Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 117

Chapter 117

“I just feel like we have a connection.” Wesley’s gaze drifted to his mother. “And seeing how close she is to you… Well, you’ve more than earned this

compensation.”

Charlotte picked up her coffee cup. “Mr. Rayburn, forgive me for asking, but–what happened to your mother? Was there some kind of trauma?”

From the way they carried themselves, it was clear the Rayburns came from a prominent background. In families like this, marrying someone with mental health issues was nearly unheard of, so Charlotte doubted Mrs. Rayburn had been born this way.

It seemed more likely she’d suffered some kind of shock.

Wesley tapped his fingers against the table. “If things hadn’t gone wrong all those years ago, I’d have a little sister now.”

Charlotte blinked. “A sister?”

He nodded. “After my mother gave birth, the doctors told her the baby was stillborn. She saw it happen with her own eyes, and her mind has never really recovered. Some days she’s lucid, other days she’s lost in confusion. She’s always believed my

sister is still alive–that she didn’t die.”

“No wonder,” Charlotte murmured, glancing at Mrs. Rayburn, who was sitting nearby feeding milk to a doll. “Losing your own child… I can’t imagine how hard that must

be.”

She found herself envious of children who had loving parents.

Unlike her…

Her own birth parents had abandoned her the moment she was born.

Maybe it was that lack of love as a child that made her crave affection so desperately now. Pathetic, really–pathetic and small.

But at least…

She had nothing left to lose.

Wesley’s driver took Charlotte

she stepped out of the

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cigarette smoke hit her.

tray His eyes were dark and empty, as if staring into a bottomless

this

didn’t deny it. “I

his eyes, danger flickering in his gaze. “How did you find

and set it on the table in front of him, her lips curling into a smile. “Your first love sent it to me. Congratulations, Mr.

his grip tight. She stiffened, shaking her head to get away,

she were reckless and laughable. “What, are you trying to show off in front of her? Or hoping my mother

smile froze. “If the Howard family accepts this kid, that just means you’ll have

go, and Charlotte stumbled

meddle,” he said, crushing his cigarette into the tray. “He’s not

stormy profile. “Whether he’s your son or not–that’s none of

could react, she

hallway, half his face bathed in sunlight, the other half shrouded in shadow, his reflection fractured

was shattered

picked up,

through. “Mr. Howard, we’ve found out who’s

kitchen, poured herself a glass of water. She heard the

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12:45

figured

it mattered to

Two days later–

accompanied Mrs. Rayburn on a trip to the mall.

at the dresses in a boutique window. She stroked the doll in her arms. “Sweetheart, do you like these pretty dresses? Mommy

turned to Charlotte, grabbing her hand. “You should get

shot Wesley

But Wesley just nodded.