"Papa?" Charlotte asked softly, knocking on Nadir's bedroom door. "Papa, are you awake?"

"Just about, yes," Nadir said as he opened the door, smiling at her. "Good morning."

"Good morning," Charlotte smiled. "Get back in bed. I brought you breakfast."

"Oh, you didn't have to do that. I was going to be downstairs shortly," he replied.

"I know, but I wanted to do something nice, so get back in bed," Charlotte laughed. "Come on."

"Alright, alright," Nadir said, shaking his head fondly as he walked back to his bed and sat down. "Thank you, Charlotte."

"You're welcome," Charlotte smiled. "How do you feel?"

"I'm alright. Better than last night."

"Good," Charlotte nodded, setting a tray on his lap. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Not particularly, darling. It's not easy to heal a broken heart," Nadir said with a small smile.

"I know, Papa, but if there's anything I can do, I want to know."

"I will let you know if there is something you can do," Nadir replied. "I know you want to help, and I will let you. For now, this breakfast is wonderful."

"Thank you," Charlotte smiled, kissing his cheek. "Let me know when you finish. Angelina's been wanting to see you."

"I'll make my way down when I'm done. I want to see my granddaughter as well."

"Wonderful. She'll be happy," Charlotte nodded. "Well, I'll let you eat in peace."

"Thank you. I'll see you shortly," Nadir replied

"You're welcome." Charlotte sent home a smile before returning downstairs to eat breakfast with her family.

"Hi Mama," Angelina said as her mother walked into the room.

"Hello, darling," Erik said, getting out of his seat to give Charlotte a kiss. "Did Nadir appreciate the surprise?"

"Yes, he did," Charlotte smiled. "He said that he'll come down when he finishes."

"Good. Someone has been asking for Grandpa all morning," Erik said, smiling at his daughter.

"I want to see him too," Gustave said with a small frown.

"I know," Charlotte chuckled, sitting beside the boy and wrapping an arm around him. "How are your eggs?"

"Good. Thank you, Mother," he replied as he gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"You're very welcome, my dear. What do you have planned for the day?"

"Papa was going to help me with my homework a little, and then he's going to teach me piano a bit more," Gustave replied. "But James said I can go to his house for dinner tonight. Can I, Papa?"

"I don't mind," Erik said with a small shrug, sipping his coffee. "It's up to Charlotte."

Gustave looked at Charlotte with a grin. "Can I?" he asked again.

"I see no problem with it," Charlotte smiled. "Go ahead."

"Thank you," Gustave said as he took another bite of his breakfast.

"What about you, Charlotte? Any plans for today?" Erik asked. "Because I'll be helping Gustave and I have a bit of work to do as well, so you have a day to yourself and Angelina."

"I don't know what I'll do. I'm not used to having free time," Charlotte shrugged. "Maybe I'll go spend way too much money on baby clothes."

"That sounds like a good idea," Erik replied with a chuckle. "We can never have enough baby clothes, can we?"

"Never," Charlotte giggled. "Angelina loves to shop, so that certainly doesn't help."

"I would imagine. If this next baby is a girl as well and I end up with two daughters who love to shop, I have a feeling I'll be in trouble."

"I believe you will be," Charlotte said with a laugh. "But you'll be able to figure it out."

"Somehow. I'll manage," Erik said.

"You always do," Charlotte chuckled.

Erik then looked to the doorway of the kitchen and smiled as Nadir walked in. "Good morning," he said.

"Good morning, Papa," Charlotte smiled. "How was your breakfast?"

"Delicious. Thank you again," Nadir replied as he looked at Angelina with a wide smile. "Hello, Angelina. I hear you've been looking for me this morning."

"Gam-pa!" Angelina grinned, reaching for him to pick her up.

Nadir chuckled and lifted her into his arms, kissing her cheek. "How are you, dear?"

"Good," Angelina smiled, kissing his cheek.

"Papa, I was just trying to decide what to do today. Perhaps you, Angelina, and I could go out," Charlotte said with a nod.

"That sounds wonderful. Did you have somewhere in mind?" Nadir asked.

"We can go wherever you want," Charlotte smiled.

"Well, now I have so much freedom. I don't know what to do with it!" Nadir then looked at Angelina with a smile. "What do you want to do, young lady?"

"Park," Angelina said softly.

"I had a feeling you would say that, you know."

Angelina grinned, kissing his cheek.

