Chapter 2 How Could You Cheat on Him

After saying that, Charlotte retreated to her bedroom, locking herself away. Margaret, watching her leave, felt a deep sense of pity and sighed quietly. Charlotte spent the night crying alone in her room. When she awoke the next morning to the sunlight streaming in, she wished desperately that the previous night had been just a bad dream. Just as she thought about checking on Frank in the study, the bedroom door swung open abruptly. Standing at the doorway was her mother-in-law, Harper Miller. The moment Charlotte saw Harper, her tears started flowing again. Before Charlotte could say a word, Harper spoke bluntly, "I know about it. The children you're carrying aren't my son's. He asked me to convince you to give them up." Charlotte managed to say, "Harper, even you believe this..." Harper was unmoved. "You were unfaithful first. You got pregnant with another man's children. If Frank hadn't told me, we would still be in the dark. I can't believe you would do such a thing." Charlotte was shaken. "I didn't cheat, Harper. These children were a decision we both made. You've got it all wrong," she pleaded, her body trembling. She couldn't fathom how the situation had spiraled so out of control, leading to such a heartbreaking misunderstanding. Despite Charlotte's explanations, Harper remained convinced that Charlotte had been unfaithful. "He won't divorce you, but you must give up the children. That's his only condition. There are many families eager to adopt, so you needn't worry about them," Harper firmly said. Holding her belly protectively, Charlotte asserted, "I'm not giving up my children. You may not acknowledge them, but they are mine. You have no right to decide for me." Harper's look was cold, devoid of any previous warmth. "Do you really want this scandal to become public?" Feeling cornered and desperate, Charlotte shook her head. She longed for someone to support her. "These children were conceived through IVF. I haven't cheated. This was our mutual decision from the start." Harper, having always treated Charlotte like a daughter since her marriage to Frank, was deeply shocked to hear Frank's accusation of infidelity. Despite her initial disbelief, she chose to believe her son under the circumstances. "I know you're trying to defend yourself, but the truth remains. If you're not cooperative, I'll have my son divorce you," Harper said, her tone steeped in arrogance. Charlotte protested, "Frank won't do that..." "The decision to divorce is not yours to make. I've already spoken to your father. He'll be here soon. It's best if both our families discuss this together." After Harper's departure, Charlotte sat on the floor, emotionally exhausted but still firmly cradling her belly, insisting on her innocence. When Charlotte's father, Bill Hall, arrived, the sound of their heated argument reached her upstairs. Harper, usually composed, was now vocally defending her son. "I've seen Charlotte grow up. I never thought she would be so irresponsible. "We've treated her so well, and she's let us down greatly. "It might be better for Frank to divorce her quickly. Our family can't be associated with such a scandal." Charlotte hurried downstairs, her face etched with distress. Seeing her father, she managed to say, "Dad..." Bill looked at his daughter with a grave expression. "Who's the father of the children?" Charlotte stood frozen, her heart sinking. She wondered in dismay why her father, who had always shown her love, now doubted her. Clenching her fists, she said with conviction, "They're Frank's children." Before Bill could respond, Harper cut in, "You still won't admit the truth?" Bill, caught in a whirlwind of emotions, said, "Your mother-in-law may be right. Perhaps it's best to give up the children after birth. "You're young; you'll have your own children someday. Just apologize, and we can put this behind us." "Dad, I haven't cheated," Charlotte insisted, her voice firm. She didn't know how else to convince them. It was baffling to her why they refused to believe the truth. Bill, looking disappointed, said, "The evidence is clear. Why can't you admit your mistake? I thought I raised you better than this." Bill turned to Harper with a decisive tone, "I'll convince Charlotte to give up the children. She and Frank have always had a good relationship. If the children are given up, they won't have to divorce, right?" Harper agreed, seeing this as an opportunity to maintain control over Charlotte in the future. Bill tried several times to persuade Charlotte, but she steadfastly refused, determined to keep her children. Frustrated and angry, Bill left. It was then that Frank came down from upstairs, echoing his earlier stance, "Send the children away." Charlotte, realizing the situation was unchangeable, wiped her tears and faced Frank with resolution. "Let's get a divorce," she said firmly. Frank's expression hardened as he grappled with his emotions. "Would you really choose divorce over giving up the children?" Charlotte, looking at him with a mix of disbelief and scorn, couldn't suppress a bitter laugh. "I didn't see your true colors until now. I'll do whatever it takes to protect my children." Despite knowing the truth, Frank had remained silent when Harper and Bill rebuked Charlotte. He was the architect of the falsehoods that painted her as the villain. Her friends had always admired her for marrying what seemed like a perfect man, but she could never have guessed his true, deceitful nature. She felt deeply betrayed. "Fine," Frank sneered, "We'll divorce, but you're leaving with nothing." "Why? Half of this house is mine by right! In a divorce, we should divide our assets equally." "I'm not accusing you of cheating. Letting you leave without anything is already generous. Don't push your luck," he snapped back. Charlotte felt really let down. "Now I see who you really are after all this time," she sighed. "Let's just finish the divorce quickly." "Sure, go ahead. Find your lover," Frank said with biting sarcasm.