Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 103

Charlotte pulled the covers over herself and lied with a straight face, "It's that time of the month. I haven't been sleeping well—didn't want to keep you up."

Evander gave a noncommittal grunt. "Aren't you going to take a shower?"

"…Oh. Right. I'll go now."

Grabbing her pajamas, Charlotte steeled herself and slipped into the bathroom.

Even after years of marriage, she still wasn't used to changing clothes in front of Evander. Just sharing a roof—let alone a bathroom—always left her feeling exposed.

She dawdled in the shower, hoping Evander would be asleep by the time she returned. But when she came out, he was still awake, lounging against the headboard, cigarette in hand, looking every bit the picture of casual indifference.

Clutching her robe tightly around her, Charlotte headed for the makeshift bed on the floor. She was just about to lie down when Evander stubbed out his cigarette and spoke. "Come sleep up here."

She reflexively tightened her grip on the robe. "No, it's fine. I'm comfortable down here."

Without warning, he got up and scooped her into his arms.

Panic flickered across her face. "Evander, I told you I'm not feeling well…"

He set her down on the bed but didn't move away. Noticing how tense she was, his eyes darkened. "What exactly do you think I'm going to do to you?"

Charlotte pressed her lips together, refusing to answer.

He sighed and rolled over, turning his back to her. "I just don't want the housekeeper telling Grandma tomorrow that we slept in separate rooms."

Charlotte said nothing.

Who knew if he was telling the truth? And what about the way he'd acted at the boutique that afternoon—what was that supposed to mean?

Thankfully, Evander made no move to touch her.

***

The next morning, Charlotte and Evander came downstairs together.

His grandmother was still in her room, and Miranda had already gone out, leaving just the two of them at breakfast.

Linette approached Evander. "Mr. Howard, your father wants to see you in his study after you finish eating."

He nodded coolly. "Alright." His gaze drifted over to Charlotte, who was quietly eating her breakfast. "You can head home on your own later."

She murmured an indifferent "okay."

Evander frowned slightly at her calm, detached manner, but said nothing more.

***

Charlotte's gaze slid over Tricia and landed on Genevieve. She offered a wry smile. "Do I really need to explain why I'm here?"

"You—"

"But you, Genevieve—aren't you afraid Grandma will kick you out for bringing Miss Winthrop to the house?"

Tricia's face went pale. She bit her lip, looking the picture of wounded innocence. "Dr. Sterling, I don't think I've ever wronged you. Why are you saying these things about me?"

"Oh, you're right. I'm the one in the wrong, not you. Satisfied?"

Genevieve stepped protectively in front of Tricia. "As long as I'm here, you're not going to bully her. And don't forget, you're the one who made Grandma misunderstand Tricia in the first place. You ought to be ashamed. Don't worry—I'll make sure Grandma sees who you really are, sooner or later."

Charlotte shrugged. "By all means. I'd welcome it."

She turned to leave, but suddenly someone grabbed her by the wrist.

It was Tricia.

"Dr. Sterling, I don't know why you hate me, but there must be some misunderstanding between us. If I've done anything to upset you, I apologize."

Charlotte wasn't buying the act and tried to pull her hand free, but Tricia suddenly stumbled backward. "Don't push me!"

Still holding onto Charlotte, she dragged them both toward the edge of the reflecting pool—and the two of them tumbled right in.