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"Thank you," Charlotte whispered, her heart swelling with gratitude as she took Simon's proffered arm. Together, they walked toward the cafe, leaving the shadow of Daniel behind them and stepping into the light of a new beginning. And as they entered the cozy warmth of the cafe, Charlotte felt more of the weight of her past begin to lift, replaced by the hope and excitement of a future shared with the man beside her.
Seated in a corner of the quaint cafe, the warm light from an antique chandelier above them cast a soft glow on their faces. Charlotte took a deep breath, her fingers playing with the edge of her teacup once it was placed before her. It was time to share the news with Simon.
"Simon, Daniel signed the divorce papers today," she said finally. The words hung in the air between them, like a delicate note of a song that had yet to be completed.
Simon's eyes met hers. He reached across the small table separating them, taking her hand in his, his rough skin a stark contrast against her own. "Charlotte, I can only imagine how difficult this must have been for you," he said softly, his gaze never leaving hers.
The comforting warmth of his hand enveloped her, anchoring her amidst the whirlwind of emotions threatening to engulf her.
"Thank you, Simon," she whispered, squeezing his hand gently. "For understanding, and for being here with me through all of this."
His smile warmed her like the sun breaking through storm clouds, and she knew, without a doubt, that they were moving forward together – leaving behind the painful memories of the past and sailing toward the promise of a brighter future.
But she hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. She needed to confess her unease to Simon about his own situation, and she hoped it would provide them both with a sense of shared progress, a chance to truly put their pasts behind them.
"Simon," Charlotte began, her voice soft yet steady. "There's something else I need to tell you. Your ex-wife... it bothers me that she's not agreed to sign the divorce papers." The weight of those words seemed to lift from her chest as she spoke them, replaced by a tingling sensation of relief.
His eyes widened in surprise, and then he let out a deep breath, his broad shoulders tensing. "You're serious?" he asked.
"Yes, I am," Charlotte replied, her eyes searching his for understanding. "It's just that... it's difficult for me to fully embrace our future when there's still a part of your past that's unresolved." She braced herself, but didn’t shy away—this was new Charlotte, who didn’t people-please. If Simon was upset at what she’d said, at least she had been honest.
Simon nodded slowly, releasing her hand to take a sip of his coffee, his gaze thoughtful. "Charlotte, I understand your concern," he began, his voice calm and reassuring. "But I want you to know that I've decided not to pressure my ex-wife to sign the divorce papers."
Charlotte's brow furrowed slightly, her heart pounding a bit faster. "Why not, Simon?" she asked, a hint of unease creeping into her voice.
Simon leaned forward, his eyes earnest. "Because I believe in letting things take their natural course. We were both young. I don't want to force her into a decision. It's important to me that this part of my life ends amicably, without any bitterness or resentment."
He paused, searching her face for a reaction. "I know it might make you feel uneasy, Charlotte, but I want you to understand that she's a part of my past. My feelings for her have long since faded. I'm with you now, and you're the one I'm falling for."
Charlotte felt a mixture of emotions swirling within her. On one hand, Simon's willingness to handle things gently with his ex-wife showed a kindness and respect that she admired. The total opposite of Daniel, who thought corporate takeovers were too soft. But on the other hand, the unresolved nature of Simon’s past relationship left her feeling a bit unsettled.
She took a moment to collect her thoughts before speaking. "I appreciate your honesty and the respect you're showing your ex-wife. It's one of the things I admire about you. But I hope you understand that this situation makes me a bit anxious."
Simon reached for her hand again, his touch gentle and reassuring. "I understand, Charlotte, and I don't want you to worry. My heart is here with you in the present. My past with her doesn't change how I feel about you. I'm falling for you, Charlotte, and that's my focus."
Charlotte squeezed his hand in response, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. Simon's words, filled with sincerity and affection, offered her a sense of comfort. She knew they still had challenges to face, but in that moment, in the cozy warmth of the cafe, she felt a growing confidence in their future together.
“So, plans for the rest of today?” she asked.
“I thought we could go back to yours, do a bit of home improvement,” he offered.
She looked at him, surprised. "Really? That sounds wonderful, Simon. There are so many things at The Crown that could use some attention. Are you sure?"
Simon's smile broadened. "I thought it might be a good way to spend the day together, doing something practical yet meaningful. Plus, I enjoy a bit of hands-on work." He winked.
She blushed.
Finishing their beverages, they rose from their seats, the clink of cups and saucers blending with the gentle hum of conversation around the cafe. Charlotte felt a comforting ease in Simon's company, an unspoken understanding that had grown between them over the short time they’d had.
Walking side by side, they made their way back to The Crown Inn, and a gust of wind blew through an oak tree, sending a cascade of leaves fluttering down around them. Charlotte's eyes lit up as a memory surfaced, like a treasure chest rising from the ocean floor. She recalled the hours spent carefully capturing Simon's likeness amidst the ancient stone walls of the castle.
"Simon, there's something I want to give you," she said as they entered the front living room, her voice filled with warmth and admiration. "Wait here. Start a fire. I'll be right back."
She slipped her hand from his and hurried to the sunroom. The floorboards creaked beneath her feet as she entered her studio, its familiar scent of oil paints and turpentine enveloping her. Her gaze fell upon the completed painting, which leaned against the far wall, hidden beneath a protective cloth.
As Charlotte approached the painting, her thoughts drifted to their many walks along the shore, meals in the pub, their adventure to the castle. Those moments had seeped into her art, infusing it with the colors and emotions that now defined their blossoming love.
But when she’d been with Daniel, he had ridiculed her art so harshly, so often…
