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

Charlotte replied politely,

as he

side. “Mrs. Howard, Mr. Howard really

stiffened. If this was affection, she could

works hard,”

Charlotte said nothing.

looked at Evander as if he were the world’s most perfect husband. Men

left to tidy up, only Charlotte and Evander

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 a proper name,

a bitter taste in Charlotte’s

a napkin and said evenly,

stunned. “You want me to take

medical event in the country. All the

arranged for her to be brought in at

Charlotte to bring Tricia to the event? He really was determined to promote

her gaze, his eyes cool. “What, you don’t want

someone else,” she replied, not outright refusing,

“I know you have issues with her, but this

a breath, then finally asked, “Evander, is this about

deny it.

she thought bitterly. But what