I know there is hope in these waters
But I can't bring myself to swim
When I am drowning in this silence

Charlotte's P.O.V

The sound of splashing of water was loud and clear in the air, followed by a shaky breath coming out of me right away. I glared at my reflection into the mirror for a quick second. My face was drenched with water. I grabbed a handful of water in my hands again before splashing it on my face. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying hard to get rid of the memories of the event which had taken place a week ago.

The sound of explosion, gunshots, people screaming echoed into my ears. The images of the hall engulfed in fire and people running around trying to save their lives still haunted my mind. To say that I still wasn't over the incident would be an understatement.

I could've lost my entire family that night. I could've lost my own life too. I couldn't care less about me but my family? I couldn't lose my world just like that. Thankfully, nobody had it worse to the point where they could've ended up being on their death bed. At least, not that I know of.

But that doesn't mean I wasn't still in the trauma. It didn't mean I wasn't still having sleepless nights, crying to myself and praying to God for my family's safety.

But what I couldn't understand was how everybody just went back to their lives as if none of it ever happened. Everyone who I know was present that night, were acting as if they almost didn't lose their own lives and their loved ones. Does that night doesn't haunt them? Were they not scared? How could they continue with their lives as it didn't almost end everything? Or maybe, they were just better at healing than me. Maybe, they were just better at hiding their feelings than me.

I grabbed a face towel from the counter to wipe my face. After doing that, my eyes wandered back to the mirror. The girl staring back at me had bags under her eyes. Her eyes were heavy with sadness and fear while her lips were quivering. I have never felt so scared in my life before. How did I end up this way? Was this girl even me?

I sighed to myself before grabbing my phone. I unlocked the device and went into my contact list, scrolling down until I found the one specific name I was looking for.

Justin.

I started chewing down on my bottom lip as I stared at his contact name. Taking a deep breath, I clicked on it. The phone screen changed, indicating that it was calling him. I pushed the phone beside my ears, still chewing down on my bottom lip as I walked back into my bedroom. The phone rang a couple of times before getting disconnected.

I squeezed my eyes shut, inwardly cursing before calling him once again. "Please pick up your phone, Justin." I mumbled to myself as if he would magically be able to hear me and pick up the call. I was really in the need to talk to him. He needed to hear me out. Especially after what I had found out three nights ago.

*𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌*

"La cena è pronta. Puoi per favore chiamare tuo padre e tuo nonno, piccola?" Mama asked as she started placing the dinner on the table. "Certo, lo farò." I nodded, giving her a small smile.

"The dinner is ready. Can you please call your father and grandfather, baby?"

"Sure, I will do it."

I got up from my seat, making my way towards Papà's office which was situated upstairs at the end of the hallway while humming a soft tune to myself. Singing helped me cope sometimes. Just like painting. Mama always says these two things are my passion, including dancing and I don't disagree. They always manage to put me at ease.

After reaching the office door, I raised my hand to knock on the door. Papà didn't like anyone barging into his office until and unless there was a major problem and one of us was on the verge of dying. He has strictly informed everyone in this house not to snoop around into his office and to knock on the door and wait for the permission before going in.

As I was about to knock on the door, I noticed it was slightly opened. I furrowed my eyebrows, when some muffled voice travelled into my ears. They were low but I could hear them clearly enough to know what they were talking about. I don't know what crawled over me but I felt as if I needed to hear this. I've been told that eavesdropping was a bad thing to do but my curiosity managed to win and take over my brain.

I slowly pressed my ear against the door, hearing silently. "How did all of it even happen?" Nonno's voice filled into my ears followed by Papà's, "It was all fucking Amato!"

Amato? Who was Amato? I thought to myself.

Shivers ran down my spine by just hearing his name for the first time."It was all fucking him. It is always him causing the trouble." The venom in Papà's voice was clearly evident. "How did he even manage to do this? I still can't believe he could be this smart to think of such an idea." Nonno said.

"What do you think, dad? He hates the Biebers. Especially Justin. He's been trying to kill him for almost seven years now. Since, Justin has been declared as the next heir of the Biebers, Amato is plotting sick plans to kill him." Papà spat.

I covered my mouth to suppress a gasp which was about to flow out of my mouth. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Of course, I knew Justin had enemies but I didn't know they would try to plan something which could kill thousands of people just so they could see Justin die. Clearly, Amato was one of them.

