Delete My Love for You novel Chapter 48

Charlotte’s face had gone utterly pale, her expression frozen as if she’d seen a ghost.

Fourteen years… an orphanage… sold overseas…

How could Xena’s story mirror her own so closely?

A terrible suspicion began to take root—had Xena stolen her identity while she was still in the dark?

The housekeeper’s voice cut through her spiraling thoughts. “Lottie, you’re Ms. Lancaster’s personal bodyguard now. During the day, you’re to stay by her side at all times. Mr. Harrington said you’ll be living in this room from now on.”

Charlotte glanced around. The room was no better than the servants’ quarters—small, sparsely decorated, functional.

She didn’t care. As soon as the housekeeper left, she called Herbert.

His familiar, concerned voice came through at once. “Charlotte? It’s late. Why aren’t you home yet?”

“Darren forced me to stay at the Harringtons’. I’m in the housekeeper’s room.”

He was silent for a couple of seconds. “If Darren’s keeping you there, I doubt it’s just to play bodyguard for Xena. Be careful.”

“Don’t worry. I can handle it. But Mr. Nelson, I need your help. Can you look into someone for me?”

Charlotte quickly explained everything she’d learned.

Five minutes later, Herbert called back, voice tense. “Charlotte, Xena’s records have been tampered with. According to the files, she grew up at the same orphanage we did—the Astra Orphan Asylum.”

Charlotte and Herbert had spent their whole childhood in that orphanage. If Xena had been there too, they would have met her—no question.

And then there was the fire, fourteen years ago. The inferno that destroyed everything, leaving only Herbert and Charlotte alive.

Charlotte’s mind was made up. “Mr. Nelson, someone has stolen my identity.”

Darren said nothing.

Charlotte, appearing casual, spoke up, “Ms. Lancaster, there’s news about Astra Orphan Asylum’s grand reopening today. Aren’t you going to attend?”

Xena’s smile vanished. She shot Charlotte a sharp, cutting glare. “What orphanage? What’s that got to do with me? Lottie, I don’t need you to butt into my schedule!”

“My apologies, Ms. Lancaster. I spoke out of turn.”

Charlotte apologized smoothly, but out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Darren’s expression darken. A small, secret smile curled at her lips.

Darren slowly looked up, his gaze piercing as he turned to Xena, one brow arching.

“Xena, didn’t you grow up at Astra Orphan Asylum?”

The color drained from Xena’s face in an instant. Her smile disappeared without a trace.