Chapter 7: Family Ties
Charlee stood outside her parents’ sprawling estate, her stomach in knots. The house loomed before her, a symbol of the life she’d been born into—a life of privilege, expectations, and, lately, heartbreak. She hadn’t been back since the wedding disaster, and the thought of facing her family again made her pulse race.
Kane, who had insisted on driving her, gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “You want me to come in with you?”
She shook her head, though part of her wished he would. “No, this is something I need to do on my own. But… thanks. For being here.”
He nodded, his expression serious. “I’ll be right outside if you need me.”
Taking a deep breath, Charlee walked up the steps and rang the doorbell. Her mother answered, her face a mix of relief and concern. “Charlee, sweetheart. Come in.”
The house was as grand as ever, but it felt colder somehow, the air thick with unspoken tension. Her father was waiting in the study, his posture stiff as he stood by the fireplace. “Charlee,” he said, his voice formal. “Sit down.”
She obeyed, perching on the edge of the leather sofa. Her mother sat across from her, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. For a moment, no one spoke. Then her father broke the silence.
“We’ve been patient,” he began, his tone measured. “We gave you time to… process everything. But it’s been weeks, Charlee. You can’t hide from this forever.”
Charlee clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. “I’m not hiding. I’m trying to figure out how to move on.”
“By running off with some stranger?” her mother interjected, her voice sharp. “Do you have any idea how this looks? First Liam, now this… Kane person. The tabloids are having a field day.”
Charlee’s cheeks burned, but she held her ground. “Kane isn’t a stranger. He’s been there for me when no one else was. And for the record, I don’t care what the tabloids say.”
Her father sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This isn’t just about the gossip, Charlee. It’s about your future. The Sullivan name. You can’t just throw everything away because you’re upset.”
“Upset?” Charlee repeated, her voice rising. “Liam humiliated me in front of the entire city. He betrayed me. And you’re worried about the Sullivan name?”
Her mother reached out, her expression softening. “We’re worried about you, Charlee. We just want what’s best for you.”
Charlee stood up, her emotions bubbling over. “What’s best for me? Then let me figure that out for myself. I’m not a child anymore, and I’m not going to let you—or anyone else—dictate my life.”
Her father’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he walked over to his desk and pulled out a folder. “If you’re serious about taking control of your life, then maybe it’s time you stepped up. The company needs you, Charlee. More than ever.”
Charlee stared at the folder, her anger giving way to confusion. “What are you talking about?”
“Your grandfather’s foundation,” her father explained. “It’s been struggling since he passed. We need someone to take the reins, someone who can restore its reputation. I think that someone should be you.”
Charlee blinked, caught off guard. “Me? But I’ve never been involved in the foundation.”
“Exactly,” her mother said gently. “It’s a fresh start. A chance to prove yourself, to show the world—and yourself—that you’re more than just Liam’s ex-fiancée.”
Charlee hesitated, her mind racing. She’d always avoided the family business, preferring to carve out her own path. But this… this felt different. It felt like an opportunity to reclaim her identity, to do something meaningful.
“I’ll think about it,” she said finally, taking the folder. “But I’m not making any promises.”
Her father nodded, a hint of approval in his eyes. “That’s all we ask.”
As Charlee stepped outside, the cool evening air was a welcome relief. Kane was leaning against his car, his arms crossed, but he straightened when he saw her. “Everything okay?”
She held up the folder, a small smile tugging at her lips. “I think so. They want me to take over my grandfather’s foundation.”
Kane raised an eyebrow. “That’s a big deal. You up for it?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “But it feels like a step in the right direction. Like maybe I can finally start moving forward.”
Kane grinned, opening the car door for her. “Then let’s get to work, firecracker. You’ve got a foundation to save.”
As they drove away, Charlee felt a flicker of excitement. For the first time in weeks, she felt like she had a purpose. And with Kane by her side, she was ready to take on whatever came next.