Cold husband burning regret

Chapter 379

The moment Evander spoke up, Wesley was left speechless.

Honestly, he had to admit–he was being shameless.

But before Wesley could retort, Evander straightened up, suddenly looking serious. “Just kidding. It wouldn’t do to show up empty–handed to meet your mother, would it? Let’s save this for another day.”

Wesley forced a smile, teeth clenched. “No need to put it off. My mother doesn’t lack for anything. Or are you getting cold feet, Mr. Howard?”

The more evasive Evander acted, the more Wesley wanted to press him.

“If Mr. Rayburn insists I meet her, I suppose I’ll have to comply.”

Charlotte tugged at the corner of her mouth, then looked away. “Wes, Mom’s waiting for us.”

Wesley said nothing more. With Charlotte, he headed down the hall, Evander following at a leisurely pace. The group took the elevator to the twelfth floor, arriving at the VIP private care suite. Julian lingered at the door, turning slightly to watch them step inside.

Mrs. Rayburn had just taken her medication and was now resting against the headboard, her hands still busy sewing a tiny dress for a doll.

Two housekeepers stood by her bedside, keeping her company.

Hearing footsteps outside, one housekeeper went to the door. Seeing Wesley and Charlotte, she smiled and nodded. “Good afternoon, sir, miss. You’re here.”

and entered the room

the bed, glancing at the doll–sized dress in his mother’s hands, and smiled. “Mom, I brought

then, immediately setting aside her needlework,

12

Chapter 379

mother’s hand. “Aren’t you supposed to be resting? Why are you… making clothes

doll,” but over the years, her mother had come to treat the dolls as a kind of comfort. Charlotte decided to go

it.

ran her fingers over the half–finished

made by you, I’ll

unable to hide

did she notice

was seeing him in a hospital gown beneath his jacket–just like hers–that caught her off guard. She stared at him for

about to introduce him, but before he could speak, Mrs. Rayburn’s gaze softened with sympathy. She looked at Evander as if seeing a fellow lost soul. “You’re sick too? They told me lots of people here are like me, wearing these

Charlotte glanced at Evander.

she probably couldn’t understand words like

eyes sparkled with warmth. “I’m not sick. I’m just playing

piqued. “What

“Make–believe.”

Rayburn repeated, suddenly brightening. “My daughter