Cold husband burning regret

Regret 247 Chapter 247 Charlotte walked past Evander's car and made her way over to Noreen, who was waiting just ahead. Noreen rolled down her window, her face lighting up with surprise. "What are you doing at the retreat center?" "My brother's staying here," Charlotte replied.

Noreen looked like she wanted to say more, but her attention shifted to the car parked across from them. She watched as a man stepped out, pausing mid-thought. Something about his silhouette struck her as oddly familiar.

It took a moment, but recognition dawned on her face. She remembered catching a glimpse of him at one of her family's dinner parties, mingling with the guests. Even in a crowd, he stood out-impossible to forget.

Evander stopped beside Charlotte and slipped an arm around her waist. "A new friend of yours?" he asked, sounding casual.

Noreen blinked, taken aback, and glanced at Charlotte.

Charlotte gave a small, easy smile. "Yes, actually. She's the first friend I've made since moving to Riverspire." With that, she gently withdrew from Evander's arm and turned to face him. “My friend and I are headed the sway, Mr. Howard. No need for you to drive me." Evander's gaze lingered on her. Rather than looking annoyed, he smiled, a hint of resignation in his eyes. "Whatever makes you happy." Charlotte climbed into Noreen's car, closed the door, and they pulled away. In the rearview mirror, Noreen caught a glimpse of Evander watching them go, his expression unreadable but quietly somber.

A few minutes into the drive, Noreen couldn't hold back her curiosity. She glanced at Charlotte, who sat quietly in the passenger seat. "That guy... he isn't your-?" "My soon-to-be ex-husband," Charlotte said, matter-of-factly.

Noreen gaped. "You'd really divorce someone that gorgeous?" Charlotte stared out the window, a bitter smile flickering across her lips. "Looks aren't everything. He loves someone else. We're just not right for each other." "He's got someone else?" Noreen scoffed. "Well, that's that, then. I'd leave him too." Charlotte just smiled, saying nothing more.

1/3 12.52 Chapter 247 For the next several days, Charlotte stayed at the Summitview Suites. True to his word, Evander kept his distance and left her alone. Charlotte spent most of her tin her own room or visiting Hiram; she only saw Evander at mealtimes.

To the staff, she was Mrs. Howard, Evander's wife. Even the higher-ups at Summitview Wellness Retreat referred to her that way behind closed doors. But Charlotte no longer felt anything when she heard the title "Mrs. Howard"-the thrill it once brought was long gone.

When Nebula Tech launched their new Al healthcare initiative, they invited Evander and her-still officially "Mrs. Howard"-to the launch gala.

It was almost laughable: after six years of keeping their relationship a secret in The Capital, nearly everyone in Riverspire's social circle seemed to know about them.

Charlotte wore a black off-shoulder evening gown, a single strand of pearls around her neck. She'd left her ears bare, and her makeup was minimal-elegant, understated.

Evander led her by the hand into the main hall, introducing her to Riverspire's elite. Chairman Lennox, meeting Charlotte for the first time, set down his wineglass and looked pleasantly surprised. "Mr. Howard, is this your wife?" Evander nodded. "My wife." "Mr. Howard has a wife?" "How did we not hear a thing about their wedding?" "I can't believe Mr. Howard's been married all this time!" Charlotte caught the whispers swirling around her and couldn't help but smirk. They'd been hiding their marriage for years-of course he'd never let anyone know.

"Look, Mrs. Howard's not even wearing a wedding ring..." A few sharp-eyed women zeroed in on Charlotte's bare fingers, then glanced at Evander's left hand, where his wedding band gleamed. Anyone paying close attention would notice something wasn't right.

Evander sipped his wine slowly, his eyes turning cold as he overheard the speculation. He set his glass down and slipped an arm around Charlotte's waist, leaning close with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. “I know you never liked the old ring. We'll get you a new one." Charlotte turned away, dodging his touch. "Whatever you want." The smile faded from Evander's face, but he said nothing more, enduring her 213 12:52 Chapter 247 indifference.

To those watching, though, their closeness looked like genuine affection-a picture-perfect couple.

One of the society wives jumped in to lighten the mood. "So Mrs. Howard just didn't care for t are for the ring. That's easy to fix. I know a wonderful jeweler who does custom pieces-my floral diamond ring cfrom his shop." Evander nodded politely. "Thank you for the recommendation."

"Oh, it's nothing! You two are still young. Enjoy these yearstogether+ don't rush into parenthood, E just savor your tas a couple." "Thank you for your kind words," Evander replied.

Charlotte raised her wineglass, taking an unhurried sip. Her voice was cool, almost mocking. "No need to worry about children. I can't have them. Besides, there's already a child in the family-one that's not mine." Her words sent a chill through the crowd. All eyes turned to Evander, sensing the tension.

Evander stared at her with an inscrutable expression, his hand tightening around the stem of his glass, knuckles turning white.