"Keyword: 'trying'. Amato is trying but has he ever been successful? Justin is chosen as the heir because of a reason, Simon. He has all the qualities of a leader. Amato is nothing compared to him. Don't worry, everything will be fine." Nonno said and then I heard a faint sound. Maybe, he was putting his hand on Papà shoulder to comfort him.

"I know, dad. But what about Charlotte? Amato clearly knows what Charlotte means to Justin aka his number one enemy. He will try anything to destroy Justin. He could even use Charlotte to get to him. How do you expect me not to worry when my daughter's life is in danger." Papa sighed. "Her life has always been in danger, son." Nonno stated.

"But I kept her safe, dad! I've always tried to keep her away from this cruel world we have created and live in. But after marrying Justin? She will become the talk of this world. Everybody would try to harm her in any way possible just so they can harm Justin. God forbids if anything happens but I am willing to die protecting her. I don't care if I die tomorrow but what will happen after I'm gone?" A tear rolled down my left eye. He was willing to sacrifice himself to safe me from any kind of danger. How could he say that he didn't care if he dies tomorrow? I won't let anything happen to him. I won't let him die because of me. I couldn't. I wouldn't.

"Justin will protect her. He will be there to take care of her. I know you don't trust him completely but I do. I know he can. That boy is crazy over our little girl. He will tear this world apart if anyone even tries to harm even a small hair on her."

"I know but I'm her father too. Besides, I still don't trust Justin fully. I will always worry for her and I won't let anything harm her even in a slightest way as long as I don't lose the last drop of blood from my body."

That was it. I couldn't hear them any more. I pulled away from the door before wiping my face, making sure there were no sign of tears. Letting out a breath to calm myself, I knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" Papà said out loud. "It's me." I replied before walking in when I heard him give me the permission to come in.

"Mama is calling you both down for dinner." I announced, reaching a nod from both or them. I gave them a small smile before walking out with only one thought lingering in me as the conversation played over and over again in my head.

I needed to talk to Justin.

*𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓*

"Shit." I cursed when he didn't pick up the phone call again. I had been trying to call him for two days now but I never hear anything from him in return. I groaned before going into my contacts again. But this time, I chose to call my best friend.

Luke.

Luke Charles, son of mafia Damon Charles, has been one of my friends since we were twelve. Elle and him takes the cake of being my best friend. We both met each other at the private school we both used to go to. He was very handsome, every girl in our school was head over heels for him. Except for Elle and me. I never felt anything towards him other than friendship.

Currently, he was sent out for some business by his father. I didn't even know where he has gone to. He couldn't tell me because his father had prohibited him from telling anyone so I never forced him into telling me much.

But this wasn't even the main problem. I hadn't been able to speak to him for almost three months. He never answers his phone calls. I always end up worrying about him. What if he's hurt? Or worse, died? God forbids but I couldn't shake this feeling. I always pray for him to be safe and sound.

He didn't even know about me getting engaged. He had no idea that I was supposed to get married in less than two weeks. How could I walk down the aisle knowing that my best friend won't be present to have my back?

As always, he didn't pick up the call. I groaned before hanging my head low. What was I suppose to do?

Suddenly, my bedroom door was opened making me walk out of the bathroom only to find Mama smiling brightly right at me.

"Pattie called! She's coming over to pick us up in few minutes. Hurry up and get dressed." She smiled excitedly but it got wiped right away when she noticed my facial expression.

"Cosa c'è che non va, tesoro?" She questioned before settling me down on my bed and taking a seat beside me. I couldn't tell her everything just yet. "I tried calling Luke but he isn't picking up my calls as always." I smiled sadly. Technically, I did not lie.

"What's wrong, honey?"

"Oh mio prezioso bambino!" She immediately pulled me into a hug. I closed my eyes and hugged her back. She didn't know how much I needed it right now. She gave me strength.

"Oh my precious baby!"

"Don't worry. He must be alright." She started caressing my hair. "He will call you soon. Simon told me that Damon has not allowed Luke to have his phone with him because it might cause distraction." She smiled as she pulled away. "How long will it take? Will he be even present at my wedding? He doesn't even know I'm getting married." I frowned.

"I think he knows. He will be here." She tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, before grinning at me, "Elle is coming over too. You should get dressed now." My eyes lit up. Elle has been out of town with her family for few days.

