The Cherished Wife

Sean's eyes crinkled with a hint of mischief. "Talk about timing-I just hung up with Charles. Don't tell me you're summoning me to Mooncliff too!" "Yep," came Bob's clipped reply. "Tonight at seven."

"You've got to be kidding! Both you and Charles are on my case... are you meeting up with Noelle?" Sean smacked his forehead. "Man, this isn't cool. I mean, I helped you out once, but this is becoming a habit. What gives?" "So, you're bailing on us? I heard Noelle and Charles tied the knot. If I bail, it's going to be the talk of the town..."

"Fine, I'll go. Happy now?" Sean clenched his jaw. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm paying off a debt from a former life or something."

He passed the phone to his assistant. "Set up the next surgery with another doctor. I've got to step out after this one."

with pleas and commands to show up and make sure she was dolled up. Despite her reluctance, Jade's leverage was too strong to

She showed up at Mooncliff at 6:30 PM in her workday outfit. Jade, already there, waved her over frantically. Yet, her face fell at the sight of Noelle's getup. "I told

Noelle. It was like no matter how Noelle looked, she just could not win Jade's

outfit a once-over. She did not see what the big deal was. She was used to Jade's constant critiques by now, but the jab about being single still made her wince.

Jade was

so timid. Now, it was like she was picking a fight every chance she got. Jade shot Noelle a venomous look, her teeth clenched. "Just look at you, dressing like you're twice your age. Now that you're out of a job, you better start thinking about your future. If you can't land a decent job, snag a rich guy.

idea, Mom?" Noelle was genuinely puzzled. "Sure, I'm not at Frotconn anymore, but Brookville's got more