The Cherished Wife

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Noelle nodded, then hesitated and shook her head, which made Charles’s eyes twinkle with amusement. Well, what’s on your mind?”

Noelle fidgeted. “The friend I met today is called Rowena.”

Charles took the history book from Noelle. He was a bit surprised by her nervousness, and his fingers stopped for a second. He looked at her and grinned. “She must be a really good friend!”

Noelle nodded again. “We went to college together, but she moved to Afron for some stuff a few years back.” Noelle paused for a moment. “She just got back. We haven’t seen each other in so long, so…”

Charles nodded, showing he understood. “Why didn’t you guys talk more?”

“Wasn’t I supposed to bring you dinner? Uh, have you eaten yet?”

Charles paused, his long fingers wrapped around the book. He pressed his lips together and was quiet for a while.

Noelle saw his look, and her brow furrowed. “You didn’t eat, did you?”

Charles gave a small nod. “I’m not hungry.”

of worry and annoyance. “You’ve got to take care of yourself. When I was little, I was super picky and skipped a lot of meals. I almost ended up with a stomach

put it back on the shelf. “Didn’t you say you were going to the Hoffman family’s

for the quiet Five Elements Residence, but today it made

his forehead, trying to hide a smile. “It’s not a

was not having it. “The food I packed for you is in the fridge. I’ll warm it up,” she insisted, heading downstairs. Charles caught

to him, confused.

much trouble,” he said. Skipping one meal was

no trouble at all.

walk away, feeling

The Hoffman family!

not eating

and the usual sharp

thought it would be rude to give Charles the bits and pieces left over. Thus, she ordered a few extra dishes. By the time

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