Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 65

Outside the window, neon lights flickered across the city, every apartment glowing with its own story.

Charlotte sat cross–legged on her bed, laptop balanced in her lap as she worked through tomorrow’s surgical plan.

Her phone buzzed–it was Hiram.

She answered, not even getting a word in before Hiram’s boisterous voice burst through the line. “Sis! Did you forget my birthday’s the day after tomorrow? Are you and Evander coming or not?”

Charlotte froze for a second, then glanced at the date.

June 10th.

Time really did slip by.

“I haven’t forgotten,” she replied, lowering her gaze with a faint smile. After a moment’s hesitation, she added, “But I can’t promise your brother–in–law will make

it.”

Hiram was about to say something when, suddenly, their father’s voice cut in–he must have snatched the phone. “Lottie, your mom and I want to throw your brother a proper birthday dinner. You and Evander have to come–no excuses! He needs you both there!”

“Dad, you’re putting her on the spot,” Hiram protested.

“What do you know, you little rascal?” their father barked.

Hiram reclaimed the phone and retreated to the hallway, the commotion fading behind him. “Ignore Dad, sis. If Evander’s busy, it’s fine–really. I just want you

there.”

“Okay,” Charlotte said softly, her voice rougher than she intended.

Staring at her screen, Charlotte fell into a

Birthdays…

OR

hadn’t celebrated her own since

she

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09:48

her

looked casual enough. Only then did she finally

once it was gone, it was as if she’d

for a reply. She tossed her phone aside and buried

morning, Charlotte dressed and stepped into the living

day off,

together and approached. “When did you get

breakfast table, leafing through a magazine. A plate of pastries and

you

“I saw it.”

“…So are you coming?”

on hers. “Do you want

tossing the question back at

a

Charlotte fell silent.

meant he

hadn’t expected much from him

was about to leave when

“Is there something