"cut from the same cloth" - their story.

Chapter 12 - What Happened?

Charlotte's expression tightened as she glanced at the caller ID, her face paling. It was a number she hadn't seen in months, one associated with a time of uncertainty and difficulty. She hesitated for a moment, torn between answering and preserving the peace they had found together.

Mia, sensing Charlotte's unease, gently lifted her head from Charlotte's chest, concern furrowing her brow. "Who is it?" she asked softly, her voice filled with apprehension.

Charlotte swallowed hard, her fingers trembling slightly as she debated how to respond. The past they had fought so hard to overcome seemed to loom before her, threatening the tranquility they had just embraced.

"It's... someone from work," Charlotte finally replied, her voice strained. 

She avoided Mia's eyes momentarily, knowing that the truth would only bring worry and unrest. "I'll just... I'll take care of it," she added, forcing a reassuring smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

Mia studied Charlotte's face intently, sensing the tension that had suddenly gripped her. She knew better than to press for details when Charlotte looked like this. Instead, she nodded silently, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Okay," Mia said softly, leaning in to press a kiss against Charlotte's cheek. "I'm here if you need anything."

As Charlotte answered the call, Mia's heart sank. She recognized the look of concern that crossed Charlotte's face, the subtle tension that hinted at something deeper than work-related issues. Without a word, Mia quietly excused herself and retreated to the kitchen, her mind racing with uneasy thoughts. She poured a glass of water, her hands trembling slightly as she tried to steady herself. Deep down, she knew who was on the other end of that call. Memories of Charlotte's ex-husband, a source of past heartache and turmoil, resurfaced with unwelcome clarity. After what felt like an eternity, Charlotte finally hung up. Mia turned, meeting Charlotte's eyes with a mixture of empathy and apprehension. Charlotte looked drained, vulnerable in a way that tore at Mia's heart.

"Is everything alright?" Mia asked softly, her voice tinged with concern. She knew she couldn't avoid the truth any longer, not when Charlotte needed her support the most.

Charlotte hesitated, her gaze flickering away briefly before meeting Mia's again. "It was... him," she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "He wanted to talk."

Mia nodded gently, her heart breaking for Charlotte's pain. She moved closer, sitting beside her and taking her hand in hers. "You don't have to face this alone," Mia said firmly, her voice filled with determination. "I'm here for you, no matter what."

Charlotte squeezed Mia's hand gratefully, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. In that moment, the weight of her past collided with the certainty of her present love. She leaned into Mia's embrace, finding comfort in the warmth and strength that Mia offered without hesitation. Together, they sat in silence, the air thick with unspoken emotions. Mia held Charlotte close, knowing that while they couldn't erase the past, they could face its echoes together, with love as their anchor and solace.

"I love you," Charlotte murmured against Mia's shoulder, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I love you too," Mia replied softly, pressing a kiss to Charlotte's forehead. In that quiet exchange of words and gestures, they found a quiet resolve to confront whatever challenges lay ahead, fortified by the bond that had weathered storms and emerged stronger each time. Charlotte's voice trembled as she spoke, the weight of her emotions finally breaking through the thin veil of composure she had tried so hard to maintain.