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.”

Noelle scolded Charles with a mix 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 problem because I was so hungry all

you say you were going to the Hoffman family’s old house? Why

was usually too loud for the quiet Five Elements

a smile. “It’s not a big

packed for you is in the fridge. I’ll warm it up,” she insisted, heading downstairs. Charles

him, confused.

bother. It’s too much trouble,” he said. Skipping one meal was not the end of the

trouble at

feeling

The Hoffman family!

forgotten about not eating until Noelle mentioned

and the usual sharp look in

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

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