"But where are we going?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Wedding dress shopping!"

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷

"Lottie!" I was pulled into a tight hug by my best friend as she smiled brightly at me. I smiled, embracing her. "Are you okay? I got so scared when I heard about what happened." She asked worriedly when we pulled away. No, I am not. "Yeah, I am fine." I grinned at her. "You don't have to lie to me, you know." She said softly and my grin disappeared. She definitely knew how to look right past my lies.

"Char, come downstairs! Pattie is here!" As I was about to open my mouth to reply, Sarah's yell interrupted me, catching both mine and Elle's attention. She glared at the door for a quick second before looking back at me. "We will talk when we come back." Elle stated and I nodded my head.

Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around me again. "God, I missed you so much." She pouted making me smile softly. "I missed you more." I hugged her back.

"Now let's go downstairs or Sarah will come here." I chuckled and pulled away. She rolled her eyes playfully before linking her arms with my own as we started making our downstairs.

As we reached the living room, I saw Mama and Sarah sitting down on the couch with Pattie, Alea, Bella, Maya and Faith as they talked away.

"And they're here!" Sarah annouched, being the first one to notice us. Within a second, everybody's eyes were on us making me gulp slightly as I smiled at them before saying my greetings.

"Hey there gorgeous girls." Bella smiled at me. I blushed slightly as I waved at her, "Look who's talking."

"You both are looking so pretty." Maya awe'ed with everybody agreeing with her. Elle and I thanked her while smiling and blushing.

I was wearing a a dark green coloured xica dress with puffed sleeves and a full circular skirt. It has a flattering V-neckline and small polka dots design all over it. It was fastened with a self-tie belt around my waist to define the narrowest point. I had also decided to wear a floral beaded padded headband of the same color around my head. The stacked round and oval shaped hand-cut crystal double drop earrings wa hanging off my ears while the diamond watch I had received as a birthday gift from my father wa wrapped around my wrist. I was wearing white pumps to complete the look.

"Are you ready to go?" Pattie smiled as she got up from her seat. I grinned at her in response. Everybody got up from their seats to walk outside. We splitted up into two cars. The car ride passed with conversations going on between everyone that I didn't even notice it was about to be over. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a man appeared to open my door. He helped me. "Thank you." I smiled at him and he politely nodded before helping everyone out of the car.

I looked ahead, only to find a large store stretched in front of me. "This is where I got my wedding dress from." Pattie smiled at me, making me look at her. "In fact, not just me. Grace got her wedding from here too and so did my other daughter-in-laws." She said as we walked into the large shop. It looked really modern and professional looking and had a welcoming and cosy atmosphere.

"It is almost like a tradition." Alea said, her eyes lighting up as soon as they fell upon the dresses hung around in the store.

"Hey ladies! It's been so long since I've seen you all." A elderly woman walked at us with a bright smile on her face as she hugged everyone. "And who are these beautiful ladies?" She smiled at me.

"She's Charlotte. Justin's bride-to-be. That's her friend Eliza and her sister Sarah. You already know Faith. Girls, this is Elizabeth, the owner of the shop." Pattie introduced us. "Justin's getting married?" The woman gasped making her nod excitedly in response. "Oh my God, finally! It is lovely to meet you darling." Elizabeth hugged me again, making me smile at her, "It is lovely to meet you too."

"I think I already know what brought you here." She smiled at us.

"Just a perfect place to find a dress fit for a bride."

⎯⎯ ୨ ୧ ⎯⎯

"Why don't you try this one? This one is pretty." Elle suggested as she handed me a white long wedding dress. The top of it had several designs on it, giving it a pretty look. It had a deep V-neckline and long slit in the skirt. Even though it was a beautiful dress, I had no desire to try it on. I was getting really tired. It has almost been two hours since we've been here.

I sighed before taking the dress from her. I walked to the dressing room to change.

Everyone insisted I try on every dress and pick out the ones which I liked the best. They wanted me to have a perfect dress of my choice. But so far, nothing has managed to capture my eyes.

I didn't even want to try on dresses. Definitely not with what I was planning onto doing. I even requested Mama to come here some other time but she insisted we should do this today because the wedding was near. I was only trying to find excuses to put this shopping on a hold but so far, I haven't been able to succeed.