"How does the park sound, Charlotte?" Nadir asked.

"Perfect," Charlotte smiled. "We can go to lunch after."

Nadir nodded. "Erik, you and Gustave can occupy yourselves, right?"

"Certainly," Erik said with a nod. "You three can go have some fun."

Angelina clapped when she heard her father say that, making Nadir chuckle. "Well, if we just get ready, we can head out sooner than later."

"Alright. I'll get Angelina ready," Charlotte nodded, gently taking the baby from him. "Come on, darling."

"Mama," Angelina said, leaning her head on her mother's shoulder

"You're so precious," Charlotte smiled.

Nadir smiled at the pair, giving them both a kiss on the cheek. "Go get ready, Angelina. Then we'll go to the park," he said.

"Park!" Angelina grinned as Charlotte carried her upstairs.

"She is certainly excited," Erik chuckled.

"I would say so," Nadir nodded, laughing a bit. "She's an adorable little thing."

"She is, yes. I have adorable children, that much is true."

"Very," Nadir smiled. "So, what are your plans for today?"

"Homework and piano lessons with this young man," Erik said as he ruffled Gustave's hair. "Then a bit of work for me once we're done."

"Sounds exciting," Nadir said with a chuckle. "Well, I'll leave you to it. Have fun."

"Yes, you too. Watch my girls for me."

"I will, don't worry. I'll see you later." Nadir stepped into the front foyer just as Charlotte came back downstairs with Angelina, who was now dressed in a little blush pink day dress. "Are we ready to go?" he asked.

"Yes, we are," Charlotte nodded. "Let's."

Nadir smiled and slipped his shoes on before he opened the front door and let Charlotte step out. "I appreciate the breakfast, darling. I know I told you that, but I just thought I'd say it again," he said as they started their walk to the local park.

"You're very welcome, Papa. It was my pleasure," Charlotte smiled, kissing his cheek.

"You got to sleep last night at a good time, right? You weren't up too late?"

"I went to sleep soon after our conversation," Charlotte nodded. "Don't worry, I slept just fine."

"I'm just making sure. It's the father in me, I'm sorry," Nadir said with a smile.

"It's okay," Charlotte chuckled, slipping her hand into his. "I appreciate the fact that you care. I love you for that."

"I'm glad. That irritated Erik to no end when we lived in Persia, but in the terrible state he was in, there was no way I wasn't going to check up on him," Nadir said.

"If it makes you feel better, I did the same thing when I first moved in here. Of course, he fancied me so he didn't say anything."

"Lucky you. He definitely said something to me. He never stopped telling me off for taking care of him."

"That sounds like him," Charlotte chuckled. "I'm sorry you had to put up with him."

Nadir shrugged. "It wasn't all bad. There were good moments over those couple of years we had together."

"Well, that's good," Charlotte nodded. "You're a really wonderful person to take us both in. How did you ever get Erik out of that traveling fair?"

"Very carefully and quietly. I had seen him when they visited the palace and as a father, my heart broke. As the Daroga, it was risky for me to do, but I knew I couldn't leave him there. So that night, I snuck out, picked the lock and carried him back to my home," Nadir explained. "I remember how much my hands shook, but it was worth the risk."

"I think that's really wonderful," Charlotte said with a smile. "How old was he at the time?"

"Fourteen, I believe. Still only a boy, really," Nadir said with a shake of his head.

"Poor thing," Charlotte sighed. "I hate that he had to go through that."

"I know, it's tragic. He didn't tell me much of what he'd seen before we met, but I knew he was abused practically since he was born. His mother was a wicked woman. Or so he told me," Nadir said quietly.

"I feel very bad for him," Charlotte nodded. "He's been through a lot."

Nadir sighed. "That he has. It gives us cause to worry for him and his heart, doesn't it?"

"Yes, it does," Charlotte said with a sigh. "I worry about him constantly."

"As do I, but you and his children have lifted some of his stress. He is relieved simply by being around you three. You're doing much to help him. He had that with me and my son, but once Reza died and he left...he didn't have much else for years."

"Poor darling. It's terrible how he's been treated," Charlotte said, shaking her head.

"That it is. You're helping to repair him, though. You know that, don't you?"

"I guess. It still bothers him, though. I won't be fully happy 'til his nightmares are gone."

"My darling, as much as we all wish for that, I hate to say it's farfetched. They've plagued him since he was living under my roof," Nadir said. "That is deep-seeded trauma causing that."

