y ten in the moming.

Charlotte woke up naturally on her own–no rms, no rush. When she opened her eyes, it was already

Stretchingzily, she let out a content sigh. “Ah–nothing beats a morning without work.”

She climbed out of bed, freshened up, and headed downstairs for breakfast.

Mrs. Zimmer had prepared ba /bmeal for two.

Charlotte nced at the empty seat across from her but said nothing

Seeing here down, Mrs. Zimmer hesitated before asking. “Miss Riley, isn’t Mr. Gibsoning down for breakfast today?”

Charlotte took ba /bsip of her oatmeal, her tone indifferent. “He didn’te homest night. I doubt he’ll be eating here.”

Oh.” Mrs. Zimmer quickly realized she had spoken out of turn and didn’t press further, quietly retreating to the kitchen,

Charlotte finished her breakfast and checked her phone. She just received a message from Seam.

“Lottie, do you want a custom–bmade /bengagement dress, or should we go with a designer’s new bseason /bcollection?”

Custom–bmade/bb? /bWas there still time for that?

bShe /bsuddenly realized that she didn’t even know the exact date of the engagement.

“When

b‘/bbs /bthe engagement?” she asked.

Sean replied almost immediately. “It’s not set yet. We’ll decide once you’re back in Jersey City”

“Alright, I’ll be done here in nine days.”

“Got it.”

Charlotte figured a custom–made dress might not be ready in time, so she messaged him again.

“Let’s go with a designer’s new season collection. I’ll pick one out.

“Sounds bgood/b. Let me know when you decide.”

bJust /bas she was about to exit the chat, a notification badge popped up on Zac’s chat.

A new bmessage/b.

She clicked in.

It was a bvideo/b.

bThe /bsetting was a dimly lit private lounge.

Zaeb, /bvisibly drunk, slumped against Wendy, mumbling incoherently.

“Wendy you’re finally back…” his voice was slurred, clinging to her like a lost child. “I knew it. I knew you’de back… I’ve been waiting for you for five years.”

In the background,ughter and jeering filled the air.

Charlotte could make out familiar voices–Zac’s friends, Quinn, and the others.

bAll /bpeople she knewb. /b

In the video, Wendy smiled down at Zac, stroking his hair gently. “bZac/b, you’re drunk.”

Zac nuzzled into her bshoulder/b, bvoice /bsoft and broken.

Wendy… you’re the only one I love… I didn’t say anything wrong, did I? See? I know

“L.. I’m not drunk… I’m perfectly clear–headed… You’re W exactly what I’m saying.”

Someone in the bbackground /bdeliberately stirred the bpot /b

“Zecb, /bso Wendy’s the love of your life but what about Charlotte?”

Zac’s drunken reply came without hesitation.

“Charlotte? Who’s that? L… I only love Wendy…”

“Wendy, Zac ispletely obsessed with you. You’re definitely his girl! Quinn’s voice rang out, dripping with amusement. “See how clingy he gets when he’s drunk? His heart and eyes are only for you.”

Charlotte’s lips curled into ba /bcold smirk.

“His girl.”

That was what they were calling Wendy now.

In the three byears /bshe had been with Zac, no one had ever called her that.

Not that it was surprising.

bTo /bthem, she had never been Zac’s breal /bgirlfriend.

Another girl’s voice chimed in–it was Quinn’s best friend. The same one who had called Charlotte’s bbirthday /bgift ‘fake‘ at the party

“Does Charlotte have no shame? Wendy’s back, and she’s still lingering. Can she not take a hint?”

Quinn yed along effortlessly.

“Please, a regr girl like her scoring a rich guy like Zac? No way she’s letting go that easily.”

Charlotte lowered her gazeb, /bba /bcold, detached smile forming at her lips.

So that blook /bof disdain she had seen in Quinn’s eyes at the party wasn’t just in her bhead/b.

It all made sense now.

Quinn had always pretended to be friendly, but in reality, she was just like the rest of them.

She bhad /bnever once btruly /bepted Charlotte.

The other voices in the video only confirmed it.

“Don’t worry, Wendy. We’re all on your side.”

“Exactly. We never liked Charlotte anyway. Does she even know her ce? She actually thought she could fit into our circle

“Charlotte must have read one too many ‘CEO falls for a poor girl romance novels. She probably thinks she’s living in one–chasing her bfantasy /bof marrying rich. It’s hrious. I bet she has no idea we all see her as a joke.”