Loving Madeline

Charlotte's POV",

I know how much I wanted to have a night swimming with Jack. I couldn't stop thinking about his toned body beneath his shirt; I was dying to see his abs since I could see how muscular his arms were, and I was sure it would be so nice to be wrapped in his arms.

Why is this happening to me? Am I desperate to get laid by the hot chef? I knew I was preserving myself for my great love; for the one I want to spend my life with for the rest of my life, I don't think I could find a man who would love me now.

I am broke, and I am hiding from everyone, and I left my old life behind after what happened to my dad and Parker. They were the only ones who understood me, and I hate that Parker betrayed my dad and me.

We found out he traveled to Neospoli with Rebecca to have a strong relationship with Hunter and his newfound family. I was envious, and I got hurt that our eldest brother didn't invite me at all, and I couldn't blame him after all the bad things I did to Maddie.

I knew he feared I would do something sinister to his wife. I admit I hated Madeline's existence, but I don't intend to kill her; I don't want to hurt anyone. I want her to get scared and leave my brother alone.

But the more I tried to scare her, the stronger she became. I could tell she was not an ordinary woman. Maddie was stronger than I thought, and in the end, I realized she deserved to have Hunter's love and no one else.

I was prancing inside my room since I wished to get out and have a friendly conversation with Jack. I couldn't deny I liked his company, he was not only hot, but he was intelligent and funny; I sighed heavily as I made my way to my dresser and sat on the vanity chair in front of my mirror.

I combed my hair and realized it had been a while since I went to the salon for hair treatment. I used to pamper myself, and now I could see split ends on my hair. But after I experienced nothing left in my pocket and wallet, I didn't care if I didn't have shampoo or conditioner; I valued food more than anything at the moment.

My hair could wait, and all I needed to do was to save some money for future use. I hope Jack will give me the payment for his overnight stay. I could take a bus tomorrow.

I knew my life would never be the same again; it wouldn't be easy since I couldn't afford to hire Uber or ride a taxi. I need to save any chance I can get.

I couldn't imagine myself walking from our manor to the bus stop. It would take a lot of my energy, but I used to see some of our farmhands walk from and towards the bus staff every morning and afternoon.

I needed to speak with Jack if I wanted him to stay. I don't want him to leave without paying me anything. I am so desperate to get his payment, or else I will be starving for the coming days.

I looked a little pale, but I am glad I still have a little ray of hope because of Jack. I wanted to look beautiful and presentable, but I didn't want to be so obvious. I smiled when I was satisfied with my reflection in the mirror.

I took a deep breath before I got up and walked out of my room, and I felt nervous as I neared the master's bedroom. I knocked, and when Jack opened the door, I had to hold my breath since I still couldn't stop myself from admiring his handsome face.

I felt thrilled when he invited me to swim with him, but I knew I should behave and don't let him tempt me. I told him to knock on my door if he was ready to have a night swim.

I wished I had something in my fridge to cook, like French fries or finger food, but I knew I had none. I suddenly felt thirsty after talking with Jack since it still felt surreal to have him inside our manor.

I went straight to the kitchen and got a tall glass, and my eyes widened when I opened the fridge to get the pitcher and was shocked as I realized Jack had filled my refrigerator with food. From fresh milk, fresh fruits, and veggies. When I looked at the bottom shelf, I saw raw meats and Seafood.

"Hey!" I almost jumped to my feet when I heard Jack's masculine voice behind me, and I didn't expect he would come to the kitchen.

"I am sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I had been knocking on your door, and I thought you had fallen asleep already." He said while I was still standing in front of the fridge, tightly gripping the handle; I felt so afraid to turn around since I didn't want him to know I was blushing.

"It is still early to go to sleep," I replied.

"What is the meaning of all this food inside the ref, Jack?" I asked.

"I already told you, you can't stay here for long; you should leave early tomorrow; I don't want any of my staff to see you here. I don't want any of my maids to think I brought a guy while they were away." I added as I slowly turned around.

I could say it was a wrong move since I found him half naked; Jack was only wearing board shorts with a bath towel around his neck. His chiseled chest and six-pack abs made me hold my breath. I knew Jack was hot, but I wasn't prepared to see him this close without a shirt.

He looked so sexy that I wanted to get closer to him. I quickly turned my head when he found me gaping on his bare chest. I couldn't believe I would be drooling over him.

"Yes, of course, it was crystal clear that you only gave me one night to stay here in your manor. I understand, Charlotte. I bought you food to thank you for your kindness. I was grateful that you allowed me to stay here even for one night." Jack responded.

"I couldn't believe my luck that I will find you here," he added meaningfully as he looked at me with the same intensity.

I hated that my heart was screaming with happiness. I knew his words meant nothing to him, but I was hoping Jack felt the same way, too; I had always known he liked Medeline for her excellent traits. I felt sad that I didn't have any of Maddie's extraordinary qualities, and I am sure Jack would never like me.

My brother's wife is so beautiful, and her innocent look would always make men go crazy over her; her smile alone could melt any man's heart, and I wished I could be like Madeline so I would find someone to love me like the way my brother had loved her.

"You don't need to buy me food, Jack. I told you I would go to the capital tomorrow to buy some groceries." I responded since I knew he was waiting for my reply.

"All you need to do is to say "thank you," Charlotte; at least you don't need to go to the grocery store tomorrow, and please take this," Jack responded as he handed me a white envelope.

"What is this?" I asked.

"The payment for my stay," he replied, and I tried to hide the happiness I felt as I received the envelope.

"Thank you, Jack," I said as I averted his gaze.

"You are welcome," he softly responded.

"I could tell you are now ready to swim, and I believed you showered already. I can take you to the pool," I stated as I put the envelope on top of the fridge.

"Well, yes, I am excited to dip into the water; I needed a good swim to clear my head." He responded, and I was wondering if Jack was still thinking about his girlfriend.

"Are you sure your girlfriend broke up with you?" I asked as we walked side by side towards the backyard, and I heard him laugh.

"Why, is it hard to believe I had a girlfriend?" He asked.

"No, of course not. You've got a lot of fans from the women's department; I find it hard to believe that she would break up with you," I responded, and he was silent for a while until we reached the pool.

"Why do you say that?" Jack asked and darted a side glance at me as we ceased walking.

"Well, you are handsome and hot, and you seemed nice," I responded in more than a whisper.

"Do you think I am hot, Charlotte?" He asked, and I could feel the amusement in his voice as he moved closer to me. I could feel the knots in my stomach as I inhaled his intoxicating scent.

"Yes, of course, I would be a liar if I said no," I responded. I could feel my face turn warm as I walked away from him, and I could feel him following behind me.

I started changing the subject by giving him instructions on where to switch on the lights of the pool and the control panel of the jacuzzi since I didn't want Jack to know I was so affected by his proximity.

"Do you have any questions?" I asked after I briefed him about using the pool at night.

"Yes," he answered right away.

"What do you want to ask me?" I asked.

"Can you stay for a while? I mean, it would be best if I had someone to talk to," he responded, and I widened my eyes at him.

"Seriously, Jack? I was asking if you have a question about the pool and the jacuzzi," I declared, irritated by his question.

"I listened to your instruction carefully, and I know how to operate the jacuzzi. I just wanted to ask you to stay even for a while; I can pay you one hundred dollars," he responded, and I couldn't stop feeling insulted.

"What? Are you out of your mind? Do you think I am a bargirl? I don't need your money, Jack Morigan." I responded sternly and walked out of the swimming pool in a hurry; even if I badly needed money, I would never allow myself to look so cheap, especially in front of Jack.