Chapter 12

• For the first time, Charlotte decided to take a walk around the garden. She realized it was even more beautiful from within, the flowers shining brilliantly in the sunlight. She found a spot to sit and soon her mind drifted away, haunted by Mia's request to be with Chase. The thought burned her. She knew asking her parents for support was useless, she was sure they would side with Mia. Saying no to her sister was not an option either, as Mia was the last person she wanted to anger or make an enemy of.
• Liam watched her from a distance, his heart melting at the sight of her distress. He didn’t know what was troubling Charlotte, and it pained him not to. Stepping out of the house, he gestured for the maids attending to Charlotte to leave, and they departed silently. He walked closer, realizing she hadn’t noticed him yet. Kneeling beside her, he whispered in her ear, "Worry much?"
• She turned to look at him, but he gently pulled her back to face forward. "Relax," he said softly. "You look stressed. I might be able to help with that."