Cold husband burning regret

Regret Novel 254

Night had fallen by the time Jonathan arranged to meet Judd at a bar. When Judd arrived, he spotted Jonathan brooding alone at the counter, nursing a drink. Normally the life of any party, Jonathan now wore a sullen expression, barely acknowledging the women who tried to strike up a conversation.

Judd ordered a glass of lemonade from the bartender before turning to lean against the high table, fixing Jonathan with a searching look. “What’s eating at you?”

Jonathan topped off his glass, the motion heavy with frustration. “Nothing much. Just restless, I guess. Can’t seem to find anyone to talk to.”

Judd kept silent.

The bartender set down Judd’s lemonade. He picked up the glass and clinked it against Jonathan’s. “Out with it. We’re friends–I know you.”

Jonathan froze for a second, then knocked back the rest of his drink.

After a moment, he slid a photograph across the table to Judd. Judd recognized the image instantly.

“You took this?”

Jonathan avoided his gaze. “Honestly, I just meant to send it to Evander.”

Judd set down his glass, suddenly grabbing Jonathan by the collar. “When did you start letting a woman turn you into this?”

Jonathan shot back, “And what about you? You promised me you’d tell me if you heard anything about her, but I just found out you’d already seen her. You know exactly what happened between me and her… Don’t tell me you want her too?”

“I’m not like you.”

his voice calm. “At least I know she’s still married. I have boundaries–do you? You used her,

at a loss

settled in his

admitted to himself that, at first, he’d only gotten close to

hesitated, torn by guilt, not wanting to

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Chapter 254

hadn’t been for Charlotte’s mother, Rachel, passing away, maybe he’d

was, he’d regretted it all for

looked at Judd, searching his face. “We’re not going to let a woman come

a slow sip of his lemonade.

his glass, meeting Jonathan’s eyes. “Of course, I don’t want things to end up that way. At least for now, I won’t let

fell silent, saying

in the lobby to greet them. Professor Aldridge and Old Mr. Carstairs had

talented student. Why haven’t I seen her

shifted to the young woman standing beside Aldridge. “And

introduce her, Tricia stepped forward. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Carstairs. My

the head of the Carstairs family–one of the four great houses in Riverspire. Just his presence alone commanded respect, enough so that

had