Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 159

“Lottie, who was that?” Rachel called from the kitchen.

Charlotte’s heart thudded. The last thing she wanted was for Rachel to see Evander. Ever since the incident with Xavier, Rachel had been haunted by it—running into Evander now would only upset her more.

“It’s just a delivery, Mom. I’ll go get it!” Charlotte called back, hastily making up an excuse as she dragged Evander outside.

Evander didn’t resist; he let her pull him all the way out to the front yard.

Once they were safely outside, Charlotte let go of his arm. “Evander, what do you want?”

“How long has it been since you came home?” he asked, meaning Tranquility Manor.

Charlotte drew in a steadying breath. “I want to stay with my mother for a while. Is there a problem with that?”

Evander loosened his tie, his expression unreadable. “If you’re that worried about her, she can move in with us.”

He said “us”…

He’d never acknowledged their relationship before, never spoken of them as a couple. Now, it was as if there was some deep bond between them, as if the six years of cold indifference had never happened.

Charlotte gave a short, incredulous laugh. “Evander, have you lost your mind? You sound like a completely different person. Since when did you care about things like this?”

“Don’t forget, we’re still married.”

“And don’t you forget, I’m filing for divorce.”

Suddenly, Evander grabbed her arm with a force that made her stumble into his chest. He pinned her there, holding her tight. “If you’re so eager to leave me just to run into Jonathan’s arms, then I’m not signing those papers.”

She froze, her face paling.

His thumb brushed the beauty mark at the corner of her eye as he murmured, voice low and rough, “He sent you flowers, didn’t he? Was it romantic enough for you? Did it make you happy?”

Charlotte shivered. “Evander, what are you trying to say?”

“Nothing.” He cupped her face in his hands, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. “Move back in.”

“I’m not coming back.”

“I heard Abigail’s always wanted this house.”

“Evander, don’t you dare!” Charlotte struggled against him, finally grasping his intent. “The Sterling family owes you nothing. Haven’t you taken enough?”

He didn’t even flinch. “Move back in.”

When she turned away, refusing to answer, Evander gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, exposing her entire face. “If your mother doesn’t want to live with us, I can hire a nurse and bodyguards to look after her. That way, Abigail won’t get a chance to trouble her.”

Charlotte opened her mouth to argue, but before she could, Rachel called from inside the house.

On instinct, Charlotte tugged Evander out of sight, hiding him behind the garden wall.

He stared at her, transfixed by the panicked flush and helpless beauty in her eyes. It made his throat go dry.

When Charlotte went back inside, Rachel had just finished setting the table for dinner.

“Lottie, where’d you go? I looked for you outside and didn’t see you anywhere.”

Charlotte avoided her gaze. “I stepped out to make a call, and before I knew it, I’d wandered next door. Almost got lost.”

“Well, dinner’s ready. Sit down and eat.”

“Okay.”

Charlotte sat at the table, staring at the hearty spread, but she didn’t have any appetite. Watching Rachel ladle soup into her bowl, she hesitated before saying, “Mom, I might have to go back to Tranquility Manor for a few days. Evander and I still haven’t settled things, and I need to deal with it.”

Rachel paused, noticing her daughter’s discomfort. She set down the spoon and sighed. “Lottie, I know you’re worried about me, but I’ll be fine. I promise. Besides, when your brother wakes up, he’ll want to see his family around him.”

Rachel’s only reason for holding on was the hope that Hiram would wake up soon.

Charlotte squeezed her hand. “Mom, I’ll wait with you.”

Rachel gave her a gentle smile, and they sat quietly together for a moment.

After eight, Charlotte finally returned to Tranquility Manor. The house felt even colder than she remembered after being away.

Under the soft yellow glow of the chandelier, Evander sat sprawled on the plush sofa in a black robe, one arm draped over the backrest, long legs crossed. His entire posture radiated a lazy confidence—as if he’d been waiting for her all night.