Cold Husband Burning Regret: The Divorce He Couldn't Handle novel Chapter 604

Hulda's death didn't cause much of a stir in the Rayburn family. Even Mr. Rayburn's expression remained unchanged when he heard the news. Charlotte and Wesley sat in the living room with their aunt and uncle as Shane delivered the report.

Shane's face was pale, his eyes tinged with red, and his expression was heavy, as if he were deeply grieving. "Dad, my mother committed suicide. She has no other family to arrange her affairs. I'd like to see to her funeral myself," Shane said, looking to Mr. Rayburn, who was seated in the main chair, awaiting his response.

Mr. Rayburn's fingers paused as he held his teacup. The clink of the lid against the rim was startlingly clear in the quiet room. He spoke slowly. "Death is a serious matter. She was your mother; it's only right that you see her off."

"Thank you, Dad."

"Shane, your mother never struck me as the suicidal type," Susy suddenly interjected.

Shane lowered his eyes. "Mother left a note, but I don't wish to reopen that wound by reading it aloud. I believe she was afraid of becoming a burden to me." Everyone present knew what he was referring to. Hulda's affair with Quincy was a death sentence in Mr. Rayburn's eyes.

Seated on the sofa, Charlotte remained silent. She knew Hulda's suicide probably wasn't that simple.

After the brief family meeting concluded, Charlotte walked out into the courtyard, her brow furrowed. Evander's car was parked nearby, under a ginkgo tree whose leaves had turned a brilliant yellow. A few golden petals, caught by the wind, had drifted onto the gleaming black hood like flecks of gold. She walked straight to the car, pulled open the door, and slid inside. The heat was on full blast, chasing away the chill that had clung to her.

Elliot, in the passenger seat, turned to look at the back. "Well, well, Mrs. Howard."

Charlotte flinched slightly. The title "Mrs. Howard" felt strangely unfamiliar now. She turned her head. "Please call me Miss Rayburn." They hadn't even had an engagement party yet! And even if their marriage was still legally valid, this time she wanted to be called "Mrs. Howard" on her own terms.

The smile on Evander's lips faded. He looked at her, his eyes unreadable in the dim, yellow light.

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