Gray Areas | Englot | GirlxGirl

41. Zurich: Desire and Charlotte Austin

POV ENGFA

Charlotte really caught me off guard with everything that happened yesterday. From her anger, her misunderstanding, and even when she threw that bouquet of flowers at my face-it hurt less than her lack of trust in me. She thought it was just me and Lana alone in the room when Irina was actually in the bathroom.

Incredible.

My anger flared when Irina and I got into a fight. A huge secret from years ago was brought into the open because of my girlfriend. Oddly enough, I wasn't even mad about it-sooner or later, it was bound to happen.

I have no idea what the consequences of Irina's words and anger will be. She has significant influence in the industry, but I'm trying to ignore it. Everything will unfold in time, whether good or bad. It's not something I want to stress about right now.

The only person on my mind is Charlotte Austin-the most important person in my life.

This past month apart has truly tested my patience. I couldn't stop dwelling on my frustrations, and it affected my mood, my behavior toward her, and even myself. It was eating me alive.

But the worst part?

Despite everything-despite all that happened between us-I couldn't let her go, stop thinking about her, or stop missing her.

The height of my longing for her was last week in Manchester during my concert. For some reason, I couldn't stop crying that night, thinking about her. I even planned to fly to Milan after my show, but thank goodness I didn't because I was already exhausted from my tour schedule.

If I had flown to Milan while Charlotte was heading to Zurich, that would've been the most ridiculous plot twist in our relationship.

Last night, after all the chaos settled and I was alone in my room, I just sat there looking at all the things she'd bought for me on the couch. I started trying them on one by one. Her effort was overwhelming-even though she didn't have to do any of it.

Of course, I was delighted. After all, luxurious gifts are every woman's weakness. It did help ease my tension, at least a little.

Then I decided something. Something had to change.

If this tension continues, our relationship is bound to break. Charlotte's patience might already be hanging by a thread, pushed even further after last night. A month apart is more than enough time.

And now here we are-Charlotte and I-sitting in the car with my bodyguard driving, cruising through Zurich on this fine afternoon.

"Where are we going, by the way?" she asked after a few minutes of silence.

I glanced at her briefly before looking back out the window, adjusting my sunglasses-the ones she bought for me.

"Lake Zurich," I said.

She grabbed my arm, making me turn to her. She beamed. "Are you taking me on a boat ride? We have to take lots of pictures, baby! I've seen those posts online-it's the Alps in the background-"

"We're just walking by the lake and watching some swans," I interrupted, teasing.

She couldn't see my eyes behind the sunglasses, but they were definitely mischievous. She immediately slumped into her seat.

"Oh, you don't like that? Should we cancel-" I continued.

She cut me off, smiling brightly again. "No, it's fine. Even if you take me on a date to sit in a park, watch the grass, and eat peanuts, I wouldn't mind. It's still a date. And it's a date with you."