bChapter /bb369 /b

    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…b?/bb” /b

    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 toe.”

    Elliot blinked.

    Mr. Howard…?

    Aren’t they married? Why is she calling her father–inw “Mr. Howard“?

    Charlotte didn’t bother to exin. She walked into the bedroom, where Evander was propped up against the headboard, flipping through a book to pass the time.

    He heard footsteps and looked up. For a few seconds, he just stared, piecing things together. “Let me guess–my parents sent you? You really didn’t have to humor them.”

    “Wasn’t it what you wanted?”

    Evander’s hand froze on the page. After a long pause, he let out a quiet, bitterugh. “Didn’t know I’d sunk so low in your eyes. Do you really think I’d pull something like this?”

    Before Charlotte could answer, he shut the book with a snap. “Fine, you’re right. I was hoping you’d talk some sense into me. But honestly, if I die, then our marriage ends just the way you wanted.”

    “Evander, are you serious?”

    Charlotte couldn’t help the incredulousugh as she walked to his bedside. “All this just for a signature? Now you’re threatening me with your own life?”

    Evander looked at her, a wry smile in his eyes. “Didn’t I tell you? In my world, there’s no such thing as divorce–only widowhood.”

    12:43

    She rolled her eyes and knocked his book onto the floor. “Childish. And pathetic.”

    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–inw.”

    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 yfully. “You don’t have to be so guarded with me–I’m not like that idiot Genevieve. I’m totally on your side when ites to my cousin!”

    bChapter /bb370 /b