The Illegitimate Flame: Bride of Ashes-Chapter 52- The baby’s gone

"Giles, book me two tickets to Paris, for one week from now!" Charles exhaled, not sure if the smoke rings or his breath were escaping his lips. A trace of exhaustion was etched across his handsome face, and at the thought of Janet’s upcoming reaction, his heart churned even more violently. ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm

With just one glance, Giles understood his intention and nodded in silent agreement. He knew Charles wouldn’t be able to focus on the company for a while.

"The company you were investigating that’s partnered with Louis Corporation — you and Novia keep a close watch on them," Charles said, taking only a single drag from the cigarette between his fingers. Whether the smoke didn’t suit his taste or his mind had drifted elsewhere, by the time the cigarette burned out, he flicked the ash away with his foot. Then he headed to the VIP lounge to shower and change into a fresh set of clothes that Giles had brought him, before finally going to Janet’s hospital room.

More than half a month had passed since the last time he was here — back then, he’d been filled with the excitement of becoming a father. Now, in such a short time, she was gone...

Janet woke up the next day. Upon opening her eyes, she immediately saw that familiar handsome face filling her vision. His light stubble and bloodshot eyes revealed a side of Charles she had never seen before — drained, worn, but with a rugged, wild air that made him irresistibly attractive despite his exhaustion.

Janet reached out to touch his face, hoping to smooth the furrow between his brows. Charles’s voice was hoarse and tired as he grasped her slender wrist, pressing it gently against his cheek, and spoke three heartfelt words:

"I’m sorry."

This was the second time he had apologized to Janet. The first time, he had hurt her through his roughness. This time, she could see the self-blame and pain reflected in his eyes.

"Why do you have to say sorry?" Janet whispered through dry lips. The moment she spoke, a sharp pain shot through her lower body. Recalling the terrifying scene earlier and meeting Charles’s troubled gaze, Janet finally understood.

"The baby’s gone, isn’t it?" Janet thought, she should have known. She had come at the worst possible time, and with no protection or awareness, she got hurt. She must be angry — punishing herself as an unfit mother, only now realizing her own existence too late. Even as she left, she was powerless.

Two clear tears slipped down her cheeks, and when they fell onto her lips, Janet could feel his masculine warmth. Charles gently kissed away the tears at the corner of her mouth. He didn’t dare press too hard, only softly sucking on her colorless lips, murmuring apologies between his teeth. If only he had insisted more back then, taken her back to his villa, none of this would have happened.

Without passion or urgency, Charles carefully cared for her. Fortunately, she was safe. As long as she was alright, he could endure any loss.

Janet heard his whisper in her ear: "Janet, we will have children again in the future."

Will we really?

Janet dared not believe there was any future for them. Derrick’s fierce opposition already hinted at her fate — obey him and live, defy him and perish.

If he could treat his own son and grandson so cruelly, there was no way he would allow her and Charles to be together.

But for now, she had no strength to think about the future. Her whole being felt like it was floating in the clouds, unable to grasp anything but him — so at this moment, all she wanted was to hold him tightly.

With his promise, Janet sank back into a deep sleep. When the nurse came to attach an IV drip, Charles watched her pale, fragile face and held her hand, his eyes moist with unshed tears.

"How’s Janet?" Philip asked, noticing the dark aura surrounding Charles. He could tell something was different about him. The Charles he knew used to be arrogant and cold, ruthless toward anyone and anything. But now, his eyes held so much emotion. Janet had changed him — and that was a good thing.

"She’s doing okay," Charles replied. Janet was a rational woman, far stronger and more resilient than he had imagined. Because of that, he felt even more protective of her. She cried but never complained, never threw a tantrum — and that planted an ironclad guilt deep in his heart. Women were meant to be protected, and Janet was the first woman he truly wanted to protect.

Leaving her in the hospital now was the hardest thing Charles had done — even if tomorrow everything fell apart, he wouldn’t regret it.

He had never asked anything of Philip before, always answering any request Philip had. But today, he took from Philip something that belonged to him.

Philip’s eyes locked onto Charles’s complex expression. Even if he didn’t speak, he was ready for this.

"Janet is a good woman. Philip wishes you both happiness," Philip said with a genuine, pure smile as he wheeled over to his desk and slid the signed divorce papers in front of Charles. That kind of sincere smile — even when facing Derrick — was rare. Philip cared about Charles and Janet, hoping they could find happiness. Maybe it was a kind of redemption for Derrick... thinking of the child they lost.

"Thank you..." Charles’s voice caught slightly. His head bowed, his fine hair shadowing his face, hiding his expression.

What mattered to him most was Philip’s approval. Nothing else.

When Janet woke, Charles wasn’t there. Panic flickered in her eyes. After all she had endured with his care, she’d grown increasingly dependent on him.

The hospital aides stayed close by, checking on her constantly. When she asked about Charles, the nurses replied professionally: "The boss left after you fell asleep. He hasn’t been back these past two days."

Janet felt a small ache. Without the child to bind them, had he already abandoned her?

Just as her silent protest grew, Charles returned. He smelled of elegant Dior men’s cologne, standing before her like a noble prince — just as he had on the day they first met, delivering a shock she couldn’t quite describe.

"The doctor said you can’t move around too much, or your wounds might get infected," Charles said as he saw her struggling to pull out the IV needle from her hand and try to get up. He sent the nurse away and stood by Janet, his arms gently bracing her on both sides to stop her from moving.