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

Birthdays…

OR

her own

little brother, she couldn’t bear

1/3

09:48

up her phone

rewrote–several times–until the message looked casual enough. Only then did she

it was gone, it was as if she’d thrown

tossed her phone aside

stepped into the living

had the day

together and approached. “When did you get

table, leafing through a magazine. A plate of pastries and eggs sat untouched in front of

you last

“I saw it.”

“…So are you coming?”

eyes locking on hers. “Do you want

slow breath, tossing the question back at

turned a

Charlotte fell silent.

of course, meant he probably

expected much

to leave

paused. “Is there