Chapter 2 A Mismatch

• Upon hearing Henry speak about their relationship as if it were merely a passing fling, Charlotte couldn't help but realize the absurdity of the past three years. In the end, it was always the one who loved more that ended up in a pitiful state.
• "I'm afraid you might end up stealing my heart," she shamelessly confessed.
• Sure enough, Henry chuckled. He grasped the doorknob. "Sweet dreams." He closed the door, and Charlotte leaned against it, laughing at herself. Unexpectedly, tears streamed down her face.
• …
• During the weekend, Charlotte's mother, Melissa, called and invited her to come home for dinner. As she arrived, voices could be heard. Max was sitting with her father, engaged in a pleasant conversation. The atmosphere was delightful. When Charlotte reflected on her three years with Henry, she realized that he had never mentioned meeting her parents.
• It was evident that he had never truly considered a future with her. She went to assist her mother in the kitchen and was perplexed by the number of dishes prepared. "Your father managed to keep his job and even got promoted to the position of security team leader," Melissa happily shared.
• "Wasn't he supposed to be laid off?" Charlotte inquired. She had even asked her colleagues to help her father find a less demanding job.
• Melissa smiled. "Your father's company got a new leader. Not only did they decide against laying him off, but they also promoted him to team leader. It's all a matter of luck."
• Indeed, it all boiled down to luck.
• "Honey, prepare a few more dishes," Charlotte's father rushed in. "The company leader just called me and asked for a recommendation for a good restaurant in the area. I casually suggested that he could come to our house for dinner if he didn't mind. Surprisingly, he agreed immediately."
• Melissa was left speechless.
• This leader seems to lack manners, Charlotte thought to herself.
• …
• Henry arrived empty-handed, and Charlotte's father warmly welcomed him with nods and bows. Charlotte hadn't anticipated that the new leader of her father's company would be him. Their eyes met, and Henry raised an eyebrow slightly. He glanced at Max, who was assisting in the kitchen, and looked at Charlotte with a mocking smile.
• Charlotte panicked and quickly retreated to the kitchen. She couldn't believe this was merely a coincidence. But what is his motive? Why did he suddenly show up? During previous holidays, she had invited him to celebrate and have fun at her house. He had been indifferent at the time. "Don't even think about introducing me to your parents."
• "Don't just stand there. Bring out the fruit," Melissa urged her in a whisper. "This leader... He actually came after we offered to host him."
• Reluctantly, Charlotte carried the sliced watermelons out. In the living room, Carlos Johnson displayed a great deal of restraint, which sharply contrasted with Henry's composure. Despite being in her own home, Charlotte felt out of place. As the meal was served, Charlotte grew increasingly uncomfortable observing her parents treat Henry with such politeness and care.
• Henry suddenly turned his attention to Max. "Mr. Houston, what do you do for a living?" he inquired.
• Max felt a sense of familiarity upon seeing this man, but he couldn't recall where. In the presence of a dominant and successful individual, Max couldn't help but feel a certain pressure. As a man himself, Max didn't want to appear submissive in front of the woman he admired.
• "I work in real estate brokerage," Max replied.
• "Oh, selling houses," Henry muttered. A moment of silence followed before he continued speaking. "I happen to have two vacant properties in the city center. I've been receiving calls from agents asking if I want to sell. Since I now know someone in this industry, I won't offer them to anyone else."
• Charlotte felt suffocated witnessing his superior demeanor. "Please send me the address later. I'll visit the properties this afternoon and post the information online for you," Max promptly responded.
• "Okay."
• After the meal, she couldn't wait for Henry to leave. Watching her parents treat him with such care and flattery during the meal made her even more uncomfortable. However, instead of leaving, Henry received a phone call and had to go. "Sorry, I have a client who wants to view a property. I'll have to excuse myself." Max politely bid farewell to everyone before he left.
• Initially, Max could have chatted with Henry for a while, but as soon as he left, the atmosphere became extremely awkward. Unfortunately, Henry seemed oblivious to the fact that the Johnson Family didn't like him—he lingered with no intention of leaving. As long as he stayed, no one else felt comfortable moving away from the hall.
