Revelation
Three years prior,
As an intern, Charlotte found herself working late into the night on this particular day. Upon completing her tasks at B. Y TV building, she headed out. As she walked down the road, a young man approached her.
“Miss, Master Davis would like to see you. Please, come with me.”
Upon hearing this, Charlotte felt a mix of surprise and anticipation.
The Davis family had consistently opposed her relationship with Damien, and the reasons remained a mystery to her. Perhaps, they were here to reconcile with her. That was her initial assumption.
She promptly followed the man to the car, her heart beating rapidly in her chest as she got in.
“Uncle, Aunt,” she bowed politely.
Master Davis and his wife cast disdainful glances at the girl.
“The reason we summoned you today is straightforward,” Madam Davis spoke. “Sever ties with our son. We don’t want you for him.”
Upon hearing the woman’s heart-wrenching words, a wave of sadness engulfed Charlotte. “Wh-why? Did I do something wrong?”
Madam Davis scoffed, “We’ve never liked you, and we never will. Look at it from our perspective; Damien is a young man who has just taken on the role of CEO at D. A Company. He needs a woman in the same professional sphere by his side.
Someone decent and hardworking, not some… entertainment figure. How do we know you aren’t involved with the men in your industry? We can’t entrust our son and the position of the lady of D. A Company to you.”
She reached into her handbag and produced an envelope. “It’s an open check. Take this and disappear. Find a way to break up with Damien before this week is over.”
Hot tears streamed down Charlotte’s face, her hands clenched into fists.
“You know him; he won’t let you go easily, so do something unforgivable. Cheat on him. Be a good girl and do as you’re told. Failure to comply, I’ll not only make you lose your job, but I’ll also ruin you to the point of no return,” Master Davis threatened.
After a while, Charlotte lifted her head slowly, wiping away her tears. “Alright, sir, alright ma. However, you can keep the check. I’ll vanish from your sight forever,” she said, bowing.
With that, she exited the vehicle. Fresh tears poured from her eyes, her entire body quivering uncontrollably as she made her way down the road.
She was left with no choice now. Deep down, she always knew that with her coming from a background completely different from that of Damien’s, their relationship would never work out.
The next evening, as night fell, Charlotte called Master Damien and had him send Damien over to her place.
After hanging up, she had one of her male friends pretend to be her lover. They got into bed, entangled… Damien walked in on them, and the rest was history.
What Master Davis and his wife didn’t know was that their actions fueled Charlotte George to work even harder and become the best in her field.
*
*
The current night.
Damien was utterly dumbfounded by Charlotte’s narration. After composing himself, he turned to face his parents. “Is everything she just said the truth?” he asked in a low, hurt-filled voice.
His parents remained silent, their gazes averted. In that moment, he confirmed that Charlotte had spoken the truth.
“You bribed her to leave me?!” He was speechless.
“I doubt if you’re actually doing this for your daughter, Yvonne, or for your selfish interests… You wouldn’t want Beats Corporations falling into the hands of another family, would you?” Charlotte let out a small smile as she gazed at Master Davis and his wife.
Shaking her head, she turned and took her leave. Her job there was done.
Master Davis lowered his gaze, as did his wife.
Damien was still finding it hard to process all that had just happened. So, Charlotte didn’t cheat on him… All these years…
“Like I said earlier, I’m ready to terminate the contract legally,” Shawn’s voice broke the silence.
With those words hanging in the air, he stood up and took long strides upstairs.
Upon reaching the landing, his steps faltered, and his brows furrowed. His wife was squatting on one side of the stairs landing, her arms wrapped around her knees.
Shawn heaved a sigh, going over to her side to help her up. “I told you to go in first and have your bath-not hide here and eavesdrop.”
He led the way to the bedroom and guided her to the bathroom for a shower.
Back in the lounge, Master Davis glared at Jennifer Mandez. “You haven’t spoken a word. Will you let your son disrespect me in this manner?”
Madam Mandez was taken aback. She scoffed, “He says he wants to terminate the contract. What do you expect me to do? Force my son into an unhappy marriage?”
Her eyes were stern and cold as she added, “Only the heavens know why, of all things to request for, you were hell-bent on signing a marriage contract between our families. In case you don’t know, my son is already legally married. He can’t be married to two women. That being said, you’ll hear from our family lawyers soonest.”Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
With that, she stood up and pointed in the direction of the door, signaling for the Davis family to take their leave. Their welcome had been overstayed.
Damien was the first to storm outside, followed by the rest of his family.
After their departure, Jennifer sank back into the chair, letting out a gusty sigh. “Lawrence, I’m sorry I couldn’t help fulfill your last wish. I hope you understand it’s for our son’s happiness.” A tear slid down the side of her face.
After Mia finished her bath, Shawn proceeded to the bath as well. Upon his return, Mia slowly stood up from the bed and stretched out her hand to him.
In her outstretched hand was a file.
Brows knitted, Shawn collected it from her. “What’s this?”
Mia remained silent as she watched him bring out the contents of the file and skim through the front page.
A few moments later, his face darkened, and the room temperature dropped noticeably.
“I’ve signed the divorce papers as requested… We’re no longer bound together, and you’re free to be with your betrothed. I’m sorry for every inconvenience I’ve caused your family,” Mia bowed, her lips quivering as she fought hard to keep her tears in check.
“I’ll leave now and I promise never to appear before you again.”