CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY ONE – THE BEST BOYFRIEND

She opened the door to find Richard standing there, a bouquet of wildflowers in his hand. His smile faltered as he took in her appearance. "Charlotte," he said softly, concern etched across his features. "What's wrong?" The gentle inquiry was her undoing. To her horror, she felt tears welling up in her eyes. "Everything," she whispered, her voice cracking. Richard stepped forward, wrapping her in his arms. She buried her face in his chest, allowing herself a moment of vulnerability. "Hey, hey," he murmured, stroking her hair. "Talk to me. What happened?" She pulled back, wiping at her eyes. "God, I'm sorry. I'm a mess." "Don't apologize," he said firmly. "Just tell me what's going on." They moved to the sofa, and Charlotte recounted the events of the past two days - the rent increase, her car breaking down, the mounting bills. Richard listened intently, his jaw clenching as she spoke. "I don't know what to do," she admitted, her voice small. "I'm drowning here, Richard." He to