Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 510

A muscle in Judd's jaw twitched. He let out a soft, wry chuckle. "Why are you so sure the destination would be the same?"

"Because a marriage is about more than just pure love. There are practical matters, finances, and the vast differences between our families. Even if I had married into the Carstairs family as a Sterling, would I have been happy? You might have stood by me, or you might not have, but your mother would have undoubtedly rejected me as a daughter-in-law, just like Miranda Sutherland did. I would have had to walk on eggshells in your family, always following the rules."

She continued, "I can't guarantee that a road not taken would have been better, but at least now I'm clear-eyed about these realities. I'm not willing to trap us both in a relationship that's doomed to be difficult, and I especially don't want to see you bear the pressure and conflict from your family because of me."

Judd watched her quietly, his gaze so deep it was impossible to read. The air in the office felt even heavier, as if time itself had slowed down.

After a moment, he finally spoke. "You've become much more cautious now."

"Well, I am a divorced woman. After being so disappointed by marriage, of course I have my reservations," Charlotte replied with a sad smile.

Judd said nothing more. He had anticipated her rejection, but he hadn't expected her reasons to be so painfully direct. He knew his mother had issues with Charlotte. Even if she had agreed to be with him, could he have guaranteed the relationship would last? His grandfather was her mentor; the last thing she would want is to become estranged from the man who had guided her.

"You shouldn't carry the financial burden by yourself either," Charlotte said, trying to soften the mood. "Just because we're not dating doesn't mean we have to cut ties, right?" she added in a softer voice.

He looked at her, exasperated. "Am I that kind of person?"

Charlotte let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding and smiled. "I'm relieved to hear that."

…

That afternoon, Charlotte made calls to several contacts from her business cards. The conversations started well, but as soon as she mentioned the project was AD targeted therapy research, a high-risk medical venture, they all politely declined.

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