Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 161`

At noon, Ilse accompanied her daughter Genevieve to Vandermere Private Hospital to visit Wesley. The hospital belonged to the Howard family, and nearly everyone who worked there recognized Genevieve as Miss Howard.

“Mrs. Jensen, Miss Genevieve,” the front desk nurse greeted them warmly. “We don’t usually see you two here. Is everything all right?”

Genevieve lifted her chin with a practiced air of superiority. “My mother and I are here to visit Mr. Rayburn and Mrs. Rayburn.”

The nurse’s smile grew a little strained. “Ah, Miss Genevieve, I’m afraid Mr. and Mrs. Rayburn just stepped out.”

“What?” Genevieve’s expression soured as she turned to Ilse. “Mom, how could he do this? I told Wesley I’d be coming to see him. Is he avoiding me on purpose?”

She’d set her sights on Wesley the first time they met.

No one else would do–she’d decided she would marry him.

Her father happened to be interested in an alliance with the Rayburns as well. Though the Rayburn family hadn’t given them a definite answer, Genevieve was certain: No one but her was worthy of Wesley.

Ilse frowned. “Honestly, darling, you’re the Howard heiress. Can’t you at least try to rein it in a little?”

She knew her daughter better than anyone–after all, she’d raised her. This kind of temper was more than most men could handle, let alone someone with Wesley Rayburn’s pedigree.

Genevieve dismissed her mother’s concern with a toss of her hair. “I am the Howard heiress! Who else could possibly be a match for him?”

by all. She’d never had to want for anything–why should

head and turned back to the nurse with a polite smile. “Did Mr. and Mrs. Rayburn say

remembered something. “Actually, it wasn’t just Mr. and Mrs. Rayburn. There was another woman with them. I heard

hadn’t responded yet, but Genevieve’s face darkened

1/3

14:43

Miss Sterling?

was this brazen woman daring to set her sights on

shopped in the mall downstairs. To ensure privacy for his mother, Wesley had reserved the

a delicate, high–collared blouse to

neck.

eagerly against the toy store window, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Let’s buy it–our

it.”

welcome them. Clients who booked out entire floors were a rare breed, and he was all

hurried into the

“You never seem to stop your mom from buying whatever catches her eye,

wasn’t concerned about money, but most people would balk at lugging home this many toys–it was almost

long as she’s happy, that’s all that matters,” Wesley said, watching his mother