Chapter 9: Encounter

They had already played all the thrilling games at the amusement park, and the ones left were for little kids.

Charlotte Cooper nodded in agreement.

A horror movie was showing recently, and it was said that it had made an entire theater cry when it was first released. Plus, it was in 3D, making it look incredibly real.

It was hailed as a masterpiece by horror and mystery movie buffs.

When Henry Russell suggested watching it, Charlotte looked at the exaggerated movie poster with a I'm-so-scared expression.

"I'm easily frightened; I don't really dare to watch horror movies."

Henry's heart leapt with joy, but he maintained a stoic exterior. "It's fine; I'll be with you."

The two bought movie tickets and went inside, with Henry even buying popcorn for Charlotte.

Charlotte excitedly entered the screening room, planning to dive into Henry's arms and steal a kiss or something when the movie's climax came, scared or not. Just thinking about it made her feel giddy.

However, she overestimated the movie.

As the theater was filled with shrieks, Charlotte watched the screen with an indescribable feeling.

There were too many fake blood bags, and the actors' mouths were too big. It really ruined the immersion.

Could a person who vomited so much blood still crawl?

The killer in the back was somewhat intimidating because of the environment and music, but did his legs have to tremble so much? Was he really that scared while making the horror movie?

As the movie's climax unfolded, Charlotte almost threw her popcorn at the screen in frustration.

Where was the promised horror? How could she throw herself into Henry's arms with such a simple plot and visuals?

She sneaked a glance at Henry and found that he was sitting upright, his face showing a bit of impatience.

Charlotte turned her gaze back to the front and saw that several people in the row ahead had already huddled together.

Even worse, some were taking advantage of the darkness to steal kisses.

Charlotte clenched her teeth, looking at the protagonist on the screen with a ghastly white face and blood-red lips. She was too embarrassed to throw herself into Henry's arms.

She decided that she would give the movie a terrible review when she got home.

Upon leaving the theater, Charlotte was noticeably dejected.

"What's wrong?"

Henry asked softly, opening the car door for her.

Charlotte shook her head, the small handbag in her hands. "I didn't get to kiss you today."

Her voice was soft, like a kitten pawing at one's heartstrings.

Henry was momentarily stunned before breaking into a smile.

Hearing his joyful laughter, Charlotte raised her head to tell him not to laugh at her, only to be suddenly pinned against the car.

In her astonished gaze, Henry accurately sealed her lips with his own. His kiss was passionate and deep, leaving Charlotte somewhat at a loss.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally stopped.

"Now we've kissed, hmm?"

Henry looked at Charlotte's astonished face; the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement.

"Get in the car; I'll take you to dinner."

Sitting in the passenger seat, Charlotte was still a bit dazed.

Henry drove without glancing, seemingly aware that Charlotte was frequently stealing glances at him. He turned to her, "Do you want more?"

It took Charlotte two seconds to register what he meant before she blushed and shook her head.

Damn! She'd been flirted with again.

The restaurant they went to for dinner was a Western one. As they were led to their seats by the waiter, Charlotte glanced to the side and saw a familiar figure.

That person was also looking at her.

It was her first love, Lucas Carter.

Charlotte knew Lucas had gone abroad but didn't know when he had come back.

Following her gaze, Henry also saw Lucas, his face darkening as he instantly wrapped Charlotte in the crook of his arm with his jacket.

As her world suddenly went dark and Henry's familiar scent filled her nose, Charlotte struggled.

"Henry Russell, what are you doing!"

Charlotte grabbed the clothes and threw them onto him, staring at him with a feigned annoyance.

"What did you call me?" Henry Russell looked over with cold eyes.

Charlotte paused, just recalling the name she had called him. Seeing the displeasure on his face, she smiled and said, "Husband."

Hearing her pleasant voice gently say these two words, Henry's face softened a little.

By the time Charlotte looked again, Lucas Carter had averted his gaze.

"Next time I see you looking at another man, no matter the situation, I'll kiss you until your hands and feet go weak," Henry's alluring voice echoed in Charlotte's ear.

Charlotte paused; she knew he was angry, so she laughed and said, "Understood."

Transforming into an ideal man, Henry Russell was simply irresistible as he cut her steak and ladled soup for her during the meal.

Charlotte calmly waited for his feeding.

Seeing how attentive Henry was, her eyes were filled with laughter.

"What are you looking at?" Henry asked as he held a fruit to her mouth.

"Looking at you!" Charlotte answered generously.

Seeing her eyes filled with love, the corners of Henry's lips curved up.

If it weren't for being reincarnated, he wouldn't have had the chance to be with her again, nor would he have seen these eyes that belonged to him alone. No one could take her away from him.

Henry looked over at Lucas Carter, but his table was already empty.

"What's wrong?" Charlotte asked, looking at the man before her who suddenly seemed under pressure.

"Nothing, just tell me when you're done eating and we'll go home." Henry looked up at her and smiled gently.

"I'm full now," Charlotte replied.

As Henry fetched the car, Charlotte waited for him on the side of the road.

She happened to see Lucas send the woman he was dining with to her car.

When he met her gaze, he seemed somewhat surprised and headed directly toward her.

Standing under the streetlight, his shadow stretched long. Lucas, coming from a scholarly family and having stunning good looks, exuded a gentle air, like a public figure from the television of the Republican era.

"Finished eating?" he asked.

Looking at Charlotte, his eyes appeared to suppress something, as his gaze remained persistent and passionate.

Charlotte nodded, standing tall.

"I returned to the country a few days ago and have been eager to see you. It took some effort to get your number, but your phone was always switched off," he explained.

Charlotte didn't know he had called, nor had she received any calls.

"Genna!" His low voice tried to touch her face, but Charlotte dodged it.

"I'm married," she stated.

"I know, but he doesn't love you," Lucas said, his phoenix-eyes locked onto her.

Charlotte disliked his predatory gaze and took two steps back, saying, "But I love him very much, so stay away from me in the future and avoid any suspicions!"

She spoke the last two words decisively.

"You can't be with him!" Lucas suddenly became very agitated.

Seeing him so emotional, Charlotte was puzzled; unusual for Lucas to lose control, this was one of those rare moments.

"Why not?" Charlotte asked.

Upon seeing her cold and distant eyes, Lucas felt a touch of heartache, "Because you will die if you stay with him!"

Charlotte had always had this feeling because the change in Henry had been sudden, but what did Lucas mean by this?

"What do you know?" Charlotte questioned.

"Genna, believe me, you can't be with him anymore. He will hurt you and kill you; you must get a divorce immediately," he urged.

However, suspicion and caution spread across her face.

"On your 25th birthday, May 4th, you will suddenly die, and the killer will be Henry Russell," Lucas said grimly. As she continued to appear distrustful, he added, "It's because Lily McKenzie is back, and since you refuse to divorce, you must die for her to take your place."

Finally, something changed in Charlotte's face, but she remained calm and said, "That's just your word against his."

At that moment, Henry's voice called from a distance, "Genna, come here!"