Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 395

She was sure she’d heard that name before. Yet, the more someone tries to recall a person or a thing, the further it slips away.

Charlotte gave up forcing her memory. Maybe it would come to her another day. For now, she turned to Mrs. Chamberlain. “Were you close with my aunt?”

Mrs. Chamberlain froze, as if only just remembering that Zoe was her relative. It was awkward to talk about someone’s aunt right in front of their family. With a strained smile, Mrs. Chamberlain replied, “Actually, I only ran into her a few times. We weren’t exactly close.”

Before Charlotte could say anything else, Mrs. Rivers smoothly redirected the conversation.

They chatted for another half hour or so before Mrs. Moore glanced at her watch—she had a nail appointment that afternoon and needed to leave. Seeing this, Mrs. Chamberlain didn’t linger either, bidding farewell to Mrs. Rivers and Charlotte before making her exit.

With the other women gone, Charlotte and Mrs. Rivers stepped out of the sunroom. Mrs. Rivers, perhaps sensing Charlotte’s earlier distracted mood, paused and said gently, “Truthfully, I’d only planned to invite you today. I didn’t expect the others to drop by for tea unannounced. They’re old friends, so I couldn’t just send them away. I hope you’re not upset?”

Charlotte looked at her and smiled, shaking her head. “Of course not. Let’s just say I got to introduce myself to the ladies’ circle here in Riverspire City.”

Mrs. Rivers chuckled. “Oh, those two love their gossip. There’s not a single rumor in the social circle that doesn’t reach their ears. I’ve gotten used to it—don’t let it bother you.”

Mrs. Rivers was worried Charlotte might be upset at the mention of Zoe, since, after all, she was her aunt.

Charlotte lowered her gaze. “Honestly, I’m curious about my aunt. I thought maybe today I’d get to learn more about her.”

Mrs. Rivers looked surprised. “Your father never told you?”

Mrs. Rivers nodded. “As I recall, Zoe’s health was always fragile. When Mrs. Donovan was pregnant with the twins, she took the wrong medication—that led to a premature birth. Your mother was fine, but Zoe was born with a congenital heart defect.”

“I still remember,” Mrs. Rivers went on, “your parents first met at a gala. I was there, too. It was love at first sight for your father.”

Charlotte pressed her lips together. “Then why did my aunt tell me she knew my father first?”

Mrs. Rivers smiled wryly. “Because your father mistook her for someone else.”