Chapter 41 – Secret Plans

After a couple of years, Charlotte made her company stronger than ever before, and grown closer to Kal, who helped her as more than just an investor. The company we big enough that even some of the investors that Mr. Belloff got to pull away from her company, came crawling back. She was always busy with the next project, but always made time for Eric, who still split his time between being her assistant and working at the flower shop.

Charlotte and Eric became known as a loving couple that couldn't keep their eyes off of each other. In nearly every picture taken together, they were focused only on each other. And it took a while, but Eric eventually learned to not shy away from the people taking pictures. Timo and Kal both reminded him that he should be confident for Charlotte. The change in thinking made a world of difference since he would do anything for her.

"Wait, you're finally giving me the go ahead to ask?" Eric's eyes widened as he stared at Timo. Eric had asked Timo to visit him when he wasn't busy with work, so he came barging in while Charlotte was busy with something else.

"You've saved up money from your florist job just to buy that ring, and you're surprised I said you could ask her? I didn't even think you'd ask for my permission again with how you reacted the last time I said no," Timo tapped on Eric's suit pocket where the box was hidden. "I expected you to ask while I wasn't around, so you could ignore my feelings about this. Not that they're what matters most, but you can't ask her parents. They like staying off retired on their island too much, so asking them is out of the question. Honestly, I'm surprised they even came to meet you that one time last year."

"Last time I asked if it was okay to ask for her hand, you said no before I even finished the question."

"You weren't ready then."

"But I am now?" I really shouldn't be questioning him about this. I am ready. I've been ready for a long time now. Then again, I would've said yes if she'd asked me right after the Dean situation, anyway. Maybe I've wanted this for so long I didn't think the day would come when he'd let me ask.

"Yes, you've grown immensely in your time here, and so has Charlotte. You've been good for each other." Timo held his hand over his heart. "It's been an honour to watch your love flourish. Now, if you keep asking me if you have my permission, I'm going to revoke it. One of the things I thought Charlotte helped you with was your confidence, but now I'm not so sure."

"No, you're right; I've changed. But I do have something else to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Do you mind helping me set up for my proposal?"

"Now that, I would gladly do," Timo patted him on the back. "What did you have in mind? If it's not good enough, I'll probably have some suggestions to make."

"I don't think I need any. I've got the perfect plan for this." I hope.

"I wonder what would look best for tonight," Timo hummed to himself as he went through Charlotte's closet. He pulled out one of the dresses Eric had picked out for her on their first date and nodded. "This will work."

"Why are you getting me to dress up in something so fancy?" Charlotte asked, looking at the dress Timo set on her bed. "I don't have any plans tonight... Right?" She couldn't help but question if she had forgotten something, and pulled out her phone to check her schedule.

"You do now," Timo hummed as he looked through her jewellery. He pulled out the jewellery Eric won at the auction for her that she liked to wear on special occasions when she was with Eric, and then a pair of high heels.

"Can you tell me what the plans are?" Charlotte glided her hand along the silky dress.

"No, I can't tell you."

She eyed the jewellery. "Do they have to do with Eric?"

"I will not tell you anything about who, what, or where this party is. Now, get dressed, unless you want to be late," Timo finished setting everything out and headed for the door.

"Late for what?!" Charlotte yelled at him as the door closed behind him. "Geez, what in the world is going on? He never keeps this much from me." Too curious not to obey, she got changed, did her makeup, and opened her bedroom door to find Timo waiting, sporting a smirk. "What?"

"See, you have no idea what it was, but you even went an extra step," he pointed at his face and swirled his hand around. "You look stunning, Miss Burne."

She eyed him for a moment. He rarely called her that anymore. "Well, when you put me in such an elegant dress with special accessories, I can't help but think this is going to be important. Is there a party?"

Timo tilted his head to the side as he thought. "A small, but important one."

"I assume I'm going to know someone else there, right?"

"Naturally. Now, let's get going," he swayed his hand. "A special night awaits."

"Fine, but if this is some sort of trick, I'm going to be mad."

"Ha, no, it's not a trick. I assure you, this is a party you want to go to." She was never able to stay mad at him for long, anyway.

"Then why won't you tell me anything?"

"Because the person throwing it asked me not to."

"Oh... It is Eric, right? If not, I should probably tell him I'm going to a party... even though I normally invite him to all of them..."

"Charlotte," Timo sighed.

"Yes?"

"Please stop asking so many questions. Eric already knows, so don't worry about him. Let's go, now," he urged her along.