"I know," Charlotte sighed. "It's terrible."

"It is. Does he...does he still wake up like he used to? A cold sweat, crying out?" Nadir asked.

"Yes, he does," Charlotte nodded. "It's awful."

Nadir nodded. "I'm sorry you have to see him like that. I can imagine it breaks your heart."

"It really does, but I'd rather be there for him when he gets them than for him to endure it alone," Charlotte said softly.

"Of course. That's what he needs - support. He's been denied that for so long."

"I still don't understand how a mother could treat her child as he was treated," Charlotte frowned.

"Neither do I. I can't even imagine doing that to my child, no matter what he looked like," Nadir said with a sigh.

"Exactly. They are the real monsters."

"Yes, that would be the right word."

"It is, yes. Still, like I've said, he's in the best mental state I've ever seen him in. All thanks to you and his kids," Nadir replied.

"Thank you," Charlotte smiled. "It really makes me feel better to hear that."

"I'm glad. You have to believe that you're making a difference for him. I'm sure he's told you that."

"Yes, he has," Charlotte nodded. "I do what I can."

"Good. That's all he needs - if you do your best, he'll appreciate it," Nadir replied

"I hope so," Charlotte said with a small smile. "I want to do everything I can for him."

"And you are. You're being a supportive wife and that's all a man can ask for. He adores you, Charlotte."

"I'm glad," Charlotte nodded. "I adore him too."

Nadir smiled. "I know you do," he said before he laughed a bit when Angelina saw the park just ahead and clapped her hands. "Someone's excited."

"It would appear so," Charlotte giggled, kissing her daughter's cheek.

"Let's go to the swings, Angelina," Nadir said as he took the little girl from her mother's arms. "I know you love those."

"Swing!" Angelina grinned.

Nadir laughed and walked to the swings, setting Angelina onto one and giving her a little push. "How have you been otherwise, Charlotte?" Nadir asked. "How has the pregnancy been so far?"

"Well, there's been a lot more kicking, and I've been much more tired," Charlotte sighed.

"I wonder what that says about the baby. Energetic, I would guess. You and Erik are going to have your work cut out for you. Or..." Nadir smirked. "Maybe it's twins."

"I'm beginning to think you're right," Charlotte nodded. "I wish we could know for sure."

"If only. Then you two would be able to prepare yourselves better," her father said. "I don't know how Erik would react. Happy, yes, but the initial shock might kill him."

"Exactly. That's why we aren't saying a word," Charlotte sighed. "I don't want him to worry."

Nadir nodded. "Of course. No point in stressing him out over something that may not be true," he said. "How would you feel if it were twins?"

"Well, let's just say that I'm not going to be happy giving birth to two people. One is hard enough."

"So I've heard, yes."

"Weren't you in the room when Reza was born?"

"I was, but I wasn't the one delivering him. I just wasn't going to agree with your personal account of the pain," Nadir said with a smirk. "Though watching Rookheya give birth was one of the most difficult, yet incredible, things I've ever seen."

"So I've been told," Charlotte chuckled. "My experience was much different."

"Given how long Gustave was sitting in a corner, yes, it was very different from when Reza was born."

Charlotte nodded. "Let's just say that it wasn't exactly my favorite experience."

"I would think not," Nadir said with a chuckle, looking down at a giggling Angelina. "Well worth it, though."

"I'll say," Charlotte smiled. "I am quite excited for the after part of the birth, getting to hold the baby for the first time."

"There is something about that experience, isn't there? Holding the little person that you had a hand in creating is incredible."

"Very," Charlotte nodded. "It's perhaps the most magical experience ever."

Nadir smiled. "It really is," he said. "That's something I am glad that I got to see—Rookheya holding Reza for the first and only time before she died. My heart had never been so full before then."

"How long after did she pass away?" Charlotte asked softly.

"Within the hour," Nadir replied with a small nod. "She had lost too much blood and was very weak. It was almost inevitable, unfortunately."

"I'm sorry, Papa. That's horrible," Charlotte sighed, gently putting a hand on his back. "That must have been so difficult for you. I can't imagine."

"Yes, I wasn't quite sure what I was going to do. I was young and widowed with a newborn baby. It was a scary time," Nadir admitted. "Then I found out Reza was ill and...I didn't know how I was meant to proceed."

"You did everything you could, Papa. I'm sure they both died happy," Charlotte nodded.

