Cold husband burning regret

She was sure she’d heard that name before. Yet, the more someone tries to recall a person or a thing, the further it slips away.

Charlotte gave up forcing her memory. Maybe it would come to her another day. For now, she turned to Mrs. Chamberlain. “Were you close with my aunt?”

Mrs. Chamberlain froze, as if only just remembering that Zoe was her relative. It was awkward to talk about someone’s aunt right in front of their family. With a strained smile, Mrs. Chamberlain replied, “Actually, I only ran into her a few times. We weren’t exactly close.”

Before Charlotte could say anything else, Mrs. Rivers smoothly redirected the

conversation.

They chatted for another half hour or so before Mrs. Moore glanced at her watch–she had a nail appointment that afternoon and needed to leave. Seeing this, Mrs. Chamberlain didn’t linger either, bidding farewell to Mrs. Rivers and Charlotte before making her exit.

With the other women gone, Charlotte and Mrs. Rivers stepped out of the sunroom. Mrs. Rivers, perhaps sensing Charlotte’s earlier distracted mood, paused and said gently, “Truthfully, I’d only planned to invite you today. I didn’t expect the others to drop by for tea unannounced. They’re old friends, so I couldn’t just send them away. I hope you’re not upset?”

Charlotte looked at her and smiled, shaking her head. “Of course not. Let’s just say I got to introduce myself to the ladies‘ circle here in Riverspire City.”

chuckled. “Oh, those two love their gossip. There’s not a single rumor in the social circle

at the mention of Zoe, since, after all, she

aunt. I thought maybe today I’d get to

looked surprised. “Your father never told

Charlotte shook her head.

studied her face, as if piecing things

1/2

17:13

7

Chapter 395

it. I do know a bit about Zoe’s past, given how close I once was with your mother. It would have been

she was supposed to marry my father, but my mother

taken aback. “She told

must be some misunderstanding. If my father were the kind of man to