Encore Amour (Englot)

Chapter 8: Wounded Harmonies

Engfa's determination to support Charlotte remained unwavering, despite the walls Charlotte had erected around herself. Each day presented a new challenge, but Engfa was steadfast in her resolve to stand by her friend's side.

As they prepared for their concert in Los Angeles, Engfa made every effort to ensure that Charlotte knew she was not alone in this battle. She offered words of encouragement, a comforting presence amidst the chaos of their busy schedules.

"Charlotte, are you okay?" Engfa asked softly, noticing the distant look in Charlotte's eyes as they rehearsed for their upcoming performance.

Charlotte forced a smile, her gaze flickering away from Engfa's. "I'm fine," she replied curtly, her tone clipped.

Engfa's heart sank at the coldness in Charlotte's response, but she refused to be deterred. "You know, you don't have to go through this alone," she said gently. "I'm here for you, no matter what."

Charlotte's defenses remained intact, her walls seemingly impenetrable. "I appreciate that, Engfa," she murmured, her voice tinged with sadness. "But some battles are meant to be fought alone."

Engfa felt a pang of frustration at Charlotte's words, but she refused to let it show. Instead, she simply nodded, her expression one of quiet understanding.

Few minutes later...

As Charlotte scrolled through her social media feed, she paused on a picture she had posted before the rehearsal, a soft smile gracing her features. But her heart sank as she read through the comments, each one filled with venomous words from Engfa's fans.

"Why is she even there? She's just going to hurt Engfa again."

"Engfa deserves better than her. She's nothing but trouble."

Charlotte's hands trembled slightly as she struggled to absorb the onslaught of negativity. Engfa's fans had never been kind to her, but this felt like a new level of hostility.

Engfa, sensing Charlotte's distress, approached her cautiously. "Hey, are you okay?" she asked, concern etched into her features.

Charlotte forced a shaky smile, holding up her phone to show Engfa the hateful comments. "It's nothing," she replied, her voice wavering slightly.

But Engfa's expression darkened as she read through the comments. "I can't believe they would say such awful things," she muttered, her fists clenching in anger.

Charlotte shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "It's fine, Engfa. I'm used to it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

But Engfa wasn't satisfied with that response. "No, it's not fine," she insisted, her voice firm. "You don't deserve to be treated this way."

Engfa's words touched Charlotte deeply, a flicker of warmth blooming within her despite the hurtful comments. "Thank you, Engfa," she murmured, her voice laced with gratitude.

As the rehearsal ended, Engfa couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss with Charlotte. The weight of the hate comments had clearly taken a toll on her, evident in the way she carried herself, shoulders slumped and gaze distant. With a silent resolve, Engfa made a decision to offer Charlotte the comfort she needed, despite the uncertainty that lingered between them.

Returning to their hotel room, Engfa noticed Charlotte's subdued demeanor as she lay down on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Without a word, Engfa crossed the room and hesitantly climbed onto the bed beside her, her heart pounding with a mixture of apprehension and determination.

Engfa's heart raced as she wrapped her arms around Charlotte, feeling the tension in her body gradually ease as she held her close. Despite the initial shock, Charlotte didn't resist Engfa's embrace. Instead, she allowed herself to be enveloped by the warmth and familiarity of Engfa's presence.