CHAPTER 32

Charlotte's POV

I was about to go after Lily to make sure she got to the picnic safely when Humphrey held me back. He stared at me with a serious expression.

"We have to talk, Charlotte," he said, his voice low and husky.

I was taken aback, confused by the sudden turn of events. "What's going on, Humphrey? What's wrong?" I asked, my mind racing with possibilities; what could have possibly happened? He looked like he was about to say something serious.

Humphrey hesitated, his eyes darting around the room before finally settling on mine. "I have a confession to make to you, char," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

I felt a bit nervous, and sweat ran down my back. Was it bad news?

Did he do something terrible?

Humphrey was making me worried; what could he possibly have to confess to me?

"What is it, Humphrey? You're scaring me."

He took a deep breath before beginning his confession. "Charlotte, from the moment I met you, I knew you were different. Your kindness, your compassion,