Evander didn’t linger–he was out the door in moments.

Tricia watched his retreating figure, fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white, jaw set as if she might grind her teeth to bdust/b.

He’d promised he’d stay tonight, promised he’d be here for the child.

Was he running off for *her*? That woman?

No. Impossible.

He was protective of her and their son–after ten years together, he couldn’t just change his heart overnight, not because she’d been gone for six years. She knew Evander too well.

He was never one for casual flings.

He wasn’t the type to fall for anyone on a whim.

Tricia forced herself to calm down, reassuring herself that no matter what happened, Evander had always sided with her and their boy. That had to mean something; she was certain there was still a ce for her in his heart.

Besides, some ything wasn’t worth her worry.

Meanwhile, in her office, Charlotte rolled up the leg of her cks. Her knees were mottled with bruises, and there were faint marks from the ridges in the tile floor.

The door swung open unexpectedly, and she hastily covered her legs.

“Charlotte–what happened to your knees?” Hiram strode in, lunch bag in hand, catching her off guard.

Before she could answer, he set the food down and caught sight of the bump on her forehead. Instantly, he bristled with anger. “Who the hell did this to you?”

He looked ready to storm out and start a fight, so Charlotte grabbed his arm to stop him. “I just fell, that’s all.”

“You’re not a kid anymore. How do you end up hurting yourself like this?”

`ry day. I

She gave a tired sigh. “The hospital stairs get mopped and disinfected wasn’t paying attention and slipped. What, are you going to go yell at the stairs for me?”

09:39

Hiram opened his mouth, then shut it, sinking into the chair with a pout.

Charlotte nced at the lunchbox on her desk. “So, what did you bring me?”

“Oh–Mom made her famous chicken soup. She made a big batch and sent some for you to try.” He opened the thermos and pushed it toward her. The soup was still steaming.

Charlotte looked at the bowl, falling silent.

Back home, she only ever got a hot meal when Hiram was there. Even then, whether it was a home–cooked roast or fresh fruit, she only got what he didn’t want.

Hiram, of course, had never realized just how tantly their parents yed favorites.

“Charlotte? You don’t like the soup?” Hiram’s voice broke her reverie.

She shook her head with a gentle smile and took a sip. “No, it’s delicious.”

Evander stood outside the door, about to knock, when the scene inside caught his eye: Charlotte quietly sipping her soup while Hiram chattered away, spinning stories and gossip that made herugh out loud.

There was a lightness in her smile he’d never seen when she was with him–free, easy, happy,

Evander’s face darkened. He lowered his hand and walked away without a sound.

That evening, Charlotte dropped Hiram off at their parents‘ house.

As he got out of the car, he scratched his head. “Aren’t youing in to see Mom and Dad?”

She hesitated, then smiled. “They’ve got you, Hiram. That’s enough for me.”

Before he could say anything else, she pulled away.

By the time Rachel, their mother, came out onto the porch, Charlotte’s car was already gone.

“Hiram, was that your sister’s car?” Rachel asked, recognizing the taillights.

“Yeah.”

“Did she say anything? About… her and Evander?”

Hiram shrugged. “I didn’t ask. She’ll tell us when she’s ready.” He waved her off and

09:39

strode inside.

Rachel stood there, troubled.

She still didn’t know how to face the reality that her daughter’s marriage was ending. But if they really divorced… what would happen to Hiram’s future?

She worried, uncertain what to do.

Back at Tranquility Manor, Charlotte showered first thing. Wrapping herself in a towel, she stepped out of the bathroom–only to walk straight into Evander as he entered the room.

She froze, caught off guard. After a tense moment of eye contact, Charlotte spun around, clutching the towel to her chest, mortified.

“What are you doing back so suddenly?” she snapped, frustration bleeding into her voice.

Chapter bi50 /i/b