22

Days passed, the silence between Charlie and Xander stretching like an endless canvas. Charlie's initial happiness over the pregnancy began to fade, overshadowed by Xander's quiet distance.

Xander attended to Charlie's needs, providing for him physically, but emotionally, he remained absent. No gentle words, no reassuring touches, just an unsettling silence.

Charlie felt like he was drowning in a sea of uncertainty. Xander's withdrawal hurt more with each passing day.

"Xander, please talk to me," Charlie whispered one evening, his voice cracking.

Xander's gaze met Charlie's, but his expression remained impassive. He turned away, leaving Charlie feeling abandoned.

The pain intensified, a gnawing ache in Charlie's chest. He wondered if Xander regretted the pregnancy, or worse, regretted him.

As night fell, Charlie lay awake, tears seeping into his pillow. Xander's silence had become a toxic poison, infecting their relationship.

In the darkness, Charlie's thoughts spiraled. Was he just a vessel for Xander's child? Was their bond irreparably broken?

The silence consumed him, a suffocating shroud.

At the dining table, Drake surveyed the once-loving couple, his concern deepening. The palace, once filled with laughter, now reverberated with tension.

"Xander, Charlie, what's wrong with you two?" Drake asked, his voice laced with frustration.

Charlie's eyes, red-rimmed from crying, met Drake's. Xander's gaze remained fixed on his plate.

The silence was oppressive.

Charlie abruptly pushed back his chair, his face crumpling. "Excuse me," he whispered, fleeing the dining room.

Drake's eyes narrowed, focusing on Xander.

"Xander, what's going on?" Drake pressed.

Xander's expression remained impassive, but his eyes betrayed his turmoil.

Drake sighed, rising from his seat.

"Follow me," Drake ordered, his tone firm.

Meanwhile, Charlie stumbled into their room, the door closing softly behind him. He collapsed onto the bed, overwhelmed.

Painful sobs wracked his body, tears streaming down his face. His heart felt shattered, crushed beneath Xander's silent indifference.

"Why, Xander?" Charlie whispered, his voice trembling. "Why won't you talk to me?"

In the study, Drake confronted Xander.

"Xander, what's wrong with you?" Drake demanded. "You're hurting Charlie, and that's unacceptable."

Xander's gaze dropped.

Drake's face twisted in disgust.

"You're still stuck on that Cloud debacle, aren't you?" Drake accused. "Instead of addressing the issue, you're giving Charlie the silent treatment. Are you aware of the harm you're causing?"

Xander's shoulders slumped.

Drake's anger boiled over.

"You're not just hurting Charlie; you're risking the baby's well-being. Get your act together, Xander!"

Drake's slap echoed through the study.

Xander's eyes widened.

"Snap out of it, Xander!" Drake shouted. "If you can't resolve your conflicts, take Charlie back to the Silver Market. You still have time."

The mention of returning Charlie jolted Xander.

He sprinted out of the study, racing to their room.

Xander burst into the room, his heart heavy with regret. Charlie lay curled on the bed, eyes red-rimmed and sunken.

"Baby," Xander whispered, approaching the bed. He gently lifted Charlie onto his lap.

"I'm so sorry for hurting you and our baby," Xander pleaded. "That day, when you chose to leave with Elijah, I lost myself."

"I didn't kiss Cloud; he forced me," Xander vowed. "You are the only one for me."

Charlie's tears flowed freely. Xander's voice trembled.

"I'm sorry for being a fool and staying silent. Please forgive me."

Charlie nestled deeper into Xander's embrace. "I've missed you so much," he whispered.

Xander's warmth enveloped him. Charlie's tears slowed.

"Forgive me, Charlie," Xander begged.

Charlie's gaze met Xander's. "I forgive you."

Xander's relief washed over him. He held Charlie closer.