"I would like to think so," he said softly. "The way Reza died was...peaceful. I was with him and Erik...he was there too."

"You've certainly been through a lot, Papa," Charlotte said softly, kissing his cheek. "It's not fair."

Nadir sighed. "I have. Reza's death was the most difficult thing I've experienced, besides losing Rookheya. And I know it was difficult for Erik too...for more reasons than one," he said, his voice trailing off at the end of the sentence.

"What do you mean?" Charlotte asked with a frown.

"He's never told you," Nadir whispered as he looked at Charlotte and came to that realization.

"Told me what? Papa, what's going on?"

Nadir took a deep breath before he wrapped his hand around his daughter's. "Charlotte, my darling...Erik assisted in Reza's death," he said softly.

"I-I'm sorry, what?" Charlotte stammered.

"Erik was the one who put an end to Reza's life, Charlotte."

"He...he what? You said he died because was ill."

"He was incredibly ill, yes, and he was suffering very much," Nadir explained, his throat tightening as he spoke. "Erik knew this to be true and helped me realize that it was cruel to let him suffer. So he helped the boy drink an herbal...concoction of sorts that stopped his heart."

"How can you even stand to look at him?" Charlotte frowned. "I could understand everything involving the Opera Populaire, but this? My god."

Nadir shook his head. "Initially, I couldn't," he whispered. "All I saw was my son's murderer. Then I realized he had tried his best to help. He had allowed Reza to enjoy his final months on this earth, and I knew that if he could have helped, he would have saved that child a thousand times over. When I went to his room that night and saw him sobbing...I knew he had never wanted to do it."

Charlotte stared blankly down at her shoes for a few moments, trying to get her head around this information. She wanted to be angry, but there was something about the mention of her husband crying that pulled on her heart. Finally looking up, she simply said, "I'm so sorry."

"Thank you," Nadir said quietly. "Are you alright? I know the look in your eyes when you're trying to understand something. Ask questions if you have them, my darling."

"Do you need a hug?" was the only thing that came to Charlotte's mind.

Nadir smiled weakly. "Perhaps," he said. "Retelling that story and just remembering how my boy was practically dead when Erik laid him in my arms...that warrants a hug, I believe."

Charlotte nodded and tightly wrapped her arms around him. "I love you so much, Papa."

"I love you too, Charlotte," Nadir replied as he hugged her with one arm while his other still gently pushed Angelina on the swing. "If you tell Erik...I think it would be good if he knew that you know. He hates secrets being kept and will only be mad at us both if we hide it. But just be gentle...do not be angry with him"

"I won't be, Papa," Charlotte said softly. "Don't worry."

"I know you won't, I'm just reminding you. I know how much he still hates himself for doing that to Reza and to me," Nadir said. "I wouldn't want him to despise himself more if he thinks you're angry about it."

"I wouldn't want that either," Charlotte sighed. "I won't be angry, I promise."

Nadir nodded. "Good. I could tell you were a little bit...put off by what I said to begin with, which is why I said something."

"I know. It just took a moment to understand it all," Charlotte replied. "I understand that he did it because he didn't want the boy to suffer any longer."

"He adored Reza and couldn't bear to see him in so much pain. Plus...I think he saw how much of a toll it was taking on me. I became like an older brother to him, so to watch me get worn down caring for my son was difficult for him."

"It must have been incredibly difficult for both of you," Charlotte said with a nod.

Nadir nodded. "We had each other, though, which helped significantly," he said softly.

"I'm sure," Charlotte smiled. "How old was Reza when he passed? I know you've told me before, but I can't recall."

"He had just turned ten," Nadir said quietly.

"Poor boy," Charlotte sighed.

Nadir nodded. "He was such a happy little boy. Erik truly did add to that, with his music and his magic. He gave Reza that little bit of hope he needed at the end."

"Well, I'm sure that made you happy," Charlotte said with a small smile. "Let's move to a happier subject, shall we?"

"Yes, agreed," Nadir said as he looked back to Angelina, who was still smiling as he pushed her on the swing

"What else do we want to do today after lunch?"

"Up to you, dear. Do you need to get anything for the baby?" he asked

"I'm not sure. We could always go to the shops and look around," Charlotte smiled.

"Sounds good. I would happily just walk around town with you two. Plus, maybe Angelina will nod off as we do."

"Let's hope so," Charlotte chuckled. "I'm getting quite peckish. Perhaps we can fix that soon."

