CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FOUR – PAST ROMANCES

"The past is past," Richard said dismissively. "What matters is us, here and now. I love you, Charlotte. Isn't that enough?" "Is it?" Charlotte's voice cracked. "I thought love was enough with Alexander, with Julian. But there were always secrets, always something hidden just beneath the surface. And in the end, those secrets destroyed everything." Richard ran a hand through his hair, agitation clear in every line of his body. "Charlotte, please. I'm not Alexander or Julian. What you're asking... it's complicated." "Then uncomplicate it!" Charlotte cried. "I've laid my life bare to you, Richard. Every painful, humiliating detail. Can't you do the same for me?" For a long moment, Richard was silent. Then, with a heavy sigh, he sank into a chair. "You're right. You deserve the truth. But Charlotte, understand that this is a truth I've tried very hard to bury." Charlotte knelt beside him, taking his hands. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together. Just... no more secrets." Richard no