Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel 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 same way, 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.

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 time in 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 AI 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.

The smile faded from Evander’s face, but he said nothing more, enduring her 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 the ring! That’s easy to fix. I know a wonderful jeweler who does custom pieces—my floral diamond ring came from his shop.”

Evander nodded politely. “Thank you for the recommendation.”

“Oh, it’s nothing! You two are still young. Enjoy these years together—don’t rush into parenthood, just savor your time as 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.