I put on the dress before frowning to myself when I started to not like it on me. I came out of the dressing room, posing for them all. "No, that's not looking that good on her." Bella shook her head as she put another piece of chip into her mouth. "Bella's right." Mama agreed, taking one chip for herself.

"Can't we do this some other day? I am not liking anything at all." I mumbled. One last try won't cause any problem and I wasn't even completely lying. "But the wedding is nearer than you think!" Alea exclaimed making me sigh. The wedding...

It was less than two weeks away. I didn't have much time left.

"Sweetie, it's okay, don't stress yourself. I just found this dress and I think you may like it. Could you try this one on? If you don't like it then we can go for shopping some other day." Pattie asked with a hopeful voice. I sighed to myself before taking the dress from her.

I walked into the dressing room to try it on. The dress was beautiful but I was still uncertain how it would look on me. I got out of the dress I was currently wearing before putting the new on. As soon as my gaze fell upon my reflection into the mirror, a gasp left my mouth and my jaw dropped.

The dress was perfect.

It was hugging my body at all the right places and showing off my curves, looking beautiful as ever. "Are you done, sweetie?" Pattie's voice filled into the ears. I tore my eyes away from the mirror before making my way outside.

Everyone's reaction was the same as mine. Their jaws were dropped, a glint of approval evident into their eyes. I even saw Mama and Bella tearing up a little bit as they kept staring at me. I couldn't tell if this was because of their pregnancy hormones or they actually got emotional.

"Oh my God, you're looking so beautiful!" Faith couldn't tear her eyes away from me. "Woah." Sarah smiled. "This is perfect!" Maya and Elle squealed.

"This is definitely the perfect dress fit for our gorgeous bride!" Pattie smiled widely.

⎯⎯ ୨ ୧ ⎯⎯

𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒅𝒂𝒚

I was sitting on my bed, trying to call Justin once again. I had my bedroom door locked so nobody could hear what we were talking about on the phone, that if he even ends up picking up my call. My eyes were squeezed shut while I had my fingers crossed. I was slightly praying to God to make Justin answer my phone call.

As if my prayers were answered, the familiar voice filled into my ears making me open my eyes. "Hello?"

"Justin, hey. It's me... Charlotte." I cleared my throat as I got comfortable on my bed. "I know that. You know, there is a thing called Caller Id. It is really useful. Maybe you should try it sometimes." He chuckled on the other end.

I rolled my eyes playfully at him. "I've been trying to call you for days but you won't answer any of my calls." I bit down on my bottom lip. "Oh really? I apologize, I did not have my phone with me." He answered and I hummed, "It's okay."

"Can we meet right now?" I asked what I had been dying to ask for days. "Of course, if you're free." I quickly added. "Yeah sure. Is everything okay though?" He asked, worry laced into his words. "Yeah. I just..." I nodded my head before gulping nervously.

"I need to talk to you."

"Alright, I'm on my way." He said. "No, not here. I will text you the address. Can you meet me there in an hour?" I asked.

"Okay," I could almost see him shrugging his shoulders. "Are you already planning our third date? I like that." Just by hearing his voice, I could tell he was smirking.

"I will text you the address now. Bye." I announced. "Ciao amore." He said softly and I ended the call.

"Bye love."

I sighed as I pulled my phone away from my ear. I glared down at it before closing my eyes in frustration.

Why does he has to make this so hard for me?

Please don't fall apart, I can't face your breaking heart
I'm trying to be brave, stop asking me to stay

Third Person's P.O.V

Justin's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he got out of the backseat of his car, his eyes examining his surroundings. The land in front of him was covered in some short and some tall trees at a distance. There was a railing at the deep end of the land which led to a cliff. Beyond the cliff was a perfect view of nature. As far as he could see, there was greenery. Just a little further away from the land was an old church.

Justin couldn't help help but wonder why would Charlotte ask him to meet her there. She even rejected when he offered to pick her up from her house. He was confused. 

"Just park the car over there." Justin told his driver Benjamin as he pointed towards a direction a little further away. "Yes, Mr. Bieber." Benjamin nodded before reversing the car to park it.

Justin sighed to himself before walking towards the railing. He grasped it with both of his hands before looking down and around. The view was beautiful. As far as he could see, it was green and beauty. The sun was shining bright causing his eyes to sparkle. He found himself being mesmerized and occupied by the scenery, completely being unaware of the fact of what it was going to bring him.

