Deception

As Charlotte hurriedly made her way down the grand staircase of the Stoll mansion, her mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions. Betrayal, hurt, and confusion consumed her, leaving her longing for answers that seemed just out of reach. She could feel tears welling up in her eyes, threatening to spill over, as she desperately tried to make sense of the shattered fragments of her once seemingly perfect relationship. But before Charlotte could reach the sanctuary of her car, a voice called out to her from behind. "Charlotte, wait!" She turned, her tear-stained eyes meeting the gaze of Ryke, Scarlett's husband. His usually composed demeanor was now tinged with a hint of urgency and concern. His footsteps quickened as he closed the distance between them, his breath slightly labored. "I need to talk to you," Ryke pleaded, his voice filled with a mix of desperation and sincerity. "Please, just hear me out." Charlotte paused, her heart heavy with a blend of skepticism and longing for answers. “