Chapter 13
Chapter 13
When Nolan approached, Jaziel quickly stubbed out his cigarette.
“You’re here? I bought tickets for the earliest flight to New Orleans. We’re going together–more people, more hope.”
Nolan didn’t have time to think and immediately nodded in agreement.
They jumped into the car, and Nolan, not caring about speed limits, drove like it was a race.
Racing through the streets, the two reached the airport with nothing but the clothes on their backs, their minds singularly focused: finding Charlotte in New Orleans.
They feared that if they delayed even a moment, something irreversible might happen.
As their plane prepared for takeoff, the first light of dawn crept across the horizon.
Neither Jaziel nor Nolan could calm the storm of urgency in their hearts.
Meanwhile, in New Orleans, Charlotte also had a restless night.
She had been up early, dressing and putting on makeup.
Today was the day she would register her marriage with Theodore Washington.
Even now, she could count on one hand the number of times she had met Theodore.
Charlotte never imagined that the man her family had arranged for her to marry would be
Theodore!
His name had always been a staple in the Murphy family’s conversations–praised as a
standout among their generation.
Charlotte’s mother often spoke of him with admiration during their phone calls.
The only memory Charlotte had of him was from childhood: a cold and distant boy who loved pinching her cheeks.
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Forsaking the Years of Longing
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Chapter 13
Yet, even if her groom were someone else today, she would still feel this same nervousness.
After all, it was a once–in–a–lifetime event.
Standing before the mirror, Charlotte repeatedly checked her makeup and outfit, making sure everything was perfect.
As the clock struck nine, she hurriedly got up, took Theodore’s arm, and headed to the marriage registration office.
NE
Sensing her unease, Theodore suddenly produced a handful of candies from seemingly nowhere and placed them in her hand.
“If you’re nervous, having something sweet can help,” he said, his gentle gaze fixed on her,
steady and reassuring.
Charlotte, captivated by his warmth, found herself momentarily dazed.
Without thinking, she unwrapped a candy and popped it into her mouth.
The candy melted instantly, its sweetness seeping into her heart.
For a marriage arranged by her family, this was turning out unexpectedly well, she thought
to herself.
The rest of the morning felt dreamlike–her body felt light, her steps unsteady as if walking
on clouds.
Theodore guided her through the process: signing documents, taking photos, pressing fingerprints. She simply followed his lead.
Watching her stiff demeanor, Theodore couldn’t help but smile.
Finally, with the seal stamped, two bright red marriage certificates were issued.
Charlotte held hers in disbelief, feeling as though she were in a dream.
But before she could fully process the moment, two frantic voices called out her name in
unison.
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Forsaking the Years of Longing
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Chapter 13
“Charlotte!”
Jaziel and Nolan stopped in front of her, their chests heaving as they struggled to catch their
breath.
The sight of the vivid red marriage certificates in her hand was like a knife to their hearts.
Their vision narrowed, shrinking until only that piercing red remained.
Jaziel’s voice was hoarse, his face etched with disbelief.
“Charlotte… you… you’re married?”
They didn’t want to believe it, but the way she clung to Theodore’s arm and the matching rings on their fingers said it all.