Suddenly, Justin's heart picked up its pace. There was a tingling feeling in the pit of his stomach. Butterflies. This could only mean one thing. He found himself turning on his heels, only to find Charlotte walking towards him.

Just like always, his breath was taken away at the sight of her. Her hair was down and flowing around with the wind making her tuck it behind her ear every now and then. Her face was free of any makeup, just how he liked it. She was wearing a bias cut moss green satin midi skirt with white full sleeved ribbed boatneck crop tee along with a white classic vans slip on and Daniel Wellington watch petite bondi 32mm. He found himself smiling when his eyes fell upon the 'J' pendant he has gifted her with when she was sixteen. She was gorgeous. She was truly looking like an angel sent from heaven just for him.

But as soon as his eyes wondered north, he found himself frowning. The girl he was in love with seemed troubled. The light in her eyes was gone. She was frowning.

What could have had happened to make her this sad? He thought to himself.

"Oh hey Justin. I thought I was early." She tried to give him a small smile but failed. They both started walking towards each other, meeting halfway.

"What happened?" He asked immediately. Charlotte's frown deepened. How could Justin tell something was bothering her? Was it that obvious?

"I-I need to talk to you." She gulped, fidgeting her fingers together. "What is it?" He asked, getting even more worried as the seconds passed. "And how did you get here?" He asked when he didn't see any car at a distance. In fact, he couldn't even hear any sound of an engine.

"I walked." She answered honestly. "You walked!?" Justin's eyes widened. "Uhm, yes." She cleared her throat nervously. "Do you even realise how far this place is from your home?" He said. "I know but it is okay, Justin. I enjoyed my walk." She tried to defend herself. "Does anyone know? Simon? Grace? Anyone?" He raised an eyebrow. She shook her head while biting down on her bottom lip as she looked down at her feet. She felt as if she was some little child getting scolded for eating too much candy.

Meanwhile, Justin was getting angry. How could Charlotte walk all by herself without any protection? How could she not tell anyone? What if something would have happened to her on her way?

"Charlotte do you even realise how dangerous this could been for you?" He tried to control his anger. "I know Justin but please hear me out. I really need to talk to you, please." She let out deep breath, trying to hold back her tears.

The butterflies in Justin's stomach have turned into fear now. He couldn't help but feel anxious. "What is it, Charlotte? You're scaring me now?" He stared at her in fear, waiting for an answer. "I–I–" Charlotte tried to speak but the words won't slip past her tongue. "I ca–can't,"

"I-I can't marry you, Justin."

As soon as the six words managed to roll out her mouth, Justin got confused. To him the words didn't make any sense, as if he has forgotten what the language english ever sounded like. "What do you mean?" He let out a small nervous chuckle. "It is okay. We can postpone the wedding for now if you want." He slowly nodded his head. This idea seemed perfect in his head as if he could understand what she was talking about. But the only difference was that he couldn't understand at all.

"No, you don't understand. I can't marry you. Ev–ever." Charlotte's voice grew quite by the end.

Justin's heart shattered. He felt as if the ground below his feet has been slipped away from him. His eyes watered while his breath picked up. "W-what do you mean you can't m-marry me ever?" He started shuttering. Charlotte's recent past words have hit him like a bullet.

"Charlotte do you even hear yourself?" He grasped her upper arms. "What kind of sick joke is this?" He shook her slightly. "I am so sorry, Justin." She couldn't control herself any longer and let out a small sob.

"No, no, you can't do this." Justin pulled his hand away and shook his head. He hummed in disapproval. "You won't do this." He shook his head again. "Justin, please hear me out." She tried to speak but Justin shook his head again, "No."

"If we marry each other then it will only bring disaster. Our families will be ruined. They–" She gulped, closing her eyes for a quick second. "They will die." She whispered. "And it will be on us. We will be the reason." She said softly. A tear rolled down Justin's left eye as he kept his gaze locked on the anxious looking girl he loved.

"I–I can't let my family die because of me, Justin. If this is the way I can protect them–"

"–I can protect them too, Charlotte." Justin interrupted her making her look at him. "Can you be 100% sure? How c–can you verify that?" She licked her lips. "How can you verify that you can protect your family by not marrying me?" Justin answered her back with another question.

