Chapter 33 Sarah's expression turned cold as she replied flatly , " Not really . " Charlotte clearly wasn't going to let the conversation end there . " We just saw you dining with Mr. Reynolds . James and I thought we were seeing things . When did you get so close to him ? " A strand of hair fell across her collarbone , adding to her image of gentle innocence . " That's none of your business , " Sarah tossed her paper towel in the bin . " Miss Garnett , we're not close enough for you to be asking about my personal life . " Charlotte took a deep breath , a hint of hurt flickering in her eyes . " Aren't you being a bit defensive ? We've known each other for some time , and I'm just making polite conversation . There's no ulterior motive . " No ulterior motive ? Really ? Every time Charlotte spoke , it was with such measured politeness that no one could find fault with her words , yet it made Sarah deeply uncomfortable . Sarah gave a bitter smile . " If you're so concerned with proper etiquette , Miss Garnett , was it also proper etiquette when you came back and destroyed my marriage ? " The coldness and hostility in Sarah's eyes was unmistakable . Charlotte appeared wounded by her words , looking at her in disbelief . " I never meant to hurt you . I knew nothing about what was happening here while I was abroad . I only found out James was married after I returned . But James told me there was never any love between you two , that you were already planning to divorce . That's why we got together . " Charlotte maintained her innocent tone , continuing , " Besides , I met James first . If it weren't for you , we probably would have been married years ago . If anyone destroyed a relationship , it was you who came between James and me all these years . " Sarah laughed coldly , infuriated by Charlotte's act of innocence . " Charlotte , spare me your manipulative rhetoric . You and James had a clean break before you left the country . I met and married him after your relationship was completely over . How exactly did I come between you ? " Moreover , while she might have fallen in love first , it was James who had proposed , Yet Charlotte had been seeing James before their divorce was even finalized . What did they take her for ? A convenient plot device in their love story ? A disposable chapter meant to highlight the depth of their connection ? When Charlotte returned to James , her eyes were red from crying . " What's wrong , Charlotte ? " James quickly pulled her close . " I just ran into Sarah . I tried to be polite and say hello , but she seemed resentful , " Charlotte said softly , clutching James's shirt . 1/2 " James , am I being selfish ? This is all my fault . If I hadn't come back , you wouldn't be divorced … " " You saw Sarah ? " James frowned , hating to see Charlotte blame herself . " Did she accuse you of breaking up our marriage ? So Sarah was telling Charlotte these things ? Clearly , she still had feelings for him . He had given Sarah a chance back then . She was the one who insisted on divorcing - he couldn't be blamed for that . James kissed Charlotte's eyes gently . " I never had any real feelings for her . You're the one I've always loved . She was just deluding herself - how could you have broken up something that wasn't real ? I told you not to speak to her anymore . She's not worth your concern . " ( 1 " But she took care of you for three years … " " She signed the divorce papers willingly , and I gave her a fair settlement . We owe each other nothing . " James seemed eager to change the subject , showing clear distaste at the mention of Sarah . Charlotte secretly breathed a sigh of relief . " James , I always knew you loved only me . "