Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 16

Chapter 16

Lana laughed, her voice warm with praise. “It’s Mr. Howard in the kitchen this morning! I never would’ve guessed he’s such a talented cook. Mrs. Howard, you really are lucky!”

Charlotte gazed at Evander’s back as he moved around the kitchen, a tangle of emotions tightening in her chest.

She’d only learned about Evander’s cooking skills from Genevieve Howard, his cousin. Like the rest of the Howard family, Genevieve had never cared for Charlotte. She knew all about Evander’s history with Tricia–and made a point of reminding Charlotte at every opportunity, relishing the chance to compare the two women, bragging about how deeply Evander had once loved Tricia.

Evander had learned to cook for Tricia, not her. He’d never bothered to cook for his own wife. But for Tricia, he’d made the effort.

And now, out of the blue, he was making breakfast. For her.

Charlotte’s heart twisted painfully. She didn’t understand it. For years, he’d been cold and distant, barely acknowledging her existence. But lately, he seemed…different. Was he trying to leave her with a good impression? Was there something he regretted?

Evander brought two plates to the table. “You’re up?” he asked, placing breakfast before her.

It was lasagna–rich, layered, and golden.

He slid her plate closer before taking his seat. “I just made something simple. It’s sweet, you might like it.”

Lana helped her with her chair, and Charlotte sat down, eyeing the meal. She’d never liked sweet dishes; he’d just never bothered to notice.

Never mind, she thought. They were bound for divorce soon anyway.

2018

replied politely,

as he watched

side. “Mrs. Howard, Mr. Howard really dotes on

this was affection, she could do without

practiced elegance. “My wife works hard,” he said smoothly, “it’s only right that I take care of

Charlotte said nothing.

still beaming, looked at Evander as if he were the world’s most perfect husband.

up, only Charlotte and

on his words. Evander always put on a gentlemanly act in front of Lana–after all, Lana was the only person besides the Howards who knew about their marriage. And with Evander’s pride, he’d never let anyone find fault with him as a husband. Their secretive marriage only made things easier for him. One day, when he married Tricia and gave Hans

thought left a bitter

with a napkin and

him, stunned. “You want me to

in the country. All the

held the title because of Evander–he’d arranged for her to be brought

Charlotte to bring Tricia to the event? He really was

his eyes cool.

you should ask someone else,” she replied, not outright refusing, but

have issues with her, but

finally asked, “Evander,

deny it.

it is, she thought bitterly. But what