The Devious Games | Englot | GirlxGirl

Chapter 9 - Forgiveness

Charlotte stared blankly at her glass, the soft clink of melting ice the only sound that seemed to reach her through the sad music filling the bar. She had lost count of how many shots she'd taken, her mind numbly drifting in the haze.

She knew exactly what she was doing-drowning her feelings, just like the night before at Vespera.

She hated the liquor, the taste, but tonight it was the only thing that could help ease the pain in her chest, even if just a little.

Heidi and Marima sat on either side of her, both quiet, as if they had run out of things to say.

Marima, who had arrived late to the event after just getting into Warsaw that day, had decided to be there for Charlotte as well. Even in their silence, the weight of their concern was palpable.

They had heard Charlotte's story-about Engfa, Victoria Varee, and the doubts that were pressing down on her.

But honestly, they didn't know what to say. Charlotte had built a wall around herself-shutting down, focused only on her drink.

All they could do was be there for her.

The bar was quiet tonight, with just a few tables occupied.

Finally, Charlotte broke the silence, "Is Tina still in the meeting with the team?"

Her sudden question caught Heidi off guard. "Yeah," she replied softly, glancing over at Marima.

Marima gently took over, her voice soft and caring. "If you want, you can stay in my room tonight, Char."

Heidi added, while gently rubbing Charlotte's shoulder, "You can also sleep in my room, Char. Let Tina stay with P'Fa."

But Charlotte just stared at her glass, taking another slow sip.

After what felt like forever, she shook her head. "I don't need to stay anywhere else. I'll go back to our room."

Heidi raised her eyebrows in surprise. "But... aren't you two broken up?"

Before she could finish, Marima lightly smacked Heidi's leg, making her wince. "I mean... usually-"

Charlotte shook her head, cutting Heidi off. "You're assuming, Heidi. I never said we broke up."

Doubt had been creeping into her mind for days now, and those photos only fueled the fire.

But still, Charlotte wasn't ready to let Engfa go-not when there was even the slightest shadow of doubt about the truth.

The stakes were too high for their relationship to just walk away.

Heidi stayed quiet, clearly confused. She wanted to say something, but she held back, not wanting to make things worse.

Marima, trying to be supportive, spoke up. "I really hope this is just a misunderstanding, Char." She gently rubbed Charlotte's arm. "Honestly, though, it's hard to resist someone like Victoria Varee-"

Heidi immediately smacked Marima's arm, making her wince. "I mean-"

Before she could explain herself, Charlotte interrupted, her voice sharp. "She's beautiful, elegant, filthy rich, mysterious, powerful. What's not to like, right? Of course Engfa Waraha would be into someone like that."

As she spoke, Charlotte drained her drink, as if trying to erase the pain that was building up inside her.

"Char, don't say that. P'Fa has shown over and over that she'd die for yo-" Heidi reminded her, her voice full of concern.

But Charlotte cut her off with a bitter laugh. "The problem is, Heidi, I would die for her too! I even took a bullet for her! I threw away my journalism principles just to protect her! For God's sake, I fucking love her!" Her voice shook as tears began to fall, and Heidi quickly wrapped her in a hug, followed by Marima, who stroked Charlotte's back as she sobbed.