Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 200

“All this talk—what’s the point? The man’s dead.” Adelaide’s tone was casual, almost dismissive. “If you want to blame someone, blame your father for being born a Sterling.”

Just then, Abigail Sterling pushed open the door and hurried them along. “Enough with the explanations. What’s the use? The groom’s family is already here. The bridegroom’s waiting!”

“Oh, look at me, losing track of time.” Adelaide slowly got to her feet and smoothed her skirt. “Charlotte, listen to your aunt. You’re marrying close to home so we can look after you. Sure, your husband’s a bit older, but at least he’s got a house and some land. And his father’s on the village council!”

She tugged Charlotte upright. “All you have to do is enjoy your new life. Give his family a healthy grandchild within a year or so, and you’ll have a say in everything that goes on in that household.”

Charlotte shoved past Adelaide, sending her stumbling back onto the bed with a startled yelp.

No one noticed until now that Charlotte had slipped free of her ropes. She seized a paring knife from the table, holding it out in warning.

Abigail Sterling froze in place, not daring to move a muscle or come any closer.

“Charlotte!” Adelaide cried, her voice shrill with alarm. “What are you doing? It’s your wedding day! Are you really thinking of stabbing us all?”

Charlotte let out a cold, hollow laugh. “I’ve lost my parents. What else is there to hold me here? If three of us go together, at least it won’t be so lonely.”

“Charlotte, have you lost your mind?” Abigail pleaded. “Don’t forget, you still have your little brother!”

Adelaide tried to sway her with thoughts of Hiram.

Charlotte hesitated for a moment, then smiled faintly. “That’s nothing for you to worry about. He’ll be looked after.”

“Lottie, sweetheart, just put the knife down so we can talk this through,” Adelaide coaxed, edging forward. Charlotte brandished the blade, her voice sharp with emotion. “Try me. Take another step.”

Adelaide and Abigail exchanged a glance, coming to a silent agreement not to push her any further. They backed out of the room, closing the door behind them, hoping that Charlotte would calm down if left alone.

Once they were outside, Abigail’s expression darkened. “That wretched girl—her mother just died, and she’s already impossible to handle.”

“Don’t worry. She’s just trying to scare us,” Adelaide replied. “I’ll round up a few extra people, and if we have to drag her out to the wedding, so be it.”

Adelaide glanced at Charlotte, surprised at her sudden silence. She’d been making such a scene before; now she seemed resigned.

Assuming Charlotte had finally come to her senses, Adelaide stepped forward and helped her up. “Lottie, these are your future in-laws.”

Charlotte gave a flat “Oh,” her tone icy. “Can I meet this so-called husband of mine?”

“My, aren’t you impatient,” Adelaide teased, turning to the couple with a smile. “City girls—so bold these days. Don’t mind her.”

The couple only smiled politely in return.

They led Charlotte outside. The front yard was bustling with neighbors, tables being set up for the wedding feast.

As Charlotte passed, the women and children of the village fell silent. Not one of them offered a genuine smile, let alone a blessing.