married to, and you were after his money. You pursued me for months until you wore me down.”

“What?” I cry. “You fucking liar. I didn’t even know you as Penelope. You told me your name was Stephanie.” I’m hit from the side by William again. The whole restaurant is watching, and the guards suddenly seem to come running from every direction.