Delete My Love for You novel Chapter 45

Charlotte stood quietly at the center of the lavish living room, her gaze drifting across the place she had called home for three long years.

Now, none of it looked as she remembered.

Huge, ostentatious portraits dominated the walls, each one a stylized photograph of Xena herself.

A housekeeper called down from the stairs, her tone sharp. “Hey, watch where you’re going! These are Ms. Lancaster’s favorite paintings. If you so much as smudge one, you’ll never be able to pay for it!”

Charlotte had never heard of anyone ruining a painting just by looking at it.

Her eyes flicked toward the grand piano by the floor-to-ceiling windows. The housekeeper, eager to show off, announced, “Never seen anything like that before, have you? Mr. Harrington spent two hundred thousand dollars on it for Ms. Lancaster.”

“Mr. Harrington treats Ms. Lancaster like she’s spun from glass—afraid she’ll break if he holds her too tight, or melt if he speaks too harshly. I don’t care why you’re here, but don’t you dare touch a single thing in this house!”

A heavy, measured footstep echoed from the staircase.

In an instant, the sourness on the housekeeper’s face melted into subservience. She bowed deeply toward the landing, almost at a right angle. “Good morning, Mr. Harrington.”

Charlotte looked up.

Darren descended, step by deliberate step.

He wore a charcoal velvet robe, the belt knotted loosely at his waist, the open collar revealing the chiseled lines of his collarbone and a sculpted chest.

His piercing eyes—dark, intense—radiated a quiet authority that seemed to fill the room. He glanced over at Charlotte, his gaze lingering on the freckles peppering her face and the tattoo curling up her neck, a subtle, almost imperceptible hint of appraisal in his eyes.

“So, you’re the fencing champion?” he asked, his voice a low, probing rumble.

Charlotte lowered her eyes, careful. “The champion is Ms. Lancaster. I was just the competitor who got disqualified.”

A faint, knowing smile touched the corners of Darren’s mouth. “You didn’t seem so obedient at the competition. What’s changed in a few days?”

He moved to the main sofa, settling in with a casual grace, crossing his long legs at the ankle.

Charlotte replied, “I’d heard the winner would get an emerald brooch. I was foolish and let my greed get the better of me. I hope you’ll forgive me, Mr. Harrington.”

Xena spoke in a gentle, practiced voice. “Mr. Harrington, the bridal boutique called. My custom wedding dress is ready for a fitting. Will you come with me?”

Darren’s reply was smooth but firm. “I’ve arranged for a private bodyguard. Wherever you go, she’ll accompany you.”

Charlotte felt her stomach tighten.

Hadn’t he said she’d be the wedding’s private security? When had she become Xena’s personal guard?

Xena shot Charlotte a look of open disdain. “Mr. Harrington, this bodyguard is hideous. How embarrassing would it be to bring her in public?”

“Looks don’t matter. What counts is she can keep you safe,” Darren replied, his tone calm but leaving no room for argument.

Xena pouted, trailing a delicate hand toward Darren’s. “But if you come with me, I’ll be safe enough, won’t I?”

Just as her skin nearly brushed his, Darren pulled away.