"Of course. Shall we go now or give Angelina a few more minutes?" Nadir asked

"Let's ask. Angelina, do you want to swing for a little longer, or do you want food?"

"Food," Angelina said, turning her head to look at her mother

"Alright," Charlotte smiled, gently stopping the swing to lift her daughter into her arms. "Do you want pasta?"

"Pa-ta," she repeated with a smile.

"Is that a new word for her?" Nadir asked. "I don't think I've heard her say that one before."

"Yes, it is," Charlotte grinned. "Good job, Angelina!"

Noticing her mother's wide smile, Angelina clapped her hands. "Pa-ta!"

Charlotte kissed her daughter's cheek. "You're such a smart little girl. Papa will be so proud."

"Pa-pa?" Angelina asked, turning her head to look around for her father

"Papa's at home," Charlotte said softly.

That fact didn't seem to phase the little girl, though, as she simply went back to her main priority: "Pa-ta?"

"Yes, pasta," Charlotte smiled. "Where should we go, Papa? Giovanni's?"

"Oh, that place has delicious food. Yes, let's go there," Nadir said with a nod.

"Oh, yes. I believe that was the first restaurant Erik and I ate at after we came home from our honeymoon."

"Then let's go back! A nice little memory as well."

"Pa-ta!" Angelina grinned.

Nadir chuckled. "I would say someone's hungry. Let's get going," he said.

"Yes, let's," Charlotte chuckled.

—————

"Erik?" Charlotte asked softly, knocking on her husband's study door. "Can I come in?"

"Yes, of course," Erik replied from inside. "I'm just finishing up some work."

Charlotte opened the door. "How is the designing going?"

"Fairly well today. I'm rather pleased with the amount I've gotten done," he said. "I'm almost done with this particular commission."

"Wonderful," Charlotte smiled. "Guess what? Angelina said pasta!"

"Did she?" Erik asked, turning his chair to face his wife. "That's wonderful!"

"Yes, it is," Charlotte nodded. "I brought her a new dress, by the way."

Erik smiled. "Lovely. I'm excited to see it."

"Good," Charlotte said softly. "So...Papa and I were talking at the park...he was telling me more about Reza."

"Was he? Like what?" Erik asked as he picked his pencil up again and continued working on the design in front of him.

"Like...like how he died."

"Ah. I'm surprised he's able to talk about it. The boy was truly ill, and the night he finally succumbed to his disease was a nightmare."

"He told me what you did," Charlotte sighed.

Erik stiffened, his pencil freezing on the page. "He...he did?" he whispered.

"Yes, he did," Charlotte nodded. "He thought it was a good idea that I tell you that I know."

Erik hung his head, but nodded and returned to his work without another word.

Charlotte gently put her hands on his shoulders. "I know you only did it because you didn't want him to suffer."

"I still killed him," he whispered.

"Darling, he was going to die either way. You helped him to die in peace rather than agony."

Erik took a shaky sigh, setting his pencil down so he could fidget with his fingers a bit. "But what it did to Nadir..." he started to say, only to stop and cover his mouth with his hand.

"Shh, It's alright," Charlotte said softly, kissing the top of his head.

"I understand if you're upset, you know. I did murder an innocent child," Erik whispered, unable to keep his voice from breaking.

"I'm not upset with you, darling," Charlotte sighed. "You didn't murder him."

"I did, love. I put an end to his life, I killed him. I set him in his father's arms as he took his last breath."

"But darling, it was for his own good. Even Papa agrees."

"That's what he says out loud. I know he holds it against me," Erik said.

"He really doesn't, dear. If he did, he would have told me."

"And why would he do that? You're his daughter. He wouldn't want to give you any cause to think he hates the man you've married for one reason or another."

"Because Papa and I tell each other everything," Charlotte said softly. "And I do mean everything."

Erik sighed, looking up at Charlotte with tear-filled eyes. "You're too gracious, you know. You have every right to be mad. I did kill the only child of the man that you call 'Papa'," he said.

"My darling, don't cry. I promise that I'm not upset," Charlotte said with a sigh, kissing his forehead.

"I know, I just...I think I'm more angry with myself than anything," Erik replied

"Erik, you did that boy a favor."

"He trusted me to keep him safe and I killed him."

"Oh, darling," Charlotte sighed.

"It's true," Erik whispered, looking down at his feet.

"Shh, Erik, if you didn't do it, he would have gone on to suffer so much longer."

