The Cherished Wife

Chapter 98

‘Got nothing to do with me? What are they talking about?‘ Noelle had just stepped out of the kitchen when she overheard Sean’s comment. She stopped in her tracks. The sight of the massive, dark silhouette made her hesitate, and she stayed put.

Arnold noticed Noelle’s reluctance and let out a couple of sad howls, feeling totally rejected. He bounded over to her. Noelle, startled, quickly backed into the kitchen. “No, no, stay back!”

“Arnold!” Charles’s voice was deep and icy, cutting through the air. Arnold froze, his four paws halting mid- stride. He turned to Charles with a look that screamed, ‘I’m hurt.‘

Noelle could not help it. Arnold’s dramatics cracked her up, and she let out a laugh.

That was all Arnold needed. He perked up, howled joyfully, and dashed over to Charles, playfully tugging at the hem of his suit pants. He howled again, this time with a wag in his tail, as if to say, ‘See, she loves

me!‘

Charles surveyed the scene–Noelle, Arnold, and Sean–with his piercing gaze, finally landing on Sean.” How long?”

grinned, sensing an opportunity. “Oh, not long at all. Just a week

tightened ever so slightly as he turned to Noelle. “Arnold’s staying. What

think?”

asking for

blinked, taken aback. Was Arnold the dog

the initial shock, but she was not sure if she could really handle having Arnold around. Then there was Charles. It was his

those big, puppy–dog eyes. “Come on, you can’t just leave Arnold to fend for himself for a

shot Charles a look, hoping he would offer up some wisdom. Charles, clearly annoyed, shot a glance at Sean before finally giving Noelle a nod. “He’s got a business

Arnold too. Noelle let out an awkward laugh, looking at the pair of man and dog both giving

11

a lifesaver. Arnold’s a breeze to look after. Just toss him in a

keep him at arm’s length.” Noelle gave a hesitant nod, but then she gasped, “My cooking!