Penelope’s eyes widen in horror. “Oh my God,” she whispers the second she sees me.
Charlotte’s face falls in confusion as she looks between us. “William?” she asks.
“What’s wrong?”
“Get the fuck outside, now!” William growls.
My jaw feels like it’s on the floor. What are the chances?
I’m completely speechless. What the fuck do I say to this?
“You know each other?” Edward asks, confused by our interaction.
William glares at me. “Oh, we know each other, all right.”
Charlottes glances between the two of us. “I don’t understand.”
“Last time I saw him he was in my bed, balls deep inside my wife.” William lunges for me, connecting a fist to my jaw which forces me to fly back.
“Oh my God!” Penelope yells when the table goes flying.
I glance over to see Charlotte’s hands are over her mouth as she
connects the dots.
Harold holds onto the table to stop himself from falling over and, of course, Edward erupts like a madman. “What the fuck?” he yells.
“No!” Charlotte cries. “That can’t be true.” Her haunted eyes meet mine.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
“No!” she whispers. Her face screws up in pain as she realises it’s true.
“Charlotte,” I whisper as she begins to cry hysterically. “I didn’t know she was married. I swear to you.”
Edward grabs me and pushes me towards the door. I see the flash of a camera hit my face.
“That’s not true!” Penelope yells. “You knew exactly who I was married to, and you were after his money. You pursued me for months until you wore me down.”
“What?” I cry. “You fucking liar. I didn’t even know you as Penelope. You told me your name was Stephanie.” I’m hit from the side by William again. The whole restaurant is watching, and the guards suddenly seem to come running from every direction.
Edward drags me towards the door to pull me away from Charlotte.
“Charlotte,” I cry. “She’s lying, I swear to you.”
I struggle to break free, but I still see Charlotte crying hysterically in Harold’s arms.
No!
This can’t be happening!
More cameras flash in the distance.
I grab the doorframe to try and stop them from dragging me away from her. “Charlotte!” I cry. “Charlotte, come here. Listen to me!” I beg.
Charlotte’s haunted eyes hold mine for just a second before she shakes her head and turns her back on me.
I dig my heels in to try and stop them dragging me away from her. “Charlotte!”