Cold husband burning regret

Chapter 394

“They’re all from Vera–she says reading helps her relax,” Hiram said, glancing at the stack of novels by his bed.

Charlotte sat in the visitor’s chair, eyes warm with affection. “Vera’s a good girl, Hiram. But don’t go burdening her with too much. If you need help, come to me instead. I’m your sister, after all–I’d never hold it against you.”

Hiram hesitated, lowering his gaze as something seemed to trouble him. “But I can’t keep leaning on you forever. I know I’ve always been reckless and immature. Mom and Dad say they dote on me, but honestly, they don’t think I’ll ever amount to much. They believe my only shot at success is by relying on my sister’s husband.”

He trailed off, a shadow flickering across his face. “All those years you spent with the Howard family, everything you went through… If I’d known sooner, I wouldn’t have-”

Charlotte cut him off, her tone gentle but firm. “Let’s not dwell on the past. It’s over now.”

She placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Do you want to go back to the city?”

He looked up, startled. “Back to the city?”

“Mom and Dad’s place is still there. Uncle’s family won’t cause trouble anymore. If you want to, I can arrange for someone to bring you home.”

Hiram searched her face for a long moment before speaking, voice low. “Is this because that woman wants me gone? Are you asking me to leave because you’re worried she’ll try something again?”

Charlotte’s gaze fell. “I do worry about you getting hurt again. And I don’t want Tricia coming around anymore.”

Though Tricia was his own sister, Charlotte knew Hiram could never accept the truth–or the pain that came with it.

“If you’re only doing this out of concern, then I won’t argue. Honestly, I wouldn’t

saying nothing

leaving the hospital room, she sent

reply came quickly: [I’ll have

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Chapter 394

trustworthy and, more importantly, a safeguard against anyone trying to interfere under the guise of helping

Relief washed over Charlotte.

Mrs. Rivers messaged her, inviting her to the Rivers

at the hospital was free, so she accepted the invitation. The sprawling private gardens stretched green as far as the eye could see, the sunlight catching on endless rows of

to the glasshouse and held the door for her. Inside, just beyond the entrance, was a cozy sitting area arranged for tea and conversation. Mrs. Rivers sat

Mrs. Rivers set down the teapot and turned to her guests. “This is Laurinda’s daughter, and also Dr.

she introduced Charlotte not by her married name but

nod to

of introduction, Mrs. Rivers gestured to a sharp–featured woman with

paused, the name triggering

fuller–figured and lively, was Mrs. Chamberlain. Her

said, kindly. “I’d heard the Rayburns had found their

believe it till now!”

a beauty when she was young–everyone in Eldermere City said so. It’s clear