Blackwoodshire Love

Chapter 23: Betrayal

Charlotte couldn't believe what she was hearing. A woman had appeared at their doorstep, claiming to be the Duke's ex-lover, and accusing Charlotte of seducing and robbing him. She was shocked and felt betrayed. The Duke tried to calm her down and explain that the woman was lying, but Charlotte couldn't shake off the feeling of being deceived.The Duke's ex-lover was a beautiful woman with striking features and an air of confidence. She strode into the room as if she owned it, and her eyes locked onto Charlotte's. "So, you're the little thief who stole my man," she spat.Charlotte stood frozen, unsure of how to respond. The Duke stepped in and tried to explain that he had broken up with his ex-lover long before he met Charlotte, but she wasn't having any of it. "Don't lie to me," she growled. "I know you're still in love with me. You only went to her because I wasn't available."The Duke was getting visibly upset, and Charlotte could see that he was struggling to keep his composure. She put a hand on his arm, trying to comfort him. "It's okay," she whispered. "I trust you."But the Duke's ex-lover was relentless. "You trust him?" she sneered. "You don't even know the real him. He's a liar and a cheat. And you, you're just a gold digger who's after his title and wealth."Charlotte was taken aback by the accusation. She had never thought of herself as a gold digger. She loved the Duke for who he was, not for his title or wealth. But the ex-lover's words stung, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of doubt.The Duke had had enough. He stepped forward, his eyes blazing with anger. "That's enough," he said. "You have no right to come into my home and insult my wife. You know very well that I broke up with you long before I met Charlotte. And even if I hadn't, it's none of your business who I choose to be with."The ex-lover didn't back down. "You'll regret this," she hissed. "I'll make sure everyone knows what kind of man you really are."With that, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, leaving Charlotte and the Duke standing there in stunned silence.For days after the encounter, Charlotte couldn't shake off the feeling of betrayal. She had always trusted the Duke, but now she couldn't help but wonder if there was any truth to the ex-lover's accusations. She tried to push the doubts aside and focus on the upcoming wedding, but the thought of the ex-lover still lingered in the back of her mind.