When We Meet Again
Chapter 29

"Why do I have to spend two weeks in Paris?" Charlotte asked.

Melvin shrugged. "I do not know. But you can't come back until your two-week leave is over."

Charlotte frowned at him. Why did he make such a decision for her without consulting her first? Isn't he supposed to ask her what she thinks about it?

She scoffed. He always does what he wants without caring about what others think.

"I can't spend two weeks in Paris." She answered.

"And why won't you do that? I already made the decision."

"Should you not have asked me about it before making such a decision? What happens to my work here? The company..."

"You don't have to worry about the company. It will run with or without you. You are not even important to the company."

Charlotte's heart shattered at Melvin's words. He doesn't have to spell it, out to her that she is not important to the company; she knows that. His words have been hurting her so much despite he has been treating her so well in the past few weeks.

Did he come up with this new idea of showing love to her with his actions and hurting her with his words?

She knew she couldn't go on with this conversation or Melvin would use his words to break her completely.

"You already made your choice. I will get ready before tomorrow." She said.

"You do not have to get ready or get prepared. I will come home at lunch tomorrow to take you to the boutique. I have already chosen some clothes for you. All you have to do is smile at the camera and say how much you love them. The media will be there tomorrow. I am leaving."

Charlotte watched Melvin leave the room. After he closed the door behind him, she picked up a pillow and threw it at the door.

What was she expecting from him? That he is now a changed person because he entered her room?

She stared at the ticket in her hand and groaned. She doesn't want to go but does she have a choice?

She picked up her phone and sat on the bed. She placed a call to Bella to confirm with her that her schedule had been cleared as Melvin said. She also wanted to know if there were people who didn't want to reschedule their meeting so she could speak to them herself or reschedule them for a morning meeting. Then she can come back home to get ready for a shopping trip she isn't interested in.

Luck was on Charlotte's side; every one of them had agreed to a rescheduling at her pace.

"Is there anything else I need to know?" Charlotte asked.

"No, ma'am," Bella answered.

"You know I won't be coming to the office tomorrow right?"

"Yes, ma'am. The president told me about it. I am so happy you get to go to Paris. I wish I could go too."

Charlotte sighed. She could tell from Bella's voice that she was so excited even though she wasn't the one going. Charlotte would have been happy too if she was going with someone she loved not with Melvin whose words had been hurting her badly. "Do you want to go?" Charlotte asked.

"I wish I could ma'am but this isn't about business. I will just be here and wait for your return. I hope you will put work aside and have so much fun."

Charlotte scoffed. Is there going to be any fun for her in Paris with Melvin's presence? The first few days he would be spending with her would be nothing but hell; she was certain about that. She might have fun after he leaves though. She might also ask Bella to join if she gets the opportunity.

"If you want me to keep work aside and have fun, then you will have to do everything right until my return. Make sure the team functions well."

"I will try my best, ma'am."

"You can always call me if there is any problem too."

"I will, ma'am. Though I am certain there won't be any problem. I wish you a safe trip, ma'am." Bella said.

Charlotte ended the call and placed a call to Mia. She needed to inform her about her trip and the cancellation of their supposed meeting on Saturday.

"Are you serious about going to Paris with Melvin?" Mia asked in excitement.

"Yes, I wasn't expecting it though."

"I do not think Melvin could be romantic."

"What is so romantic about it?" Charlotte mumbled.

Mia doesn't know what had transpired between her and Melvin and how he had threatened and spoken rudely at her just to make her come with him. There is nothing romantic about it.

"A lot, Charlotte. He wouldn't have done this if he hadn't developed feelings for you."

"I think you are thinking too much, Mia. Melvin has no feelings for me."

"It doesn't matter if he does. But I am sure he will soon. I have a lot to teach you before you leave tomorrow. You're leaving by evening, right?"

"Yes, we are."

"And your shopping trip is by noon?"

"Yes."

"And you will not be leaving the house in the morning?"

"Yes, I won't. Why are you asking so many questions?"

"Because I have a lot to tell you. I will skip class and come to see you."

"You can't skip class, Mia. You are in your final year."

"It doesn't matter," Mia said. "What matters is that I might be getting a nephew or niece soon."

"You are getting ahead of yourself, Mia. You are not going to get any nephew or niece from me. Not anytime soon"

Mia chuckled. "Never say never. I will see you tomorrow."

"Mia, I am serious. Do not skip class for any..."

"Bye, Charlotte. I have to go."

Mia ended the call and Charlotte sighed. She does think for real that Mia is getting ahead of herself but why does she feel so excited about it and her face turning red?

**

"Charlotte? Charlotte? Are you in?"

Charlotte opened her eyes, wondering who was calling her name. It wasn't Hannah; she knew her voice so well. She sat up quickly.

Isn't that Mia? Why is she here so early?

"Mia?" She called.

"Yes, it's me," Mia answered. "Are you still on the bed? Did I wake you up?"

"No, I am not on the bed and you did not wake me up," Charlotte answered standing up from the bed and wearing her rope.

"But your voice sounds so dull. Is everything okay?" Mia asked.

"Everything is fine. I am coming to open the door."

Charlotte opened the door letting Mia in. "I knew it. You just got up from bed."

"Yes, I am just getting out of bed," Charlotte admitted. "But how did you notice? Because I am wearing a rope?"

"No, your face. It shows you were sleep-deprived and were just trying to get some sleep now. What have you been doing all through the night?"

"Trying to get some things done at work."

Mia sat on the couch. "I can tell that you love your job for real. Everyone knows you do. But I think you should cut down on how stressed you get just to get things done. Work has a long lifespan, but humans don't. You should learn to have fun."

"I know. That is why I am happy I got a two-week trip to Paris. I can get all the rest I need."

"And also get pregnant with my nephew or niece or even both" Mia mumbled but Charlotte could hear her.

She decided not to tell her not to have such hope. "I am going to take my bath. Is there anything you care to eat? You can ask Hannah to prepare it."

"I won't be doing that. I will make breakfast myself."

"You know your brother would not allow..."

"He left for work already. And I have asked for his permission, though."

Charlotte furrowed her brows. "And he said yes to it?"

Mia nodded. "He did."

"Good for you," Charlotte mumbled.

"What do you want for breakfast? I will prepare yours too."

Charlotte thought about what to eat but when she could not come up with anything, she sighed.

"Anything will be fine. I do not think I have an appetite."

Mia smiled. "I know just the right thing."

Charlotte smiled. "Thank you."

"You will join me in the dining room, right? Or do you want your breakfast to be served here?" Mia asked.

"I do not mind having it here in my room. My legs are too weak to go down the stairs." Charlotte replied. "But would that not be stressful for you?" "You do not have to worry about that," Mia answered.

"Then I will head to the bathroom."

Charlotte entered the bathroom while Mia headed downstairs to get breakfast ready.