Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 111

Charlotte hesitated.

After all, it wouldn't be long before she left the city.

Wesley seemed to sense her dilemma and didn't press her. "I was being presumptuous."

She shook her head. "Not at all. It's just that I won't be staying in the city much longer. I can help for a short while, but long-term..."

"That's perfectly fine. Even a little help is appreciated."

Charlotte added his contact details. "How should I address you?"

"Wesley."

She paused for a moment, startled.

Could he be from the Rayburn family she'd heard about?

"And you?"

"My name's Charlotte."

After they exchanged contact information, Charlotte said her goodbyes and left.

Wesley watched her walk away, lost in thought.

…

Back at Tranquility Manor, Charlotte parked her car and caught a glimpse of Evander's vehicle in her rearview mirror.

The driver stepped out and opened the back door. Tricia emerged with Hans in her arms.

Evander followed a moment later.

Charlotte watched as Tricia said something to him, and Evander reached out to take Hans. The little boy wrapped his arms around Evander's neck, happiness beaming on his face.

Charlotte's fingers tightened around the steering wheel.

No matter how many times she witnessed this scene, no matter how prepared she thought she was, it always made her skin crawl.

She considered waiting for them to go inside before getting out, but then thought, Why should I hide when I've done nothing wrong?

She unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the car.

Her grip slipped as she closed the door, slamming it harder than intended.

Evander turned at the noise, his gaze lingering on her for a split second before his expression returned to its usual calm indifference.

Tricia sidled up to Evander, playing the happy family. "Dr. Sterling, what a coincidence! Evander just took Hans and me to the hospital for his leg X-ray, and we happened to run into you on our way back."

Charlotte gave her a dry smile. "I don't really care what the two of you were up to. No need to keep me updated, unless you want me to play mother for you—should I be expecting a ‘Mom' next?"

Tricia's smile faltered.

Evander's gaze lingered on Charlotte, unreadable.

Charlotte had no interest in continuing the charade; she turned to head inside.

He doesn't want to marry me.

Tricia's fists clenched, resentment burning in her gaze.

Night fell.

Half asleep, Charlotte became dimly aware of a hot hand roaming her body. Her eyelashes fluttered; she let out a muffled sound.

Whoever it was only grew bolder.

She snapped awake and, recognizing the man's silhouette, pushed at his chest. "Evander, what do you think you're doing?"

She'd assumed he wouldn't come home tonight—she hadn't even locked her door.

"What do you think?" Evander's hands slipped beneath her nightgown, his teeth tugging at her strap, baring her shoulder.

Her soft dark hair spilled over the pillow, and the shadows deepened around his face.

This was no dream—this was real, far too real.

Charlotte wavered between confusion and anger, then came to her senses and turned away. "No. Go find Tricia!"

Evander caught her chin and kissed her, rough and insistent.

Images of him and Tricia together flashed through her mind—just picturing them like this made her physically ill.

With sudden strength, she shoved him away and scrambled to the edge of the bed, retching.