Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 135

After Charlotte finished the paperwork for Xavier’s passing, she got ready to take Rachel home. As they stepped out of the hospital, they ran into Jonathan.

He climbed out of his car and walked toward them, his expression somber. “I heard about what happened in your family,” he said quietly.

Charlotte froze, unable to find any words.

Jonathan gave Rachel a respectful nod. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Mrs. Sterling.”

Rachel simply nodded, her face vacant and hollow, as if she were just a shell.

“Jonathan,” Charlotte rasped, “I need to take my mom home first.”

“I’m not comfortable letting you drive in your state. Let me get you both home.” Jonathan’s voice was gentle but firm.

Charlotte looked at him, then nodded. “Thank you.”

Jonathan drove them to the Sterling house. As they pulled up, a neighbor across the street spotted them. Unaware of the tragedy that had struck the Sterlings, she called out, “Oh, Rachel, is that your son–in–law coming to see you?”

Jonathan paused, mid–motion as he helped Rachel out of the car, the word “son–in–law” catching him off guard.

But Rachel was lost in her own world, unable to process anything around her, and didn’t respond.

getting her mother inside,

the neighbor muttered under her breath, “Such long faces, you’d think someone had

in her bedroom, she finally spoke, her voice barely a whisper. “I’d like to be alone for

everything that had happened. “Mom, I’ll be right outside. Call me if

the bedroom

room, Jonathan watched her anxiously. “How’s your mom

1/3

13.03

Chapter 135

shook her head. “She’ll be

don’t try to shoulder this alone.” He

almost

if you need

longer. She pressed her hand to her

arms, holding her as she wept, gently rubbing

Three days later.

and unadorned. Aside from Darleen, who came out of genuine grief, most

Uncle Alistair had already begun plotting, and, right in front of the casket, Abigail lashed out at Rachel. “If it weren’t for my son

stood quietly through the tirade, silent and

the