The Cherished Wife

The buzz about Suzy was everywhere that morning. Everyone from Brookville and the whole country seemed to be in on the gossip. For Suzy, the scandal was a crushing blow.

Charles smiled wryly and gestured for Noelle to come over. She put away the ointment she was holding and got up, walking into Charles's open arms. She nestled quietly against him, her fingers nervously twisting his sleeve into a spiral.

"I've got Ronald on it," Charles said, his voice thoughtful. "When that video leaked, the faces were all blurred, and you couldn't really make out who was who. It was all guesswork, and nobody was sure." He paused, then added, "Suzy doesn't want to press charges."

Noelle's brow creased in concern, but she quickly nodded in agreement. "I get where she's coming from. If she went to court, it would just keep the drama alive. It wouldn't just be those two people and their families caught in the storm; Suzy and her family would be under the microscope too. The media would have a field day, and that's the last thing Suzy needs."

Charles agreed. "I'll pull some strings to get that video taken down. Most folks in our circle are just spectators. They don't really want to get involved. We can handle this quietly." He affectionately tousled Noelle's hair. "Don't you hold a grudge after all she did to you?" Noelle's brow creased with thought. "How could I not harbor some resentment? But she's a victim now too. Winter is the real villain, and if I can forgive Winter, why not forgive Suzy?" She gave Charles's fingers a gentle squeeze. "Do you think I'm too soft-hearted?" "Not at all. You're compassionate," Charles replied, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Come on, let's head upstairs so you can change. I'm taking you out!"

Noelle's eyes sparkled with

a light laugh. "I remember

"Wow, you remembered!" Noelle's

filled with delight and surprise. She had not expected him to recall her offhand wish to ride a horse inspired by a scene from a period drama they'd watched "I'll

Charles said, affectionately ruffling her

for simplicity since they were headed to the horse ranch. She

gear, with her hair tied