Cold husband burning regret

She burst through the door and ran straight to the end of the hallway.

Judd called her name from behind, but she didn’t hear him.

He frowned, casting a glance back at Stevenson’s hospital room. Stevenson sat with his face buried in his hands, equally lost in pain.

By the time Judd reached the stairwell, Charlotte was crouched on the steps, quietly sobbing.

He pressed his lips together and walked over to her.

Hearing footsteps, Charlotte quickly wiped her tears away and stood up as if nothing had happened.

When she saw it was Judd, she froze, her voice hoarse. “Pro… Professor

Carstairs.”

“You’ve been crying?”

Charlotte’s knuckles brushed her eyes. “No.”

“Still insisting, huh?” Judd gently moved her hand aside, locking eyes with her red–rimmed ones. “I heard everything.”

She stared at the floor, silent.

Judd leaned in closer. “What’s wrong?”

She bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before speaking. “What if your

You’re their

were me, I’d just tell

they didn’t believe

days, there’s such a thing as

evidence will be.”

eyelids fluttered. She said

1/2

14:43

talking about the Rayburn family finding their

the Rayburns, or… you’re saying you might

know.” Charlotte gripped her wrist tightly. “Right now,

old

here and wallowing, why

you was never like

said the same

Charlotte froze.

was I like

always so pessimistic, or so indecisive about

him for a long

but I’ve heard enough about you—your name and your reputation. I’ve heard it so much,

stood there in a daze for

a miserable marriage really stolen

was?

Charlotte didn’t see

curiously. “Mr. Howard used to pop up in front of you