Love in the Dark

Chapter Five: Alone Together

Charlese looked at Amelia unsure; she was shocked after learning about Matteo's aunt, who she didn't even know existed. Equally confusing was the palpable tension between Carlos and Amelia.

"So, you're Ellen's sister?" Amelia asked, raising her brow at Charlese, who sat across from her. She didn't seem to care that she had missed Matteo's wedding and hadn't bothered to learn anything about his wife or in-laws.

"I'm Esme's sister," Charlese corrected, noting that it was the fourth time Amelia had gotten the simple name wrong. Despite her irritation, she maintained her calm, aware that Amelia was here for a reason.

Carlos breathed out, fighting to keep his anger in check. Amelia had been dismissive since she arrived, and if it weren't for Charlese, who sat beside him, occasionally peeking at him and offering a soft smile to curb his rising anger, he might have punched Amelia by now.

Charlese glanced at Carlos, giving him a reassuring smile when their eyes met. She understood his anger toward Amelia and thought it was justified, but she knew they both had to be patient for a while longer.

"How is your job going? You're a photographer, right?" Amelia asked, her tone condescending. She clearly didn't care about Charlese or Carlos' lives, but she knew she had to engage in small talk before revealing the real reason for her visit.

Amelia's question piqued Carlos' interest as he realized he knew little about Charlese's career.

"Work is fine," Charlese replied curtly, not wanting to provide any additional information. Her voice dropped a little as she tried to figure out what Amelia wanted, knowing she wouldn't have come to meet them at nine in the morning without a specific purpose.

"So, what brings you here so early?" Carlos interjected, his patience wearing thin.

Amelia smiled, a cold and calculating expression. "I'm here for Kaia."

Kaia would be the perfect piece to the puzzle. Amelia was certain everybody around her would just feel for her; a caring aunt of the orphan's father, who went out of her way and was providing a better life to the orphan.

Charlese and Carlos exchanged a glance, their unease growing. Charlese tightened her grip on her coffee mug, her knuckles turning white. "What do you mean?" She asked, not understanding Amelia's sudden interest in Kaia.

Amelia's smile widened. "Well, I'm the only one who can provide for the little girl. And as Matteo's only living blood relative, she should be handed over to me, anyway."

"I don't think so," Carlos interjected, unable to bear the woman's outrageous assumptions.

Charlese took a deep breath, calming herself before addressing Amelia. "What Carlos means is that we're Kaia's godparents," she began, her voice soft despite the anger simmering inside her. "Also, we've been informed that Matteo and Esme had a will prepared, so it would be best if you could wait until then." Charlese's tone was firm, though she felt a storm of emotions brewing within her. She was certain that Amelia had no rights over Kaia, but she was prepared to fight for the little girl if necessary.

Amelia paused, looking at both of them with a calculating expression. She knew talking to the two idiots in front of her, who thought they could stop her from taking Kaia just because they were her godparents, would bring nothing good to her.

"Very well," she said, her tone dripping with false politeness. "We'll wait until the will."

___

"I talked to Mr. Walter, he'll see us on Monday," Charlese said, her annoyance evident. She had been on edge ever since Amelia mentioned keeping Kaia with her.

Charlese hadn't wasted another moment and called the lawyer, eagerly requesting to discuss the will. She would rather die than let Amelia take Kaia away from her. Kaia was, after all, the only family Charlese had left, and she was under no circumstances ready to lose her to a woman who would surely use the little girl for her own personal gain.

Taking a deep breath, Charlese stopped herself from ranting about Amelia. The woman had undoubtedly irked and angered Charlese by randomly deciding to show up and declare that Kaia would stay with her.

"Good," Carlos breathed out, looking up from his phone, unsure of what to feel about the upcoming meeting. "I'll have to leave on Tuesday, then," he said, his voice low, not sure what to expect of the future.

Charlese felt a sudden wave of panic wash over her. Tuesday was just a few days away, and the thought of being left alone with Kaia, with no one to turn to, filled her with dread. She had relied so much on Carlos's presence and support, and now, the idea of his departure left her feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed.

Her mind raced, imagining the endless days of managing everything on her own, the crushing weight of responsibility pressing down on her shoulders. She had already lost so much, and now she faced the daunting prospect of being truly alone, with no one in her life except for Kaia. The fear of isolation gripped her heart, but she was determined not to let it show.

Taking a deep breath, Charlese forced herself to maintain composure. She couldn't let Carlos see her distress; she didn't want to burden him with her fears. He had his own life, his own career, and she refused to let her struggles hold him back. Her resolve hardened, and she put on a brave face, concealing the inner turmoil that threatened to consume her.

Carlos looked at her, concern etched on his face. "My summer break is over, and I'll have to get back with the team." He explained, though he had no reason to, he still did.

"That's understandable," she said, her voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside her. 

"You know, I'm here for you and Kaia," Carlos said, reaching to gently squeeze her hand in comfort, a little part of him hoping she would ask him to stay.

Charlese managed a small, forced smile, while she swiftly pulled her hand away from his. "I appreciate that, Carlos. But please, don't worry yourself because of us. Kaia and I will be just fine."

"Char," Carlos called out quietly, his eyes softening as his heart unknowingly ached that she once again, trying to cut him out.

Needing to escape the overwhelming emotions that threatened to break her facade, she cut him off. "I need to check on Kaia," she said, her tone firm as she turned and walked out of the room.

As she left the scene, Charlese felt the tears welling up in her eyes. She hurried to Kaia's room, closing the door behind her before allowing herself to break down. She leaned against the door, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. She had to be strong for Kaia, but in that moment, she let herself feel the weight of her fears and the uncertainty of the future.