Cold husband burning regret

At Wesley's signal, Julian caught on instantly and gave a crooked smile. "I'll keep an eye on her right away." The two of them headed downstairs, only to be intercepted by a housekeeper rushing over with urgent news-Mrs. Rayburn had woken up.

Without hesitation, Wesley took Charlotte straight to Vandermere Private Hospital. Inside the hospital room, two specialists and the head physician stood by the bed, and Sean was sitting quietly at his wife's side.

As the doctors discussed her case using medical jargon, Charlotte listened in, understanding enough to feel her heart sink, though she said nothing.

One of the specialists gave Sean a summary of the situation. Sean's anxious gaze never left his wife's face. "Is there really nothing we can do for her?" The specialist hesitated, then sighed. "Given the accumulation of psychological issues over the years, your wife's condition has progressed to neurodegeneration. Usually, this kind of onset happens in the elderly, but in her case-" "What does that mean?" Sean interrupted.

Before the doctor could answer, Charlotte spoke up, her voice steady but subdued. “Alzheimer's. To put it simply, it's early-onset dementia." Sean stared at her, stunned.

She dropped her gaze. "Mom is already showing early symptoms. Maybe not even early-I think it's been there for a while." Sean shook his head struggling to accept it. "But she's not even sixty yet. How can this be happening?" "My mentor once toldthat the youngest diagnosed patient was only nineteen. Aside from hereditary factors or infections, severe 1/4 13:06 Chapter 359 psychological trauma or chronic stress can trigger it..." Charlotte trailed off, her chest tightening with every word.

She still hadn't truly reunited with her mother, terrified that when she finally did, all she'd find was a blank slate. One of the specialists glanced at Charlotte, then addressed Wesley with interest. “She seems quite knowledgeable about Alzheimer's." "She's my sister," Wesley answered, eyes lingering on Charlotte. "And she's a doctor." "That explains it," the specialíst said, nodding.

Sean's clenched hands gradually relaxed. He looked at his wife, voice trembling. "How long... before she forgets us completely?" The doctor replied, "If the progression can be managed, it might be held off for a while. At best, five or six years. At worst, one or two." Once the doctors left the room, Sean sank into a heavy silence that seemed to stretch on forever.

Wesley stepped up beside him, laying a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Dad, the doctors said we could still have five or six years if we work at it. There's time." "I.." Suddenly, Mrs. Rayburn reached out, her voice soft but clear. "My daughter." Her hand trembled as she called out to Charlotte.

Charlotte hurried to her side, her own voice thick with emotion. "Mom..." "I'm right here," Mrs. Rayburn whispered, gripping her hand tightly. "My daughter's all grown up. You're so beautiful." Charlotte froze for a moment. It seemed Mrs. Rayburn didn't remember meeting her before, as if every interaction was their first. But what mattered most was that, no matter how much the disease stole from her, her mother always recognized her own child.

2/4 Chapter 359 Charlotte smiled down at her. "Yes, I've grown up just fine, and I cback to you." Mrs. Rayburn smiled, silent. After a few moments, she began searching the room. "Where's my daughter?" Wesley handed her a nearby doll. Mrs. Rayburn clutched it to her chest, relief flooding her face. "She's right here! Thank goodness..." That evening, after dinner, Wesley drove Charlotte back to her hotel.

She stepped out of the car, and Wesley rolled down the window. "I'll pick you up tomorrow evening." "Alright." She watched his car disappear down the street before making her way into the lobby, unhurried and thoughtful. Remembering something, she turned and walked to Judd's room, pressing the doorbell.

The door opened moments later.

Charlotte was just about to speak, but the sight that greeted her made the words catch in her throat Judd stood in the doorway, steam still rising from his toned body, the clean scent of soap lingering in the air. Water droplets traced lines down his pale skin, disappearing into the towel wrapped low around his hips. Neither of them had expected to see the other like this.

The silence was almost comical.

Charlotte quickly averted her eyes. “Um, maybe you should get dressed first?" Judd paused for a beat, then narrowed his eyes in playful challenge. "Aren't doctors supposed to be professional about these things?" Charlotte sputtered. “Well, maybe, but colleagues shouldn't be... quite this 13:06 Chapter 359 open with each other, right?" He grinned and tapped her forehead with a finger. "So you want us to be open? Sorry, not interested."

She stared at him, dumbfounded, then rubbed her forehead and forded a smile Professor Carstairs, you really do have a sense of humor." "Mhm. I'll go put on sclothes." He didn't bother closing the door behind him as he headed into the room. Charlotte couldn't help but sneak a look.

Evander's build wasn't bad either, but compared to him, Judd seemed m leaner-his waist was genuinely narrow, with clear muscle definition and an understated strength, like he'd been carved to exact proportions.

Realizing where her mind was wandering, she shook her head quickly, banishing the distracting image.