Love Rewind

Chapter 6

Charles still didn't get it. His expression softened as he casually said, "Wait, Uncle's getting married too? That's great! We could have a double wedding! The Simmons family could really go all out with this celebration!"

Mr. Simmons frowned sharply. "What nonsense are you talking? Who said anything about a double wedding? We haven't even made any arrangements for your marriage yet! The ones getting married are your uncle and Natalie, so stop acting out, you child!"

With that, Mr. Simmons raised his glass toward me with a proud smile. "I honestly didn't think I'd ever see my brother take a wife in my lifetime. Natalie, this toast is for you."

Charles froze, his face turning white as he whispered, "Dad... who did you say is getting married?"

Before Mr. Simmons could answer, Benjamin calmly placed our joined hands on the table and looked Charles dead in the eye. "The ones getting married are Natalie and me."

Charles's expression faltered. "That's impossible... This can't be happening!"

He shot to his feet, stunned and furious, his face twisting in disbelief. "What kind of joke is this?!"

Mr. Simmons snapped, "Watch your mouth! Making a scene like this at a family dinner, this is how you show respect to your elders now? If you keep it up, get out!"

Charles visibly fought to control his emotions, clenching his fists, and finally sank back into his chair.

For the rest of the meal, the conversation shifted to plans for my wedding to Benjamin, while Charles's gaze was glued to me, his frustration growing by the second. Meanwhile, Stella tried to get his attention multiple times, but he barely noticed.

As the dinner wound down and we got up to leave, I realized I'd forgotten my coat. Benjamin immediately went back to get it for me.

I waited by the door when, suddenly, Charles grabbed my arm, his eyes burning with desperation.

"Tell me, why are you marrying my uncle?"

I pulled my arm away and calmly met his gaze. "Why not?"

Charles gritted his teeth. "Stop pretending, Natalie! You love me! How could you possibly agree to marry anyone else?"

I laughed lightly. "Well, as you can see, I am marrying someone else."

"Charles, I've chased after you for far too long. I don't love you anymore."

"You never loved me, did you? You loved the idea of us, but never me." I shook my head. "Please, for your own dignity, stop pestering me."

His face twisted in confusion. "That's impossible... You can't just stop loving me. In another life, we..."

He caught himself, then his tone shifted to a mix of pleading and negotiation. "Alright, Natalie, there's no need to keep playing hard to get. I'll agree to whatever you want for the wedding, your dress, your choice of venue, everything. And even if Stella and I get legally married, I won't bring her into our home. Just say the word, and we'll fix everything."

I looked at him, appalled. "My wedding will be on my terms, Charles. Not yours, not anyone else's."

I took a deep breath, my voice steady. "The man I'm marrying is Benjamin. Stop making a fool of yourself."

"You're marrying him? Over me?" Charles's voice dropped dangerously. "Try it, Natalie. Just try it."

Before I could respond, he grabbed my arm again, forcefully pulling me toward him.

In an instant, Benjamin was there, his arm around me as he yanked me away. He draped his coat over my shoulders and, without a second thought, swung a punch at Charles's face.

"Charles Simmons, who the hell gave you the right to lay your hands on my fiancée?"

Charles stumbled back, blood trickling from his lip, but he actually smiled, a twisted, smug expression on his face. "Uncle, maybe you should ask around. Everyone in North Boston knows Natalie's been chasing me since we were kids. You really want to marry damaged goods like that?"

Benjamin's anger flared, and without hesitation, he punched Charles again. "Watch your filthy mouth. If you're tired of being CEO, I'll make sure someone else takes your place. Now, get the hell out."

I winced, glancing at Benjamin's bruised knuckles. "Does it hurt?"

Charles's eyes flickered with a strange hope, but when he saw my concern for Benjamin's hand, that light quickly faded. His face darkened, and he threw one last bitter glance at me before storming off.

Stella came out, calling to Charles, but he ignored her completely and drove off alone.

I immediately checked Benjamin's hand, worried. "Does it really hurt?"

"I'm fine," he smiled, brushing it off. "But it might hurt a little more now. Guess I won't be able to drive... or cook for the next few days. I'll need someone to take care of me."

I couldn't help but smile at his sudden vulnerability. "Don't worry, I'll take care of you."

Benjamin gave me a playful grin. "Well, in that case, thank you, my dear wife."

The way he said it made my heart skip, and all the tension from earlier seemed to melt away in an instant.