Page 39 of Secret Cinderella
She was cursed to forever rely only on herself because she was unlovable, as Nancy said. “Jack, you have so much to offer a girl, but I can’t accept any of this.”
Jack’s voice was quiet, but it shot right through her like a bullet. “Charlotte, we can fix the store situation or I can walk away from being a Morgan. Whatever it is, don’t go.”
Then she’d absolutely ruin his life. She kissed his cheek and wished it was easier to leave. “Jack, you deserve better than me. If I stay with you, I’ll make you miserable.”
His lips pressed together. “That’s not true.”
“Yes, it is.” She stepped back afraid if she stayed, he’d see how unloveable she was.
He held out the ring she’d been wearing. “Charlotte, you’re the one.”
If only she was worth that. But she’d ruin him if she married him. She turned to go with her body slumped as she said, “Jack, take the ring. Return the clothes or give them to someone who deserves you.”
He squeezed her from behind as he said, “That’s you.”
A tremble washed through her, something she did when upset or happy. She moved away and hoped he hadn’t noticed. “No. It’s time for me to let you live your wonderful new life… and for me to find mine.”
He widened his stance, his arms crossed. “I thought you loved me too.”
If she said yes, she’d lose the inner battle and fold into his arms. Nancy always said crying made her ugly, and who would help her then? A tear washed down her face and she couldn’t look back when she said, “Jack...”
She didn’t need to see him to feel the warmth he stirred inside her when he said, “Stay with me or let me go with you, wherever you intend.”
This was terrible. Leaving wasn’t supposed to hurt him, but she couldn’t stay and steal his chance to shine in a lifestyle she couldn’t even fathom. She wiped her face and turned around as she said, “I can’t. Jack your life is amazing and now things are about to be perfect. I’ll just bring you down.”
He reached for her but she stepped back. “Charlotte, I will find you and set out to prove to you that we’re both better together.”
Jack would never hurt her, but he’d hurt himself when he realized she’d never be good enough for him, if he didn’t let her go. She lifted her chin and hoped he understood someday. “You can’t. I can’t let you. I love you enough to let you go.”
She pressed against the door and reached for the handle behind her. Jack said, “I don’t want that.”
This was goodbye. It had to be. She’s save him from eventually seeing how unlovable she was. She swallowed back her sniffles and said, “Not now, but you’ll eventually see I’m right.”
She reached for the door as he said softly, “You leaving breaks my heart.”
She’d cry unstoppable tears soon. She couldn’t face him when she opened the door. “Please let me go.”
And then as she took her first step out, he said, “Charlotte, you’re my girl. There is no me without you.”
Her heart tore out of her chest and she ached to just run into his arms and never let go.
But he deserved more. She shook her head and said, “There will be.”
And then she ran.
If she didn’t, she’d go weak in the knee like in all those old movies, and hold him.
Luckily the elevator came right away so she didn’t have to wait and she paced the four corners of the car as she was alone.
Of course she wondered if she was making a mistake, but the bigger mistake was staying.
The elevator opened and she exited, aware of the guests milling around for the cocktail party as she headed toward the front door. Mickey was in the marble lobby at one of the oak desks.
Charlotte stopped and looked for Linda and Nancy specifically but Mickey was alone. Mickey eyed her up and down. “Charlotte, what are you wearing?”
Nicer versions of what she normally wore—jeans and a t-shirt. She gestured toward the entrance. “I’m leaving the hotel.”
Mickey’s eyes widened with surprise. “Where’s Jack?”
