Things happen.

- A man came to ask for your hand, Miss Charlotte. The maid said.

- What!? Tette said in deep anger. What have you said, Margaret? She insisted.

- Your brother is talking with him right now. It seems he met you at the library and fell in love.

Charlotte tried to think fast over the people she may talked to in the library and she remember a good looking man asking for her recommendations over what to read in the romance section which was her favorite. She could never imagined such person would dare to come to her house and even ask for her hand in such way. She was walking to her room when the doors of her father's office in the middle of the living room, opened up and her brother appeared up with a huge smile and called her.

- Tette! Come here, dear. Come here. Meet this wonderful gentleman! Mr. Marthon, he is the owner of a library chain. To be more specific the one you like the most!

- Good afternoon, sir. She said with total annoyance in her face. Mr. Marthon got a bit surprised, it was the first time he'll meet her without a shining smile over her pretty face, when she was in his library she seemed happy and excited the whole time... Maybe cause of the books she was reading... Once he thought that it was maybe, just maybe, because of him; he was sure about it wasn't like that now.

- Good afternoon, Miss Charlotte. It's a pleasure to meet you here. I hope this won't stop you from going to the library. You see, things like this happen... He said with some embarrassment.

- I have no idea about what you're talking about, sir. I guess you can update me about the news. She said calmly but with a tone that hides anger and displeasure.

- I guess your brother will let you know, my lady. I will get going. It's almost dinner time and it's getting dark outside. He said in a hurry.

- Oh, dear friend! I thought you would stay for dinner, at least. What a pity you're leaving so soon... Oh Tette, take off that face of yours. Smile a bit. You're scaring our guest. Her brother said playfully and that only made her ever angrier.

- I believe if he wants to go you should allow it, dear brother. You're just putting him in an uncomfortable situation. She said sharply.

- It's not like that. Her brother said getting finally serious.

- I will go now, Mr. Bukow. Thanks for meeting me. Good afternoon. He said and left the living room as fast as possible.

- But what's wrong with you? Charles asked once Mr. Marthon left. You should treat with more kindness to a guest. He claimed a bit mad.

- He came asking for my hand!? How dare you to even receive him in the house? What am I going to do if Hayes asked once people start to talk about it? Rumors run fast! Charlotte cried with deep anger.

- Charlotte, he hasn't even talked to you in the last months. What are you talking about, sister? You even said yourself it was over. Charles said making fun of her own words even when he knew well his sister would keep on thinking and talking about him to Margaret.

- I prohibite you to ever let any man into our house when you already know his intentions. She said crying.

- You can't prohibite me anything, Tette. Instead of giving me such orders you should clear up your heart and get over such man. Mr. Marthon is a good man, in fact. Don't worry I didn't accept anything, I just talked to him. If any other man ask for your hand it'll be exactly the same, I will only talk to him and always get to know whether you have some interest in him or not. You can't keep on thinking about a man that doesn't want you anymore for the rest of your life. You're too precious, Tette. He said now holding her hand affectionately.

- How can you know if he doesn't love me anymore? She asked looking at him in the eyes, because deep inside she felt Hayes love for her was still alive even through all.

- It doesn't matter if he deos or not, Charlotte. If the man already gave up, it's not worthy. He doesn't deserve for you to wait for him, until he has the guts to get you back. He said annoyed now.

- But... She said feeling guilty.

- No "but's" Charlotte. I don't want you to explain me his reasons anymore, I don't need to listen your faults anymore. Because it doesn't matter how it happened, he left the battlefield and it doesn't matter all the qualities you may find in him, he stopped deserving you the moment he left that door after cancelling the engagement. I don't care what you did, I know you. If you did anything to hurt that man feelings in any way, he still had to endure it to have you in his life, if he isn't here today it means it wasn't worthy for him; and he shouldn't be worthy for you, damn it! It's over, Charlotte! So you better start opening your eyes and heart to other options, because life is just beginning for you and you're an amazing woman. I would never give you to anyone against your will, but know that I will also never allow myself to give your hand again to a man that lack worth to me, I wouldn't make that mistake twice! You're my sister and my responsability. He said tired and Charlotte just looked at him surprised for his commitment and the sweetness of his love. He seriously was the best brother she could ask for, even when many times she could behave like the cruelest sister for him.

- Fine then. It was all she said while she walked to him and hugged him tight.

There is nothing to be afraid of, Tette Bukow. How could you while having a fair God and such a brother by your side? She thought for herself and gave herself strength and peace.

Written September 12nd 2016
Completed October 1st 2016