**Diary Entry 12th June 2023**
Edward invited Charlotte to dinner at a posh Italian restaurant in Mayfair. As she stepped out of her flat, her path was blocked by Eleanor.
They say only a diamond can cut another diamond, Eleanor remarked cryptically.
Charlotte frowned. Im sorry I dont understand.
Youre still young, Eleanor smiled. Take it from me, people dont fall in love just once in their lives.
Eleanor, I swear, nothings going on between me and Edward.
Perhaps not yet. But that doesnt mean it wont. Dont close your heart, Charlotte. Life has a way of surprising ussometimes bringing the greatest joy when we least expect it.
Charlotte hesitated. Did you ever feel that way too?
Eleanor sighed. Well Arthur wasnt my first love. Her eyes grew distant. Once, I loved someone else. I thought Id never recover when we parted, that Id never breathe again without him. Then Arthur came along. Everything changed. I was happy. Truly happy. Thats why Im telling youdont shut yourself off. Love might be closer than you think.
I always assumed Uncle Arthur was your first love.
He wasnt. And I wasnt his. But one things certainyou never forget your first.
Charlotte exhaled, thanked her, and walked to the waiting car where Edward sat.
The moment she left, Margaret appeared on the porch, her gaze icy.
Playing mother to Charlotte now? Giving her love advice, sharing stories you never told me.
I did it for Emily, Eleanor replied without hesitation. Theres only one thing that will truly separate Charlotte and William.
And whats that?
Charlotte falling for someone else, Eleanor said firmly.
***
Lydia stumbled down the pavement, numb after her argument with James. Her face was pale, her eyes hollowas if she couldnt see the world around her.
She didnt hear the car until it was too late.
A screech of tyres. A sickening thud.
Screams erupted. Someone called an ambulance.
Lydia lay motionless on the tarmac. A woman crouched beside her, checking for a pulse. Miss? Can you hear me?
No response.
***
Victoria strode into the woods near Hampstead Heath, where Oliver waited in the shadows. His cold stare fixed on her as she handed him a leather bag stuffed with cash.
Two hundred thousand pounds, she said coolly.
Unseen, Beatrice watched from the undergrowth, her hands trembling as she recorded the exchange on her phone.
Thats my money! she whispered furiously.
Oliver counted the notes, then stiffened at the snap of a twig.
Someones here, he hissed. I told you to come alone!
Victoria blanched. I did! I swear!
Oliver lunged into the bushes and seized Beatrice. His knife glinted in the half-light.
You shouldnt have followed her, he growled.
Beatrice stumbled back. Im calling the police!
Dont! Victoria cried. He was blackmailing me! Threatening James and Sarah!
Oliver raised the knifebut Beatrice twisted, and in the struggle, the blade plunged into his chest.
He collapsed, lifeless.
Victoria grabbed Beatrices shoulders. Listen to me. No one can know. Not the police, not anyone. Do you understand?
Beatrice sobbed as they fled, leaving Olivers body beneath the trees.
***
James rushed home after Sarahs frantic call, finding her by the door with a suitcase.
Im leaving, she whispered, kissing his cheek. Goodbye, James.
What? Why?
Your mother knows about that night. She offered me money to disappear.
James clenched his fists. Youre not going anywhere.
Sarahs eyes flickered with hope. Does that mean youll marry me?
A heavy silence.
Then James spoke flatly: No. That will never happen.
Sarah picked up her suitcase and walked away without another word.
***
William stood by his car, talking on the phone, while Emily watched him like a hawk.
Mum, tell me the truth, she whispered into her mobile. Is William talking to Charlotte?
No, darling. Charlottes at dinner with Edward.
Emily smirked. Fancy some spaghetti? she asked William brightly as he returned. Theres a new place in Mayfair.
William raised an eyebrow. Since when do you eat carbs?
She laughed, patting her stomach. The baby craves it.
***
Edward and Charlotte arrived at the restaurant, where the maître d greeted him by name.
Youve been here before? Charlotte asked.
With my boss, Edward lied, his gaze flickering to her necklacethe one he intended to steal.
As he reached to adjust it, William and Emily walked in. William snatched the necklace from the floor.
This stays with me, he said coldly, tossing a photo on the tablea blonde woman wearing the same necklace the night his sister died.
Charlotte gasped. Who is she?
Thats what were going to find out.
***
Lydia woke in a hospital bed, disoriented.
Whats your name? the doctor asked.
She blinked. I dont know.
What year is it?
Panic set in. Twenty-twenty? Nonineteen? I have to get home! My sisters waiting!
The doctor exchanged a glance with the nurse. Call Dr. Hartley from Psychiatry. She needs help.
**Lesson Learned:**
Love, betrayal, secretsthey twist lives in ways we cant predict. But the past never stays buried. And sometimes, the truth cuts deeper than a knife.