The Cherished Wife

Noelle was stunned for a moment but quickly composed herself. "Hey, