The Cherished Wife

Xavier originally did not want to attend the event. For him, such gatherings were just a source of frustration, especially with the kind of people Winter had invited.

Although he knew them all, he did not particularly like any of them. However, Winter was now his wife, and he couldn't simply ignore her. Besides, the thought of seeing Noelle today ultimately persuaded him to go.

Winter was in the middle of talking to Annie when she saw that Xavier had arrived. She immediately rushed over to him and wrapped her arm around his, greeting him with a sweet smile. "Xavier, you're here!" she said cheerfully. "You worked so late. Are you tired?"

Xavier initially felt a bit reluctant, but seeing the smile on Winter's face and remembering that it was her birthday, he forced a smile. "I'm not tired. But I do hope you're not upset that I'm late."

"Of course not! You're working hard to support us, so how could I be upset?" Winter responded, her tone oozing with affection. "Xavier, a lot of my friends are here tonight, including Noelle!" She continued, holding onto his arm. "Let me introduce you to them!" Xavier's expression tightened slightly, and his pupils contracted when he heard Noelle's name. He nodded. "Alright."

Winter and Xavier proceeded to greet several groups of guests. As Winter kept track of the time, she realized it was almost time for the next part of the evening's plan. She texted Annie: [How's it going with Suzy?]

Suzy hasn't

again, but there was no reply, and her calls went unanswered. A sense of foreboding crept

phone. She then noticed that Xavier seemed distracted. She

earlier," Winter said, biting her lip as she glanced

sent her to rest earlier. She had a bit too much to drink, but it's been over half an hour.

suggested, "Winter, is it time to cut

it's about time," Winter agreed, playing along with Annie. "Everyone's here

offered, "I'll go check on her. She's your sister, after all. It's important that she's here

could barely contain

had been discreetly searching for Noelle. However, he had Winter by his

up at his offer. "Sure, let's go together! You two still have some misunderstandings between you.