Too Late for Regret:My Ex-Husband Are Trying to Win Me Back novel Chapter 12

By the time Zachary woke in Whistletown, it was already the next day. Charmaine had been watching over him the entire time.

When his eyes opened and landed on her, irritation flickered uncontrollably. In the end, she was the reason everything had spiraled to this point. If she hadn't returned years ago, if he hadn't helped her then, Lynette would never have left.

Charmaine, oblivious to his thoughts, hurried to call in the doctor.

After a brief checkup, the doctor said, "Mr. Wright's collapse was caused by emotional agitation, compounded by prolonged stress. He needs to relax more. With proper rest, there shouldn't be any serious issues. Mrs. Wright, you could take him on a trip if time allows. Some fresh air would do him some good. "

The doctor had referred to Charmaine as Mrs. Wright.

Charmaine smiled. "Okay."

But Zachary corrected the doctor immediately. "She isn't my wife. My wife is Lynette Sterling."

Charmaine froze. In the past, Zachary would never have bothered to correct such a slip. Now, she could feel it—he was drawing boundaries; he had changed.

Clenching her fists, Charmaine forced a smile and thanked the doctor. After he left, she picked up a warm towel, intending to wipe Zachary down.

As she was about to touch him, Zachary stopped her, his tone icy. "Charmaine, there should be boundaries between men and women. This isn't appropriate."

Charmaine bit her lip. "Zachary, do you really not know how I feel? I stayed by your side for three years without a name or status. Now that Lynette has divorced you, why won't you choose me? If you truly felt nothing for me, why did you take such meticulous care of me all these years?"

She continued, "Admit it, Zachary. I have a place in your heart. I never said anything before because you were still married, but you're not married anymore. Can't you just spare a glance at me, just once?"

Charmaine reached out to touch him, but he brushed her hand away without hesitation.

"Charmaine, I've never thought about you that way. You've misunderstood my intentions. For the past three years, I kept you close because I was helping Nettie pay her debts. She was my wife. Her family committed wrongs, and it was my responsibility to repay that debt.

"I apologize if my actions gave you the wrong idea. I've already had your resignation paperwork handled. I'll give you some money. Go, start a new life elsewhere."

With that, Zachary got out of bed, ready to leave.

Zachary left the hospital and went straight to the prison. With Lynette gone, the only person who might know her whereabouts was her father, William.

He waited in the visitation room for the prison wardens to bring William out. But ten minutes passed, and there was still no William. Instead, a prison warden approached with several items.

"Mr. Wright, these are Mr. Sterling's personal belongings from before his death. We're handing them to you."

Zachary's head buzzed violently. "Personal belongings? I'm here to see my father-in-law. Why are you giving me these?"

The prison warden frowned. "Mr. Wright, aren't you aware? Your father-in-law took his own life in prison a few days ago. Mrs. Wright personally claimed the body."

Zachary's world spun. He nearly collapsed; he managed to steady himself by gripping the table. "Took his own life? Why am I not aware of this? When did this happen? Why did he do it?"

Half an hour later, Zachary staggered out of the prison. He kept one hand pressed to the wall, terrified that without something to hold onto, he would collapse completely.