Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 200

“All this talk–what’s the point? The man’s dead.” Adelaide’s tone was casual, almost dismissive. “If you want to blame someone, blame your father for being born a Sterling.”

Just then, Abigail Sterling pushed open the door and hurried them along. “Enough with the explanations. What’s the use? The groom’s family is already here. The bridegroom’s waiting!”

“Oh, look at me, losing track of time.” Adelaide slowly got to her feet and smoothed her skirt. “Charlotte, listen to your aunt. You’re marrying close to home so we can look after you. Sure, your husband’s a bit older, but at least he’s got a house and some land. And his father’s on the village council!”

She tugged Charlotte upright. “All you have to do is enjoy your new life. Give his family a healthy grandchild within a year or so, and you’ll have a say in everything that goes on in that household.”

Charlotte shoved past Adelaide, sending her stumbling back onto the bed with a startled yelp.

No one noticed until now that Charlotte had slipped free of her ropes. She seized a paring knife from the table, holding it out in warning.

Abigail Sterling froze in place, not daring to move a muscle or come any closer.

“Charlotte!” Adelaide cried, her voice shrill with alarm. “What are you doing? It’s your wedding day! Are you really thinking of stabbing us all?”

Charlotte let out a cold, hollow laugh. “I’ve lost my parents. What else is there to hold me here? If three of us go together, at least it won’t be so lonely.”

“Charlotte, have you lost your mind?” Abigail pleaded. “Don’t forget, you still have your little brother!”

Adelaide tried to sway her with thoughts of Hiram.

smiled faintly. “That’s nothing for you to worry

the knife down so we can talk this through,” Adelaide coaxed, edging forward. Charlotte brandished the

glance, coming to a silent

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the room, closing the door behind them, hoping that Charlotte would

outside, Abigail’s expression darkened. “That wretched girl–her mother just died, and she’s already impossible to

us,” Adelaide replied. “I’ll round up a few extra people, and if we have to drag

window, only to find metal bars installed on the outside. She hurried to the bathroom, but the tiny window there was set too high

a landline in the bedroom. She truly was trapped–cut off from the

Still…

there was one last thing

couple in tow. By then, Charlotte was

Charlotte an appraising look. “Is

so fair–skinned and beautiful–almost too lovely for this

Lily? I told you I wasn’t

her expression mostly satisfied. “She’s a bit on the thin side, but