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.

ended. Staring at her screen, Charlotte fell

Birthdays…

OR

hadn’t celebrated her own since she turned

her little brother, she couldn’t bear to let him

1/3

09:48

up her

message looked casual enough. Only then did she

it was as if

She tossed

into the

had the day

lips together and approached. “When

Evander replied, seated at the breakfast table, leafing through a magazine. A plate

you last

“I saw it.”

“…So are you coming?”

looked up, eyes locking on hers. “Do you want me

breath, tossing the question back at him.

turned a

Charlotte fell silent.

of course, meant

much from

about to leave when

“Is there