Loving Madeline

339  Misjudged

Charlotte's POV

After saying goodnight to Jack, I didn't dare to look back since I didn't want to look like a fool. I couldn't deny I was falling for Jack more every day, and I was afraid to throw myself at him and kiss those sweet lips of his and be wrapped in his strong arms.

I went straight to my bed and collapsed on the soft mattress, sighing heavily. I should stop this craziness before I look pathetic in Jack's eyes. He stopped flirting with me ever since Cecily showed interest in him, and I hate every time they shared sweet smiles with each other.

I don't want to tell Cecily I like Jack more than she does, but I don't want to hurt my friend and ruin her fantasies. But I have an episode every time I see them happily talking and having so much fun. I don't know when I drifted to sleep. I woke up with a loud banging on my door.

"Charlotte!! Wake up!" I heard Jack's voice behind my door, and I groaned as I opened my eyes. I quickly sat up when I looked at the time on the clock hanging on the wall.

"I am awake, Jack," I responded as I covered myself with my robe.

"I am sorry I overslept," I said after I opened the door for him.

"I don't want to wake you, but your brother will arrive in less than two hours. I started to worry about you." He responded as he stared at me, and I suddenly felt conscious since I looked like a mess. My hair is disheveled, and I don't know how I look since I didn't have time to look at myself in the mirror.

"Breakfast is ready, Cecily is here, and the rest of the staff," he added, and I blushed.

I felt so embarrassed, and I wondered why my alarm clock didn't work this time when I needed to wake up early to prepare everything and make my team proud.

"Hey, come on, you still have enough time. Don't give me that look," Jack stated as he searched my eyes.

"I felt ashamed. I felt irresponsible," I replied in more than a whisper.

"I know how you feel right now, Charlotte, but this is not the time to have self-pity. You can do this, and you didn't oversleep; in fact, I could tell you lack of sleep. Don't worry too much, and we are here for you." He said.

"Now, take your time to prepare yourself," Jack added as he gave me one of his gorgeous smiles that could melt any woman's heart.

"Thank you, Jack," I replied, blushing.

I quickly showered and found the most pleasing dress I could find in my closet. I don't want to wear something fancy to make Hunter think I am still living my life in luxury.

I smiled when I found a black pencil-cut skirt with a slit at the back. I chose a white long-sleeved blouse. I looked decent as I watched my reflection in the life-sized mirror inside my room, and it felt like I was already a businesswoman.

I wore black high-heeled shoes and walked out of my room with confidence. I could feel my nervousness as I walked towards the dining hall, and I was surprised to find everyone sitting in front of the long table waiting for me.

"Good morning, Ms. Charlotte," they said in unison while my heart was beating so fast as I found Jack looking at me with pride on his face.

"Good morning, everyone. today, we will have a very special guest, and I expect you all to do your best to serve him beyond his expectations." I said to everyone, and they all nodded with a smile on their faces.

We ate breakfast, and as usual, the food was superb. I couldn't thank Jack and Cecily enough after I found out everything was set and there was nothing to worry about.

"Are you nervous?" Jack asked as he stood beside on the porch.

"Yes, I am," I replied, and my anxiousness heightened when I felt his hand took my palm.

"Relax, everything will be okay," he said as he squeezed my palm, and it felt so lovely to feel his skin brushed mine.

"I know, but I couldn't help it, Jack," I responded, and he laughed.

"Hunter is your elder brother; I don't think you must feel nervous. You must feel excited seeing him again, and you must be proud of yourself." He answered.

I wanted to tell him it was more than that. Jack didn't know my brother cut off everything, and I couldn't tell him this was my way of showing my brother I was now a different person.

I wished to impress Hunter, and I am trying my best to live my new life as it is, hoping my brother would give me another chance.

"It is complicated, Jack," I mumbled.

"Is it because of Maddie?" He asked.

"Yeah, but I don't hate her, Jack. I know she means a lot to you. I don't want to harm Maddie," I said, trying to avoid his intense gaze.

