*Chapter 3: A Proposal and a Puzzle*

The night wore on, and Charlotte's anxiety grew. The Duke's eyes lingered on her, his smile confident.

As the music paused, the Duke took Charlotte's hand. "Lady Charlotte, from the moment I met you, I knew you were the one. Will you be my duchess?"

Charlotte's heart sank. Trapped.

"I...I need time to consider," she stammered.

The Duke's face fell, but he recovered quickly. "I understand. I'll await your answer."

Charlotte's parents exchanged worried glances. Her mother whispered, "Charlotte, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Asher's words echoed in Charlotte's mind: "Secrets hidden beneath the surface." She felt suffocated by the expectations.

As the evening drew to a close, Charlotte escaped to the garden. A figure waited in the shadows – Asher.

"You're considering the Duke's proposal, aren't you?" Asher asked, his voice low.

Charlotte nodded. "I feel trapped."

Asher handed her a letter. "This might change your perspective."

The letter, written in code, read:

"Meet me at the old oak,
Midnight, tonight.
Come alone."

"Who wrote this?" Charlotte asked.

Asher smiled. "Someone who wants to reveal the truth."

Charlotte's curiosity piqued. "What truth?"

Asher vanished into the darkness, leaving Charlotte with more questions.

#shortstory

© Uswat Omotayo 🥀