Chapter 21
Once Ralph and Renee became a couple, he was uzzing with excitement. He couldn’t wait to tell everyone that Renee was his girlfriend.
His first Instinct was to share a photo on social media, showing their hands intertwined together. The caption was short but spoke volumes, exuding a clear sense of possession.
“Mine.”
The reactions online came quickly and flooded In
“Oh my gosh! The Golden Charmer just made it official! This is a dream come true!”
‘No way! The Golden Charmer and Renee are such a perfect match! The couple I’ve been rooting for is finally happening!”
“The Golden Charmer is actually in love! Miracles really do happen!”
Social media went wild instantly, with the hashtag “Ralph and Renee just made it official” shooting straight to the top of the trending list. Everyone was buzzing about the big news in the comment sections.
But Ralph wasn’t done yet. He sent a mass text to everyone in his circle, the message oozing pride.
“Renee and I are officially together.”
The whole group lost it.
“Ralph is actually in love? I thought he was the eternal bachelor.”
“Renee comes from the richest family around. Is the Golden Charmer really about to marry into money?”
“It’s a miracle! The Golden Charmer has finally found his true love!”
Ralph’s antics left Renee exasperated.
She shot him a resigned look, her voice soft as she asked, “Do you really have to make such a
fuss about this?”
Ralph responded with warmth and conviction, I do. I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
A faint blush colored Renee’s cheeks, and she couldn’t help but smile. “You’re unbelievable…”
Ralph’s grin grew wider as he leaned in to pinch her cheek playfully, his voice light and teasing. “Unbelievable how?”
Renee let out a sigh and shook her head. “You’re just… so immature.”
Bur Ralph wasn’t bothered in the slightest. When it comes to your I’d gladly stay immature
forever
Ralph didn’t just go public with their relationshi He made sure to follow Renee to the Callahan residence.
When Eamon saw them walk in together, he pressed a hand to his forehead, exasperated.” Why did I ever introduce you to Renee? Are you trying to marry into this family or what?”
Unfazed, Ralph replied, “Sounds good to me. If I hadn’t found you all here, I’d be wondering if Renee was about to skip town.‘
Eamon couldn’t help but laugh at Ralph’s boldness.
He turned to Renee and said, “Look at this guy. Even though you’ve got a boyfriend now, don’t forget about me, okay? I’ll always be the one who spolls you the most.”
“Renee’s my girlfriend now. I’m the one who’s going to spoil her the most,” Ralph shot back.
Eamon raised an eyebrow, his tone challenging. “Oh really? Let’s see you top that.”
The two of them went at it, their faces flushed with exaggerated indignation.
Renee looked at them, a sense of helplessness washing over her. “Alright, that’s enough, you two. If you keep this up, you’ll spoil me beyond repair.”
Eamon and Ralph turned toward her in unison, their voices merging. “Then let it be. We’re more than happy to make it happen!”
Renee shook her head, a small, resigned smile crossing her face.
Just then, Dwight and Celine walked over.
“Renee, it’s been raining for two days straight, and those two men are still out there on their knees. Do you want to check on them?”
Renee glanced at the window, her gaze distant, her tone flat. “If they want to stay kneeling, that’s on them.‘
Dwight and Celine shared a glance, choosing not to push the matter further. They knew all too well that once Renee had made up her mind, there was no changing it.
The manor’s towering windows stretched from floor to ceiling. Kneeling in the pouring rain, Eugene and Calvin watched as the Callahans shared a moment of pure familial joy through the glass.
Renee was enveloped by the warmth of the Callahans and Ralph, her face glowing with a happiness that seemed almost too flawless for this world. It was the joy they had once
shattered with their own hands.
A sharp, burning ache of guilt and regret surged in Eugene and Calvin’s chests. Their clothes.
were soaked through, their bodies mumb from the this self–imposed punishment could somehow
old, yet they remained on thete knees as if me for what they had done
After a moment, the housekeeper walked over, her vice prostire but detached “rentlemen, Fr afraid it’s time for you to leave. Me Callaham’s decision stands. There’s nothing to forgive To her, you’re no different than strangers now Kricing here won’t make a difference”
Eugene and Calvin’s faces went pale, their eyes revealing a profound pain,
Their voices shook, weighed down by emotions they could hardly contain “We just… We just want to make things right
The housekeeper shook her head and said indifferently. “Instead of kneeling here, you’d do better to focus on your company. Try to salvage what’s left of it.”
Eugene and Calvin froze, their fingers immediately unlocking their phones. The screens lir up with a flood of messages from Olivia,
uctur
“Mr. Swain, Mr. Letcher, the company’s funding just collapsed. It seems like the Callahans are behind this. You need to return right away to deal with it!”
Both men went pale, their eyes clouded with shock and the weight of what was unfolding
“The Callahans… They’ve finally made their move?” Eugene’s voice shook.
Calvin’s eyes remained glued to the phone, his voice growing rough. “If this is what it takes to make her happy, then it doesn’t matter if we lose the company and end up on the streets.”
The housekeeper regarded them with an icy stare, her voice laced with barely concealed disdain. “Gentlemen, you’ll need to leave now. Ms. Callahan doesn’t want to see either of you again.”
Eugene and Calvin’s faces lost all color, their eyes heavy with sorrow and regret. They dropped to their knees in the pouring rain, their bodies stiffening from the cold, yet the emptiness in their hearts hurt more than the icy sting of the rain against their skin.
The downpour grew fiercer, each drop sharp against their skin, yet there was no discomfort. They stayed on their knees, silently watching the joy of others.
They both understood that, no matter how long they knelt there, the person inside would never come out. This was her way of punishing them. They’d carry the weight of their guilt and sorrow for the rest of their lives.