"Because if I marry you then your enemies will come after me and my family just so they can get to you. I don't care if I die but I can't have them getting hurt." She shook her head. "And you think I am not capable of protecting you and your family." Justin clenched his jaw. "No, it is not that I don't think you're capable. I just don't trust the time and this world you have created in which I have to live in." Few tears rolled down her eyes.

"What if we find ourselves in a situation just like the previous one What if Amato tries to kill everyone again? I almost died Justin. My father was shot! My mother could've lose her baby! You weren't there for us, Justin! How can you guarantee that we will be safe? How can you guarantee everyone will be alive?" Her voice slowly rose up. All the anger she had built up inside started to come out. She was angry at him.

She was angry at him for promising her for always being there for her. She was angry at him for promising her for always protecting her. To her, he broke all of them. All she had was Sloan who saved her life not once but twice. She could've been burnt alive if it wasn't for him saving her on time.

"How do you know about Amato? Who told you?" Justin raised an eyebrow when a familiar name left Charlotte's mouth. "That is not the point. It doesn't matter," She shook her head.

"Beside, we don't even know each other well. If–"

"–But I have loved you ever since I've known you, Charlotte." A tear rolled down Justin's left cheek. "I couldn't help it. I always waited for you. Do you know for how long I've waited for you?" He gently cupped Charlotte's cheeks in his hands when she tried to look away from him. Her eyes immediately got locked with his own.

"Three years. I waited for you for three years. And I never complained." He cried. "I never complained because I figured..." He gulped. "I figured you'd love me."

Charlotte was already into tears but was hoping not to completely break down. She must stay strong.

"I know I'm not that good of a man. I am a mafia. A killer. A cruel monster as everyone claims. I know I'm not good enough for you." Justin cried vulnerably causing Charlotte to shake her head at him. "No, no. You're good enough. You're a great person." Charlotte spoke, wiping away his tears, knowing very well that she was the cause of them. Watching Justin become so vulnerable and heartbroken made her heart ache. She felt as if her heart was being stabbed because she knew that she was the cause of his tears.

"But I'm so different. I won't be able to last in this dangerous life you lead on. I hate everything about it while you're used to this. This is what you do. And if we marry then we would only quarrel. Neither of us would be happy. We'd regret this." Charlotte tried to make him understand but Justin wasn't having any of it. He wasn't going to give up. "But can't you see I love you? Isn't that enough?"

"I don't deserve your love, Justin. Look at me. I am so awkward. I don't know how to fit in. There are so many girls in the world who are prettier than me, who know how to survive in this world." She was desperately trying to make him see things wrong with her. Her words were hitting Justin like daggers. He felt as if someone was beating his heart with a jackhammer.

"But I only love you, Charlotte." Justin stated making her look at him. "You'd regret marrying me. We'd be miserable. You'd be ashamed of me." She said softly. "But I only love you." Justin stated softly again. "I can't love anybody else. I only love you."

"Yes, you can. I am not the one for you, Justin. But someday you'll find a beautiful, lovely girl who will be the best wife to you. She will love you the way you love her. She will be everything you've ever wanted and needed. But that girl is not me. I can't have you live a lie when I know I can't say 'I do' truly." She cried.

"Death is better than loving someone else. I'd rather hang myself." Justin chuckled without humour, turning away from her. "Justin, no. Don't say that!" Charlotte tried to make him turn to her but Justin shrugged her hand away. "I'd rather be dead." Justin said, looking into her eyes. "No, don't say that." She cried.

"I truly was looking forward to this marriage with you. I was really looking forward to spend the rest of my life with you. But I can't sacrifice my family and you in the process. I can't. If me not marrying someone at all is going to solve things then I will do it. I will happily do it." She said softly.

"You will marry someone, Charlotte. You will fall in love and then you'll marry them. And do you know what I will be doing?" He said, getting close to her. "I will be watching. And I will be suffering."

"Justin, please, don't make this hard for me." She whimpered looking down at her hand. "I need to do this. This feels like the right thing to do. I can't sacrifice others lives for my own selfish reasons. I can't sacrifice you." She sniffled.

Her eyes fell upon the shining diamond engagement ring sitting on her left ring finger. She let out a deep breath, her eyes never leaving the shining diamond. "I want you to give this to someone who is worthy of it." She slowly reached up to take the ring off her finger but Justin was quick to stop her. "No!" Justin exclaimed as he gently held her hand away from the ring, leaving it untouched.

