Chapter 17
While clearing the table, Corinne continued gently, “And you’ve already been through enough today. No one wanted to add to your burden.”
Been through enough?
Lottie was briefly stunned.
It was not like she had just found out about those two. She’d known for a while. There wasn’t anything left to be upset
over.
But Corinne mistook her silence for grief.
After all, women who married into powerful families usually had to suffer in silence.
Lottie caught the pity in Corinne’s eyes and didn’t bother correcting her.
She was still Mrs. Mathis family.
Nigel’s affair had made tabloid headlines. If anyone was supposed to be heartbroken, it was her.
She glanced at the time, then stood. “I’ll go visit Grandma at the hospital.”
But just as she reached the front door, the gates outside slowly opened.
A familiar black Maybach rolled into the courtyard.
Before Lottie could even finish changing her shoes, Nigel strode in, his steps firm, his presence sharp and imposing.
But as soon as he reached her, that edge began to soften. His tone grew gentle, though a storm of emotion churned be- hind his eyes.
“You’re back,” she said, taking a small step back, her voice as quiet and composed as always. “Have you eaten? Corinne made dinner-”
“Lottie.”
He cut her off, choosing his words carefully, his tone uneasy. “What’s online… it’s not what it looks like. I can ex- plain.”
“Okay.”
Lottie nodded almost immediately, her tone calm and matter-of-fact. “I believe you.”
Nigel was caught off guard.
He’d always known she was mild-tempered, but this time, he’d braced for a meltdown. Before coming home, his so-
0.0 %
13:35
Chapter 1
200 FVouchers
called friends had joked he was finished. Even the nicest woman wouldn’t put up with a cheating husband.
But Lottie hadn’t cried. She hadn’t yelled. She hadn’t even asked a single question.
She was just… indifferent.
That strange calmness made Nigel feel increasingly unsettled. Her quiet “I believe you” didn’t feel like trust-it felt like distance.
His brow furrowed. One word floated through his mind:
Detached.
She didn’t care.
Whether he cheated or kissed another woman-Lottie didn’t care.
Her face was unreadable, as calm as ever. She grabbed a jacket casually. “I’m going to the hospital to check on Grandma.”
“Lottie…”
Nigel suddenly felt like something was slipping away from him.
Almost instinctively, he reached out and grabbed her wrist, his voice cautious. “You’re really not angry? Not even a little?”
Lottie paused, caught off guard.
Suddenly, she realized-being Mrs. Mathis was truly a thankless job.
She had thought her calm would give Nigel peace of mind.
Instead, it made him uneasy.
He wanted her to be angry.
He watched her closely, waiting for a reaction. But Lottie just gave him a quiet, emotionless glance. “If I get angry… will you cut ties with her completely?”
His face stiffened. Still, he answered, “Lottie, believe it or not, there’s really nothing between us.
“After my birthday, I’ll have her move out.”
“And what about you?”
Nigel frowned. “What are you talking about? Of course I’ll still be here-this is our home.”
As if needing to reinforce the point, he added seriously, “I’m your husband.”
“Nigel,” Lottie said, her smile faint but unwavering. “I meant your heart.”
41.5 %
13:35
Chapter 17
He blinked, momentarily stunned.
Before he could respond, Lottie gently pulled her wrist free and walked out.
****
By the time she arrived at the hospital, Erma was already asleep.
With nothing more to do, Lottie got back in the car and drove around aimlessly.
Like someone who didn’t have a place to go.
No-not like. That was the truth.
She didn’t have a home.
*****
It was nearly midnight when Lottie finally returned.
The house was quiet. Corinne had left the entryway light on for her.
As she passed the second-floor study, she noticed a sliver of light beneath the door-and faint voices inside.
Low, tense-followed by the sound of Esther crying.
