All Chapters of Too Late to Regret, The Substitute Wife Left: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

Andrew’s POV“You did the right thing,” Charlotte told me as I pulled a beer out of the fridge. Her voice sounded like nails on a chalkboard. I was exhausted after a long day of work. I just wanted to unwind on the couch with a beer in hand and watch some sports. Apparently, though, she felt the need to weigh in on my decision to apply for full custody. Turning to face her, I narrowed my eyes.“What would you know about doing the right thing?” I scoffed. It was a snide and cutting remark, alluding to her lies about that night at the bar. My insult landed, and she was taken aback. But I didn’t care.I’d just filed for full custody, and I could only imagine how Julia had received the papers. I’d gone back and forth about it over the past few days, but given her attitude during our visit to the circus, and Oliver’s subsequent disappointment, I truly felt like I had no other options.Oliver was slipping, burrowing deeper and deeper inside of himself. I was literally watching the light re

Julia’s POV“I know that doesn’t give you much time to prepare,” Dr. Stovard said.Much time? That didn’t give me anytime to prepare. I wasn’t sure how to respond. On the one hand, addressing this room full of prominent people was an honor, and a huge networking opportunity. I was starting my own practice with literally no clients at all. This room was full of mental health care experts. If I gave a compelling speech, I could potentially collect a plethora of references to help build my practice.But on the other hand, I had nothing prepared. What if I blew it? Coming up with a speech out of thin air was no small feat. This would be my first impression, and you know what they say – you only get one chance to make a first impression.“It’s okay,” Dr. Stovard smiled politely when she saw my hesitation. “Forget I asked. It was silly of me to expect you to speak with no notice.”She turned to walk away, but I stopped her.“Wait,” I blurted out. Something bubbled up inside of me, excitement

Julia’s POVCharles sat with me during lunch, which was a decadent spread of filet mignon and assorted roasted vegetables. The other people at the table inundated me with questions about my research, genuinely fascinated by my responses.I could feel myself glowing, proud of myself for taking a chance and even prouder of myself for pulling it off.“More wine?” Charles asked, reaching for the bottle in the centre of the table.“Why not?” I chuckled. I deserved it; I felt like I was on top of the world.I hadn’t expected Charles to be here today. He’d come to surprise me, knowing that I was attending the charity luncheon. It came to town often to visit, and to check up on things with his work. He was basically bi-coastal these days, flying back and forth across the country.After lunch, people took to mingling, and I did some networking, proudly handing out my new business card to let people know that I was currently curating a client list for my new practice. In the middle of a discussi

Julia’s POV “You look…amazing,” Charles said as we entered the lobby to the opera. I blushed. Mira had done a fantastic job of making me over. My strapless floor length ball gown shone an iridescent blue. With my hair piled in loose curls on the top of my head, I felt like a princess. Mira looked equally as stunning, with her jet black hair slicked back into a low, demure bun and her form-fitting scarlet red dress accentuating all her curves. Sergio was dressed to the nines in a dark gray suit with a bright red shirt and matching red patent leather shoes. And Charles was looking very dapper in a traditional black tuxedo. “Thank you,” I said. “I clean up well, hey?” It was a joke, but Charles’ face remained serious as he stared into my eyes intensely. “You’re always beautiful,” he said. There was something about the way he said it that made my heart flutter. Surprised by my own reaction to his words, I blushed even deeper. He gave me his arm and I hooked my arm in his as we made our wa

Julia’s POVI never took the call from Charles that night. I couldn’t bring myself to talk to him, because I didn’t know what to say. I also made a feeble excuse the following night about having a head ache, bowing out of our dinner plans together.I felt awful about it, but I needed time and space to process my complex emotions before I faced him again. Charles was set to leave just two days after he arrived, so that morning I sent him a text with a plane emoji and ‘safe travels. Talk soon, I promise.’With Charles gone, I turned my attention to my new practice. The renovations were done, and I was scheduled to meet up with Jerry at my new office for the photo shoot and interview the afternoon after Charles left.Eliciting Mira’s help, I chose a modern gray pant suit with a low cut, violet blouse. I wanted to look professional, but a bit edgy. Savvy with a touch of sass. Mira offered to come with me, but I told her it wasn’t necessary. I could handle the interview alone.Waiting in my