"I know, but that doesn't make it any easier on my conscience, as numb as it is."

Charlotte kissed his cheek. "I'm not upset with you, if that helps."

"A bit, yes," he said quietly.

"Good," Charlotte said with a small smile. "I love you."

"I'm not quite sure how, but thank you. I love you too."

"Very easily, my darling. Very easily."

Erik shook his head as he met her eyes again. "Even with what I've done? You amaze me," he whispered.

"Shh, it's in the past," Charlotte said softly.

With a sigh, Erik leaned his head against her chest and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Thank you," he said quietly.

"You're welcome," Charlotte smiled. "Now, get home and give me a proper hug."

Erik got to his feet and hugged Charlotte close to his chest. "Better?" he asked quietly.

"Much," Charlotte grinned, kissing his cheek.

"Now how about you give me a proper kiss?" he said.

"I'll think about it," Charlotte said with a smirk.

Erik leaned back from the hug to look at her with a frown.

Charlotte couldn't help but giggle. "Take off the mask and I'll kiss you."

Erik hesitated for a second, but reached up and slipped his mask off before setting it on his desk. "How about now?" he asked with a smirk.

"Alright, I guess I'll give you a kiss," Charlotte teased, wrapping her arms around his neck as she pressed her lips into his.

Erik smiled a bit through it as he held her close. "I remember you telling me years ago that I was a good kisser, but you're not too bad yourself, you know," he said quietly as he pulled away for a moment and leaned his forehead against hers.

"Why, thank you," Charlotte grinned. "I love you so much, Erik. You're a wonderful person."

"I'm glad you think so."

"I only think it because it's true."

Erik opened his mouth to refute that, but paused and smirked. "I was about to argue your point and this chat will go on forever, so maybe you should just kiss me again to shut me up. Just an idea," he said.

"That is a good idea," Charlotte chuckled, kissing him again.

"We can't sit in my study and do this for the rest of the day, can we?" Erik asked, leaning his head on her shoulder.

"I mean...we could," Charlotte smiled. "Papa might not be too happy."

"Well, we wouldn't want to displease him, would we?" Erik replied sarcastically.

"Well, you owe it to him," Charlotte chuckled.

"I can make it up to him later," Erik said as he gave Charlotte's neck a kiss. "Can't I?"

"I suppose," Charlotte smirked. "Whatever excuse allows us to stay up here."

"I'll figure something out."

"Good," Charlotte smiled, kissing his cheek. "How about we sit in bed and just cuddle?"

"Just cuddle?" Erik chuckled. "I'm sorry, that wasn't appropriate."

"I'm already pregnant," Charlotte laughed.

"That doesn't mean anything," Erik replied with a smile. "We'll just have to lock the door. The children are home."

"Alright. Let's go," Charlotte grinned.

Erik chuckled and gave her a tender kiss. "Nadir better watch the children. If something happens, it's all on him," he said.

"Let's hope we don't further traumatize Gustave," Charlotte chuckled.

"Oh, lord," Erik said, his face turning red right away.

Charlotte couldn't help but giggle. "I love you."

"Yes, I love you too." Erik wrapped his arms around her. "Now. Shall we? If we're moving forward on these plans of ours right now, we can't stay in my study."

"Oh, can't we?" Charlotte smirked.

Erik's eyes went wide. "What?" he asked, his face managing to flush more than before.

Charlotte laughed loudly. "That was an even better reaction than I expected."

"What are you-why-what?" Erik stuttered.

"You are way too innocent for a man of your age," Charlotte giggled, taking his hand. "Come on."

Erik shook his head. "I'm sorry you're the only woman I've been romantically involved with in that way," he replied.

"Then how'd Gustave happen, ay?" Charlotte frowned.

"You're the second woman I've been involved with in that way."

"There we go," Charlotte chuckled. "Now, are we going through with these plans or not?"

"We are, I'm just trying to get my head around where you want to go through with them. I'm not going to lie, you've thrown me off a bit," he admitted.

"Let's just go to the bedroom," Charlotte replied as she shook her head.

"Don't shake your head like that, you've confused me," Erik said with a chuckle.

"Let's just go."

"Okay, okay," he replied, following her out of his study.

Author's note: Wow okay, so it's been super long since we've updated haha. We apologize, but we hope you all enjoyed the update! We have the next few chapters edited as well, so we should have them up pretty soon! :)