THREE HOURS LATER...
It was almost 6 pm when Charlotte's eyes finally fluttered open to the sterile glow of fluorescent lights.
She blinked, trying to take in her surroundings.
"Charlotte!"
Lena's voice pulled her fully back to reality. Her best friend was seated beside her, worry etched across her face.
"Thank God you're awake!" Lena leaned forward, gripping Charlotte's hand tightly.
"You really scared me half to death. I got a call at work that you collapsed in the middle of the road! And some man rushed you here. Thank goodness my number is listed as your emergency contact or how would I have known." Lena rumbled nonstop.
Charlotte's head throbbed as she tried to piece everything together. The rain, the headlights, the voice calling out to her... it all felt like a nightmare.
"Who was he?" Lena asked. "And why were you out in the rain like that?"
"As you can see, I'm fine now," Charlotte murmured, her voice hoarse. "I don't know who he was. I… I don't remember much."
Lena frowned but didn't push further.
"You... you scared me," she repeated, her voice trembling. "You've been so off lately, and now this."
Before Charlotte could respond, a soft knock interrupted them. The doctor stepped in, his clipboard in hand.
"You're awake," he said with a small smile and Charlotte nodded.
"That's a good sign. We ran some tests, and you're fine. Just a bit dehydrated and stressed. But you'll need to rest and take care of yourself."
"Thank you, Doctor." Charlotte nodded again.
"You're free to leave now," he added, scribbling something on his clipboard before stepping out of the room. As soon as he left, Lena turned to her.
"Good. Let's get you out of here." She hesitated before adding, "By the way, I called Alexander to tell him what happened. He said he'd come pick you up."
Charlotte stiffened, her face darkening instantly. "You what?"
"I called... Alexander," Lena said slowly, noticing the shift in her friend's demeanor. "He's your boyfriend. He should know you're in the hospital."
Charlotte sat up abruptly, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. "You shouldn't have called him."
Lena frowned. "Why not? Did something happen between you two?"
Charlotte shook her head, refusing to meet Lena's eyes. "I don't want to talk about it. Let's just go. Now."
Lena looked at her, confused. "But Alexander said—"
"I said let's go!" Charlotte snapped, her voice breaking slightly.
"Fine. Let's check you out." Lena raised her hands in surrender, standing up.
They made their way to the reception desk. Charlotte avoided looking at anyone, her head low as Lena handled the paperwork.
"Your bill has already been settled," the nurse said, glancing at her screen.
"Wait, what?" Lena blinked. "By who?"
"The man who brought her in," the nurse replied, typing something into the computer.
Charlotte froze, trying to remember the face of the man from earlier, but the memory was a blur. The rain had obscured everything before she collapsed.
"Do you know him?" Lena asked, turning to Charlotte.
Charlotte shook her head. "No. I already told you… I don't know who he was."
Lena narrowed her eyes but didn't press further. "Let's go then."
As they walked out of the hospital, Charlotte threw a last glance at the hospital, clearly confused.
Who had saved her? She had no idea.
---
The drive home was quiet at first. Lena glanced at Charlotte every few minutes, her hands gripping the wheel tightly.
"You've been quiet," Lena said eventually. "You should check your phone. It's been buzzing like crazy since we were at the hospital."
Reluctantly, Charlotte pulled her phone from her bag. Notifications lit up the screen. Messages, missed calls, and emails. She scrolled through absentmindedly until one email caught her attention.
Her heart skipped a beat as she opened it.
"Subject: Congratulations on Your New Role
Dear Ms. Williams,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected as the new secretary to the CEO of Grayson Enterprises, Mr. Ethan Grayson. Your skills and qualifications have impressed us, and we are eager to have you join the team. Please report to the office on Monday at 9 a.m. for orientation."
Charlotte stared at the screen, disbelief washing over her. Today is Friday, and she's expected to resume on Monday. So soon?
"What is it?" Lena asked, glancing at the surprise on her face.
"I… I got the job," Charlotte whispered.
Lena's eyes widened, a grin spreading across her face.
"Wait! What? Are you serious?" She pressed and Charlotte showed her the email.
"Wow, that's amazing! Congratulations girl! I told you to apply, didn't I? Look at you!" Lena was overjoyed.
Charlotte nodded slowly, still processing the news. She had applied on a whim, certain she didn't have a chance. Her qualifications weren't extraordinary, and she had no connections.
Yet here it was...a golden opportunity.
"Charlotte, this is huge! Do you know what this means? Working for Ethan Grayson? It's a big deal!" Lena was practically bouncing in her seat.
Charlotte forced a small smile, but her heart wasn't in it. She was still occupied with what had happened in the afternoon, overshadowing even this unexpected news.
Lena noticed. "Hey… aren't you happy?"
Charlotte nodded again, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah. I am."
But as the rain began to drizzle again, all Charlotte could feel was the void in her heart.
As Lena parked her car in front of the modest townhouse, the crunch of gravel under the tires was drowned out by the hum of another car pulling up behind them.
Charlotte glanced over her shoulder, and her heart sank. It was Alexander.
He stepped out of his Mercedes Benz, his figure commanding as always. His expression softened when he saw her, concern flickering in his eyes.
"Charlotte," he said, striding toward them. "Are you okay? I heard you passed out."
Charlotte didn't respond. She turned to Lena, her voice laced with urgency. "Lena, please go inside. I'll join you in a moment."
Lena hesitated, her gaze darting between them. She caught the anger simmering in Charlotte's eyes and nodded, sensing this was not a conversation she wanted to be part of.
"Alright. Don't be long."
As soon as Lena disappeared into the house, Charlotte turned to Alexander, her calm demeanor crumbling.
"Why are you here?"