21 The Rival

The next day, Charlotte woke early to prepare for lunch at the Zhou family mansion. She was nervous. Even though Gordon assured her that his parents accepted her, and even though they seemed kind, Charlotte was afraid something would go wrong. She was notoriously clumsy when she was nervous. She was of ordinary birth. She knew the world that Gordon and his family moved in was as far from her as heaven was from earth. Compared to so many other women she was unworthy; but Gordon had chosen her.

She sighed. No matter if she would rise or fall she had to go about her day and hope for the best.

She showered, styled her hair and did her makeup in a soft and graceful manner. She turned to her closet and sighed. What did she have that was fitting to wear for this occasion?

Suddenly her doorbell rang. She frowned and hurried to the door in Her bathrobe. Who was it so early?

She looked out and saw Gordon with a large box.

"Good morning." She greeted cheerfully as she opened the door. Gordon walked in and placed the box on the bar.

"Morning. What's for breakfast?" Gordon asked.

"Uh, I can make some congee if you'd like." Charlotte said slowly. Had she forgotten a breakfast date with him?

Suddenly he noticed her bare feet.

"Where are your slippers? You'll catch cold." Gordon scolded. She stuck out her tongue and went to put on her shoes.

"What's in this box?" Charlotte asked as she moved it out of the way to start breakfast preparations.

"Open it and see." Gordon said.

Charlotte lifted the lid to reveal a soft peach colored dress. She gently lifted the dress out and held it against herself. It was a mid-length dress with a vintage vibe.

"Gordon, it's beautiful!" She breathed.

"Hurry, put it on." Gordon instructed.

"Oh, no, I better finish your breakfast first. I don't want to stain the dress." Charlotte said, taking the dress back to her room.

She came back out and prepared the porridge. While he ate she went to get dressed. Charlotte came back out and Gordon couldn't help but stare. The dress hugged her curves perfectly but it was conservative enough to be appropriate for a family lunch. With her hair pinned up, a pair of low white heels and a single strand pearl necklace she gave off an air of maturity and elegance.

She smiled shyly. "Is it alright?" She asked.

"Beautiful." He managed.

"I feel like that American actress, Audrey Hepburn!" Charlotte exclaimed.

"You're much prettier than she is." Gordon insisted.

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When they finally reached the Zhou family mansion, Charlotte was inwardly panicking. She felt a foreboding sense that something was wrong.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm here." Gordon said, reaching for her hand to pull her out of the car.

He led her inside the imposing home where it seemed that the entire Zhou family had showed up to take a look at her. She recognized Gordon's father; he told them that Anna was cooking the meal herself. There was also an elderly woman and a middle aged couple. They were introduced as Gordon's grandmother, second uncle and aunt. They all seemed to be genuinely welcoming. Especially Gordon's grandmother. She seemed so kind and joyful.

They all sat around talking together before the meal when the butler announced the arrival of a woman named Lucy Mu.

Charlotte noticed Gordon's face immediately twisted into a deep frown. Grandmother Stella and Gordon's father Robert both wore frozen smiles. Even his aunt and uncle exchanged glances.

An especially beautiful woman strolled into the room wearing big brands and expensive perfume. She looked to be around Charlotte's age. Charlotte immediately read the situation. This girl was trouble.

"I hope I'm not disturbing you but when I heard Gordon was coming home for a visit I just had to drop by." Her soft voice rang out. Charlotte felt her irritation growing.

She approached Gordon with a smile. "Brother Gordon it's been so long since I've seen you!" She gushed reaching out to touch his arm. He stiffened and pulled his arm away.

"Miss Mu." He acknowledged in a hard voice.

"Oh, who is this little sister?" She turned her eyes to Charlotte who was nestled in Gordon's embrace. Lucy frowned. Since when did Gordon act so intimately with a woman?

"This is my future wife, Charlotte Xia." Gordon announced with pride.

For a moment Lucy's smile faltered but she quickly faked her happiness.

"Congratulations. If you want any good stories about Gordon you should come to me. We grew up together and I know him very well." Lucy directed towards Charlotte.

Charlotte smiled knowingly. "Miss Mu is kind to offer but if I have questions about Gordon's past I believe I should ask him about it."

Lucy's face turned black but she quickly changed her appearance to appear gentle and soft.

"Gordon, how long are you here for? I'd love to take you out to a meal as old and dear friends." Lucy emphasized old and dear.

"I'm afraid that won't be possible. We go back this evening for work tomorrow. And the only women I go out with publicly are my mother, grandmother, and my Charlotte." Gordon replied in an icy voice.