• "Dad, Mom, I have a seminar in the afternoon, so I'll leave first. You guys should get some rest." Charlotte didn't want her parents to pretend to be happy with Henry any longer.
• "I won't disturb you either, then." Henry stood up and buttoned his suit. "I'll walk you out, Miss Johnson."
• Charlotte politely declined. "No need to trouble yourself."
• "It's no trouble." Henry looked directly at Carlos and said, "Thank you for today."
• Carlos quickly stood up. "No problem."
• "If you have any work-related matters in the future, just contact me directly," Henry added.
• Carlos hesitated for a moment before responding, "Alright, sure."
• "Let's go." Henry turned around and glanced at Charlotte, who understood what he was insinuating. He was using her father's job to manipulate her. Reluctantly, she walked out with him. In the elevator, the two of them were less than a meter apart, but it felt like they were thousands of miles away.
• They used to be each other's closest partners, but now it felt like they didn't even want to breathe the same air. In the car, Henry smoked while gripping the steering wheel with one hand, projecting a cold and arrogant demeanor.
• "That man is not right for you." Henry's voice was charming and pleasant to the ear. Charlotte turned her head and looked out the car window without responding to him. Henry glanced at her. "Are you in such a rush to get married? Don't you want to be more selective?"
• Charlotte's mind was racing, but she continued to ignore him.
• "Hmph," Henry sneered. "You're quick to move on. That's quite impressive." This remark ignited Charlotte's anger as she glared at him. "What do you want? Why does it matter to you if I marry someone else? Moving on is better than being a burden like some people."
• It was audacious of her to say such things. Henry slammed on the brakes and stopped by the side of the road before glaring at her. "I'm a burden?"
• Charlotte instantly regretted her words. She shouldn't have let her anger get the best of her, and she shouldn't have spoken to him.
• "What is it that you want that I haven't given you? What's so great about marriage? It's a lifelong commitment, and you think it's wonderful?" Henry's tone grew harsher as he scoffed coldly. "Do you truly believe that man can provide you with the marriage you desire?"
• "It's none of your business. Since we've broken up, please don't bother me anymore," she replied.
• "Hmph, you're something else." He gripped his steering wheel tightly. "Get out of the car!"
• Charlotte didn't hesitate—she unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car, slamming the door behind her. As soon as the door closed, the car sped away, startling her.
• …
• "You were at fault too. You sweet-talked her and then dumped her when you got tired." A friend poured Henry a drink, trying to comfort him.
• "That's nonsense. Women can ask for anything, but when they ask for marriage, it's game over. It can lead to crying, causing a scene, or even suicide. It's better to break up when necessary." Another friend disagreed.
• "You think it's better to be like him, who has been drinking alone for seven days?" the first friend said. "I'm telling you, Henry, you're clearly heartbroken and sad."
• "It's just emotions."
• Henry glanced at them with a cold expression, causing the two to immediately fall silent. Suddenly, one of them stood up and said, "Oh, I forgot to return a call to my girlfriend. I'll go make a phone call." He quickly returned, appearing excited. "Henry, I saw Miss Charlotte. She's drinking with a group of people." A flicker of annoyance appeared at the corner of Henry's mouth as his gaze grew increasingly dark.
• Max successfully sold Henry's house and earned a significant commission. He was thrilled and decided to celebrate by inviting his colleagues for dinner and karaoke. He also extended an invitation to Charlotte. Charlotte didn't want to dampen his excitement and felt valued when she saw his effort to introduce her to his friends and colleagues. Previously, when she was with Henry, she felt like a hidden mistress in the shadows.
• However, as the evening progressed, Charlotte found it difficult to connect with Max's conversations with others. She made an excuse to go to the restroom, but even after returning, she didn't feel like going back to their private cubicle.
• She leaned against the corridor, absentmindedly playing with her phone. Unaware of someone approaching, she only looked up when that person stood next to her without moving for a long time. It was then that she finally noticed Henry leaning against the wall, tilting his head to look at her.