RedNovelRegret 102 As soon as Ilse spoke, Miranda shot Charlotte a loaded glance-one that didn't escape Rosemary, the only other person who knew the truth.
Six years of marriage, and still nothing. Even a hen could have laid eggs for years by now, yet Charlotte's belly was as flat as ever.
Could she be barren? Miranda, who had never really warmed to Charlotte, felt a wave of irritation. The thought that her daughter-in- law might not be able to bear children had her ready to advise her son to file for divorce right there at the table.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtCharlotte's cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
Was it really her choice not to have children? If only it were that simple. The truth was, someone else in this marriage didn't want a child with her.
"I..." Charlotte was just about to explain when she felt a warm hand close gently over hers. Evander spoke up, "We're just not ready for kids yet." His words stung. Charlotte pressed her lips together, a sour ache blooming in her chest.
How could she forget-he already had a child.
Forcing herself to play along, she managed a smile for Ilse. "That's right, Aunt Ilse." Miranda huffed, clearly dissatisfied. "Not ready? Other mothers my age are bouncing grandkids on their knees, and I haven't even held one yet." The old lady just chuckled softly. "Young people shouldn't rush. Even at my age, I'm not desperate to see great- grandchildren. Why the hurry, Miranda?" Miranda fell silent, caught off guard. Then, eager to deflect the attention, she turned to the Jensen family. "Genevieve's about the right age to settle down, isn't she? Have you considered arranging a match?" Ilse brightened. "Of course! With big brother back in town and mother here too, Jensen and I were just talking about whether it's tto start planning for Genevieve's marriage." The old matriarch looked surprised. "Oh? Jensen, Ilse, do you two already have Chapter 1UZ someone in mind for your future son-in-law?" Pouring himself a glass of wine, Jensen replied, "Well, to be honest, it's Genevieve who has someone in mind. She's taken a liking to the eldest son of the Rayburn family." The Rayburn family? Charlotte was momentarily stunned.
She'd certainly heard of them. Alongside the Howard, Carstairs, and Sutherland families, the Rayburns were one of Vandalia's 'Big Four.' The Howards and Carstairs held sway in the north, while the Sutherlands and Rayburns dominated the south. If the former two wielded power, then the latter two certainly had wealth. Charlotte's mother-in-law, Miranda, was the Sutherlands' eldest daughter. Rumor had it that when she married into the Howards, her dowry alone was worth half a billion dollars.
In recent years, however, the Rayburns had surged ahead in the south, overtaking the Sutherlands to becthe region's wealthiest family. Their rapid ascent was nothing short of remarkable.
So when Jensen and Ilse hinted at a possible alliance with the Rayburns, Miranda's expression soured noticeably. Evander sipped his soup, drawling, "An alliance with the Rayburns, huh?" "If we could bring them into the fold," someone mused, "it would be nothing but good for the Howards." "But the Rayburn heir, isn't he notoriously aloof? Would he suit Genevieve?"
"Evander has a point," the matriarch said. "Genevieve's already spoiledh and headstrong Pairing her with a man just as proud-won't that be a recipe for disaster?" Ilse just smiled. "It's no trouble. I hear Mr. Rayburn will be in the city for a while. The kids can get to know each other first."
The old lady had nothing more to add, and the conversation soon drifted elsewhere. Charlotte stayed silent throughout dinner, her thoughts far away. When the meal ended, Jacques invited everyone to spend the night at the family estate. 2/3 That night, Charlotte and Evander returned to their bedroom. At the old house, there was no chance of sleeping in separate rooms.
Only the old matriarch knew about Charlotte's desire for a divorce.
Evander headed to shower first. As the sound of running water filled the bathroom, Charlotte sat on the edge of the bed, growing more restless with each passing minute.
Truth be told, she had no desire to share a bed with Evander.
She slipped out into the hallway and called for one of the housekeepers.
Just as the woman was finishing making up a bed on the floor, Evander emerged from the bbathroom, a deep blue robe draped over his shoulders. Drops of water clung to his tanned skin, tracing the lines of his toned muscles beneath the open collar. His damp hair was still tousled and dripping. He narrowed his eyes at the scene before him, gaze settling on Charlotte as she hovered beside the hastily arranged bedding. "What exactly do you think you're doing?" 3/3
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