"I believed you, Charlotte," he mumbled, and my face lit up as I looked at him.

"Really?" I asked, and he beamed at me without letting my hand go.

"Of course, I could tell you have a good heart, Charlotte. I think you have reasons for doing all those things," Jack responded.

"My best friend deceived me, and I was paying for the price right now," I said, and I could see the sympathy in his eyes.

Before Jack could say anything, we heard an approaching vehicle, and he finally let go of my hand. I couldn't stop trembling, but when he moved closer to me, I felt secure, and every cell in my body started to relax.

"He is here," I mumbled as I looked at the car.

"Yes, just act normal," Jack answered as if he could read what was playing in my head.

"Welcome, Hunter!" I said with enthusiasm the moment my brother climbed out of the vehicle and walked closer to me with a smile on his face. I was shocked when he took me into his arms and hugged me without saying a word.

I could feel my brother's love through his embrace, and I couldn't stop myself from putting my arms around his waist as he pulled me closer to him.

"Thank you, Charlotte," he said after he released me from his hold, and I knew I was blushing like a kid. I felt so happy, and I didn't expect to have this kind of moment with my brother again.

"I know you are tired from your flight. I should show you to your room first and let Jack prepare your meal," I said, and my brother turned his attention to Jack.

"I am impressed, Charlotte." My brother said, and I felt so proud of myself.

14:52

I led Hunter to his room while the attendant carried his suitcase, and I felt less pressured after my "Oh, you hired the best chef in Archois," Hunter said, smiling as he offered his hand to Jack for a handshake.

"Jack is not only a chef but my business partner as well," I replied.

"I am impressed, Charlotte." My brother said, and I felt so proud of myself.

I led Hunter to his room while the attendant carried his suitcase, and I felt less pressured after my brother gave me a warm hug. That gesture made me think he still cared about me, and I couldn't wait to spend more time with my brother. And I wished Hunter would give me one more chance to prove my worth.

"See, I told you everything would be alright," Jack said when I joined him in the kitchen as he prepared food for my brother.

"Thank you, Jack, this means a lot to me. I don't want to ruin this chance," I replied.

"Don't worry, I will do my best to serve your brother the best food I can offer," he responded, and I smiled at him before I walked to the dining hall and prepared the table.

"Jack, as expected, your cooking is excellent; you are really the best," Hunter said after he ate his food. He complimented Jack and I felt so proud of our hot chef.

"Thank you, Hunter," Jack replied and I blushed when he winked at me.

"I liked the place. You turned it into a beautiful place; I never expected this to happen. Good business choice, Charlotte; you really have the potential to run your own business." Jack said after I showed him around.

"Thank you, Hunter," I replied in more than a whisper.

"Look, I am sorry for everything I did, Hunter. You might think I didn't have any remorse for everything I had done to Madeline, but believe me, I do. I didn't want to hurt her." I said, and he turned his head and looked at me with tenderness.

"I knew, Charlotte, Kaye told me everything. She came to see me before my flight." My brother answered, and I felt too shocked to respond to him.

"Your best friend asked for my forgiveness. I felt so relieved when I learned the truth. I don't hate you for what you did to my wife. Honestly, I was worried that you would do something that would harm Maddie and my son." Hunter added, and I felt hurt by his words.

"I will never harm your wife and son. I can't blame you if you felt that way; after what you thought I had done, I am sure you don't trust me anymore," I mumbled.

"I was hoping you would change, Char. I knew you had a pure heart, and I wondered what happened to my sweet sister. and now, I felt  so happy to see you, and knowing you weren't the one responsible for those things that happened to Maddie made me happier." He declared.

"I  am sorry if I misjudged you," he said.

"Don't be sorry. I was part of Kaye's game, and I am not that innocent. I still feel guilty." I replied.

"Stop feeling that way, Charlotte. I am so proud of you." Hunter said as he ruffled my hair, tears of happiness rolling down my cheeks as I threw myself at him.