Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 369

Charlotte and Natalie stepped out into the hospital corridor just as Miranda emerged from behind the door.

Natalie dipped her head politely. “Ma’am.”

Miranda’s gaze flickered to Charlotte. “I’m sure Natalie’s told you about Evander’s condition. I don’t care what you’re thinking—I want you to stay with him, understand?”

Before Charlotte could respond, Miranda picked up her purse and swept away down the hall.

Natalie turned slightly, gave Charlotte a few instructions, and then she, too, departed.

Left alone, Charlotte stood rooted for a long moment before finally pushing open the door.

Elliot emerged from the adjoining room and nearly didn’t recognize her. “Charlotte…?”

They’d met a few times before, but never got to know each other well. Charlotte only knew that Elliot was a child psychologist who got along well with Evander.

She nodded, her tone calm. “Dr. Elliot.”

Elliot didn’t know much about Charlotte either, except that she was Evander’s secret wife. The few times he’d seen her, she’d always seemed unfailingly polite, quiet, and obedient—especially around the Howards. She’d always kept her head down, almost as if she was trying to blend into the background.

His first impression of her was that of a pretty china doll—lovely to look at, but empty inside.

And as luck would have it, his friend Evander never cared for that sort of woman.

Maybe it was just the long absence, but she really did seem different now.

Elliot pulled himself out of his thoughts and managed a small smile. “I heard you took a job here in Riverspire. Are you back just to see Evander?”

“It was Mr. Howard who asked me to come.”

Elliot blinked.

Mr. Howard…?

He seized the opportunity to pull her into his arms. “I am childish. I am pathetic. Charlotte, maybe this is the universe punishing me for ever letting you go.”

She started to struggle, but just then, the door swung open and a girl burst in. “Evan, I heard—”

She stopped mid-sentence at the sight before her, then breezily turned her back. “Oh, I see. Didn’t mean to barge in on you and my new sister-in-law.”

Charlotte quickly freed herself from Evander’s hold and stepped back.

Evander shot the girl a look. “You already did.”

She spun around, grinning as she sauntered over. “You two have plenty of time alone. What’s one interruption?” Then she turned to Charlotte, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You’re even prettier in person, you know!”

Charlotte blinked at the girl’s enthusiasm, then managed a polite smile. “You’re very pretty yourself.”

“I mean it!” The girl grabbed Charlotte’s hand, pouting playfully. “You don’t have to be so guarded with me—I’m not like that idiot Genevieve. I’m totally on your side when it comes to my cousin!”