49 The Letter

Gordon was a bit late for dinner that night but Charlotte sat there waiting for him.

"Hello Love." He said, his voice carrying exhaustion.

"Long day?" She asked quietly.

"Mmm." He responded.

He sat down and they began eating. He didn't say much of anything due to being so tired. There was a lot of work that went into expanding into another country as they were currently doing.

"Do you have any plans to come back to the office anytime soon? I haven't filled your position yet." He said suddenly. At least all the time spent at the office would be more enjoyable with her by his side. He really missed her.

She looked up, her eyes cold. "No, I think you can go ahead and fill the position with someone else."

Gordon was surprised. He had never heard her use that tone of voice. She seemed angry but he wasn't sure why. He rubbed his hand over his face. The two of them really needed some time alone. They had grown apart recently and he didn't like how that felt. As soon as he could settle things with the new branch in the United States he would take her away for a long, overdue vacation.

"I won't fill your position with anyone else. Whether you return to work or not. No one could take your place anyway." He told her.

She slammed her chopsticks down.

"No one can take my place? Are you sure you're being truthful with me? I sincerely doubt that I'm so indispensable." Her voice was dripping with sarcasm.

Gordon blinked several times. What had he done to warrant such a reaction from her?

"Charlotte, is there something wrong?" He asked tentatively.

"Where were you at lunch today?" She suddenly asked.

"I had a business lunch with a colleague at the new Western restaurant that opened uptown." He told her.

"A colleague? Is that what you call it these days?" She muttered under her breath. She suddenly stood up and walked upstairs without another word.

Gordon felt like he'd walked into the wrong house. Why had his answer set her off so bad? He met briefly with Sara and Bella but then he joined a group of men he'd arranged lunch with.

He decided to read some reports in his study to give Charlotte her space. When he came to their room she was already asleep. He shook his head. Maybe she'd be back to herself in the morning.

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The next morning, Charlotte woke up after Gordon had left. She showered and dressed quickly. She pulled out a bag she could use as a carry on and tightly rolled several pairs of clothes. She didn't really need much else. She left her cellphone, knowing she might be found if he tried tracking her.

After she finished packing she took her marriage license and a wrote a letter to Gordon so he wouldn't worry. After she finished writing, she slipped her wedding ring off and left it with the letter. She couldn't contain her sobs any longer. She had promised to love him forever; and so she would. She would always deeply love him. But she couldn't stay in a relationship built on lies and she wouldn't share him with someone else. She would step aside and move on the best way she could.

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Gordon made it home that night on time but didn't see Charlotte. He shrugged his shoulders and went to their room to was up for dinner.

He noticed an envelope on his pillow with his name. He smiled. Had Charlotte written him a note? He picked it up and noticed her marriage license underneath. He frowned. Why was that on his pillow?

He opened the letter and something fell out on the bed. Her wedding ring. Gordon sucked in a sharp breath and quickly opened the letter.

"Dear Gordon,

I'm sorry this is so abrupt but I needed to get away and I knew if I told you in person, you wouldn't let me leave.

I know about Sara and the daughter she had with you. The little girl looks so much like you that I knew she had to be yours.

I can't stay in a marriage with those kinds of secrets and I won't stand idly by while you and Sara meet together. I can't. It hurts too much. Now I know why things have seemed off between us since before mom died. You had her and didn't need me anymore.

I am leaving the country and have already filed for divorce. My lawyer should be in contact soon. I asked for nothing from you, only a clean break and a fresh start. I wish you, Sara and your daughter a happy life together in sincerity.

All my love,

Charlotte

PS, I'm returning your ring. I can't wear something that represents eternal love knowing ours was destroyed so quickly. But I did promise to love you forever, and I will keep my word.