Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 404

Evander softened, his voice low as he apologized to her.

Charlotte stood frozen for a few seconds, startled, then quickly regained her composure. She pressed her elbow to his chest in a half-hearted attempt to push him away. “I’m dizzy,” she said.

He didn’t let go. Instead, his dark eyes studied her intently. “Every time you don’t want me to touch you, you come up with an excuse.”

Something in her expression went rigid; she didn’t answer. Without another word, Evander scooped her up in his arms.

Her heart skipped a beat. “What are you doing?!”

He set her gently on the bed. Charlotte immediately grabbed the blanket and wrapped herself tightly, cocooning against him. He watched her wary movements and managed a rueful smile. “If I really wanted to force myself on you, do you honestly think you could stop me?”

Her face tightened, as if she was about to spit something cruel back at him.

But Evander’s voice dropped to a hoarse murmur. “I won’t force you again.”

She blinked, hesitant, looking at him as if she couldn’t quite believe his words. Yet it was the first time she’d ever seen him back down like this, his pride laid low, his manner almost apologetic.

Love makes fools of us all, she thought.

He must have learned that lesson, too.

Charlotte remained silent. Evander sat on the edge of the bed for a long moment, eyes averted. At last, he stood up, his voice quiet. “Get some sleep.”

He left the bedroom.

Charlotte watched his retreating figure. Maybe it was the wine, but a complicated tangle of emotions knotted in her chest.

Maybe it would all feel better in the morning.

…

The next day. District General Hospital, on the outskirts of town.

Tricia woke to the sterile hum of the IV drip beside her hospital bed. A female doctor entered, clipboard in hand. “Ms. Winthrop, I think you’ll need to stay for observation for a couple of days. Is anyone here with you? A husband, parents?”

Tricia’s voice was ragged. “I don’t have any family…”

The doctor hesitated, looking over her chart. “No boyfriend either?”

“No.” Tricia’s tone grew impatient. “If there’s a problem, just say it.”

“Didn’t you notice?” The doctor’s voice stayed gentle. “When you were brought in, you’d suffered a tear and significant bleeding. That’s why I’m asking. If someone hurt you, I strongly recommend reporting it to the police.”

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