Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 2

Chapter 2

Rosemary stared at her for a moment, locking eyes. “That’s not what you said when we first made our agreement,” she said quietly. “What’s the matter–having second thoughts?”

She was. She regretted it all.

Charlotte lowered her gaze, fighting the sting behind her eyes. “I’m sorry I let you down.”

Rosemary closed her eyes with a weary sigh. “Well, so be it. If you want a divorce, have it. I gave you your chance. If you can’t make Evander fall in love with you, then the Howard family owes you nothing.”

A heavy ache settled in Charlotte’s chest. She forced a hollow laugh. “Thank you.”

Back at Tranquility Manor.

Charlotte ran into Tricia and her son in the foyer–along with Evander

himself.

They must have come back together, riding in Evander’s car.

For a heartbeat, Charlotte froze.

Tricia’s surprise was obvious as she turned to her. “Dr. Sterling? You live here at Tranquility Manor too?”

Almost reflexively, Charlotte glanced at Evander.

He didn’t even spare her a glance, his indifference sharper than any insult. The more composed he acted, the deeper it cut.

Tranquility Manor was a luxury residence in the heart of the city, one of the Howard family’s properties. Evander had given her this apartment as

20:13

Chapter 2

compensation, or so he’d said.

accepted because it was close to the

move

really couldn’t

the coincidence,” Charlotte managed, steadying her voice. She was about to

I heard you’re married. How come we haven’t

Charlotte’s steps faltered.

My husband?

flicked

crossed

laughed. Was he that terrified Tricia might

truth about them?

coolly, “I

something unreadable flickered in Evander’s always–calm

husband? But aren’t you married, Dr. Sterling?” Tricia

smile.

did list her as married. But no one had ever seen her

a bitter smile. “That was just for the paperwork.

No husband?

Chapter 2

in Evander’s

her resignation handed in and her decision

into the building, not

back.

Night fell.

owned, stuffing her life into two large suitcases in the

day–her in a white dress, arm linked through Evander’s. She was all smiles, radiant, while

her,

she’d thought he just wasn’t the type to

single photograph had become her

only felt like

He didn’t hate smiling.

wanted to

up the frame, stared at it one last time, then tossed it. into a cardboard box–buried with all the