The Cherished Wife

Noelle agreed, "Alright then, but I don't have much time. I have something to do later."

She remembered she had plans with Rowena and Teresa, who would be arriving soon. "My friends will be here shortly."

"Let's find a place to sit," Annie suggested, turning to Cindy. "Mom, I need to talk with Noelle. Why don't you head back first?"

Cindy gave Noelle a complicated look, recalling how her son had warned Annie not to offend Noelle. Though she did not see anything particularly threatening about Noelle, as Annie's mother, she instinctively wanted to protect her daughter.

She feared Noelle might bully her.

"Mom, it's okay. If you're worried, you can wait for me in the car. I'll be right there."

at Noelle. "Let's go to that café over there."

curious about what had happened that night. Charles had not told her much, and Rowena and Teresa had not shared all the details

ordered a lime soda at the café. When Annie noticed Noelle's indifferent demeanor, it made her feel somewhat anxious. "Noelle, do you know that your indifferent, high-and-mighty

no matter what I do, you won't be pleased anyway." She stirred her drink with the straw, pausing. "Then again, whether you like me or not doesn't really affect me." Annie was taken aback. She was rendered speechless by Noelle's retort, her face turning red with frustration. Noelle sighed. "You wanted

Annie's face. "And

fists. "Who's backing

bit her lip. "I don't have any backers. If you're looking for an explanation, all I can say is

"I don't like you, I really don't. But