She looked up at him only to find that his eyes were fixed on the ring before they travelled to look into her blue ones. "I need you to give me a chance. Our wedding is in 12 days. I need you to think over this decision. If it still stays the same on our wedding day then you can refuse to marry me when the priest asks for your confirmation. You won't have to say 'I do' if you know you truly won't mean it. I will respect your decision no matter what it ends up being." He requested making her open her mouth to refuse to this proposal. He shook his head softly, a slight hope glistening into his eyes, "Please, do this for me."

"Please, give me a chance. One chance is all I ask for." He said softly as his hand slowly reached up to caress her cheek. "Just one chance." He whispered and she found herself closing her eyes as she leaned into his touch. She slowly nodded her head before take a step away from him, leaving Justin's hand limp on his side and breaking his heart even more.

"Benjamin will take you home. It is getting late." Justin said, turning his head away. He knew he'd break down if he kept looking at her. They'd both break.

"I am so sorry." Charlotte let out a sob before turning on her heels to walk towards Justin's car. Her hand covered her mouth, trying to suppress her sobs that were fighting hard to let out. Tears continued to stream down her face as she sat down on the backseat of the car. Now, the sobs have managed to win the battle and were set free. She covered her face with her hands, sobing and screaming in them.

Benjamin slowly looked at the crying girl sitting on the backseat through the rearview mirror before his gaze turned to the man crying outside whose knees have given up as Benjamin slowly drove the car away. He couldn't help but feel bad for them. He wished nothing more than to set things right but he found himself being helpless. He couldn't do anything for them.

Both of them were broken.

Meanwhile, a scream erupted Justin's mouth and he punched the ground underneath as he sobbed. He punched the ground again and kept punching it repeatedly until he had no energy left in him, staring into nothing in particular.

He didn't even seem to realise that it has almost been an hour of him staring into space. He slowly got up on his legs before taking out a Ray-Ban from his suit pocket. He put the shades over his eyes, his legs leading him on the streets as he started making his way towards his parents house.

He was staring down the entire time and kept bumping into people on his way making some of them yell at him. Usually, Justin would get angry and yell back at them, ready to fight. But now he had no energy left to fight back. He didn't even acknowledge them.

Justin walked through his parents' mansion gate, ignoring the security who were greeting him. He took off his Ray-Ban and carelessly threw them on the doorsteps. His bloodshot eyes were only searching for one person. The only person who could bring him comfort. The only person who could hug him and tell him that everything was going to be alright. His mother.

As he was walking towards the kitchen in search of his mother, Pattie's eyes noticed her son. She smiled softly but it got wiped out when she noticed tears bordering his bloodshot eyes and his tear stained cheeks, waiting for more tears. "Justin, honey, what happened?" Her heart broke at the sight of her son as she walked towards him. When Justin noticed her, he broke down into tears and wrapped his arms around her shoulder. He nuzzled his face into the crook of her neck, sobbing quietly but loud enough for his mother to hear.

"Tesoro, cosa è successo?" Pattie asked again, rubbing her son's back, trying to comfort him. "Perché piangi, Jay? Dì alla mamma cos'è successo." She said softly, trying to hold back her own tears. She was afraid to speak loudly as if the loudness will break Justin. She has never witnessed her son like this in three years. It all felt like dejà vu. Three years ago, he was crying in her neck as she was trying to comfort him and tell him that everything was going to be alright. She was so very confused. She didn't know what could have caused her son to be this way again. But she knew it was something big.

"Baby, what happened?"

"Why are you crying, Jay? Tell mom what happened."

Justin squeezed his eyes shut, unable to reply. He couldn't bring himself to say anything. He felt as if his voice was frozen, his words were stuck in his throat. All he had was just one thought circling around his mind over and over again.

Do I have to lose you again?

---------------------------------------------------------

So,
*clears throat and looks away awkwardly*

How are you all? I hope you're good lol

Here is another chapter and whenever I write in the Third Person's P.O.V nothing good happens but the main question is

Will Jarlotte end up getting married or will Charlotte say no?👀

I also wanna thank mccumm for making that amazing couple gif for me! Thank you so much Belle, it is perfect! You're so talented girl like please teach me 😭

And a surprise is just at your doorsteps so be ready for that ;)

Anyways,

I hope you guys liked this chapter 🤍