Forsaking the Years of Longing
Chapter 4

Sophie held the trophy, but instead of showing any joy or handing it to Charlotte, she bit her lip and looked pitifully at her.

"Charlotte, the director asked me to deliver the trophy to you. This award is really

prestigious; you're amazing for winning it." She hesitated before continuing, "I wanted to shamelessly ask you a favor. I've never won this award... Could I borrow it for a few days?" Borrow it?

Charlotte had never heard such an absurd request. She frowned and, with a forced smile, said, "If you know it's shameless, then don't ask. If you really want one, go and win it yourself." With that, she reached out to take the trophy from Sophie.

Surprised by Charlotte's firm attitude, Sophie's face turned pale, looking as though she'd been terribly wronged. "Charlotte, why are you speaking like that? I don't want to keep it; I just wanted to keep it at home for inspiration." As Charlotte reached for the trophy, Sophie tightened her grip, refusing to let go. In the ensuing tug, the crystal trophy fell to the ground with a thud, shattering into pieces.

Just then, Jaziel and Nolan happened to walk in. They immediately rushed over, shielding Sophie protectively.

"Sophie!"

They surrounded her, their faces filled with concern as they carefully checked her for injuries. Lifting Sophie's skirt slightly, Jaziel noticed a cut on her calf from the glass, and his eyes narrowed with distress.

"I'll take you to the hospital!" Without heeding Sophie's protests, he lifted her in his arms

and carried her out.

Left with the shards on the floor, Nolan's face darkened as he turned to Charlotte and demanded, "Charlotte/ you have everything already. Why did you have to fight Sophie over, something so small?"

Fight?

Hearing that word, Charlotte almost laughed in anger. "This is *my* trophy. I worked three months for it. It's my achievement, and she clings to it, acting all pitiful- and you say I'm the one fighting her for it!" Her body shook with fury as she pointed at the shattered glass, her voice icy.

"Now that she's broken it, I want Sophie to apologize."

She thought this was explanation enough. However, Nolan's face only grew angrier, his voice rising. "I thought it was something important. It's just a trophy. You could get as many as you want. But nothing compares to Sophie. You're the one who caused her injury, and I think it's *you* who should apologize to *her*!"

Without waiting for Charlotte's response, he hurried after Jaziel to take care of Sophie.

Staring at the scattered shards, Charlotte stood frozen for a while, Nolan's words echoing painfully in her mind. He wanted her to apologize to Sophie? The victim should apologize to

the one who caused the harm?

Nolan, you've really outdone yourself.

Her chest ached, and only then did she realize a burning pain in her leg. Looking down, she saw a deep gash trailing blood, even worse than Sophie's injury. Gritting her teeth, she cleaned up the glass before going to tend to her wound. Later that evening, Charlotte received a message from her mother, who had sent over a

dozen wedding dress designs, asking her to choose her favorite. Charlotte browsed through

them before calling her mother.

After exchanging a few words, Charlotte's mother noticed the weariness in her voice and couldn't help but ask what had happened. Remembering the grievances of the day, Charlotte's eyes misted, but she said nothing, instead changing the subject. "Mom, I think I'll be ready to leave in about a week. How's the wedding preparation coming along?"

Just then, Jaziel and Nolan returned home. Hearing the last two words, they both asked in unison:

"Wedding? What wedding?"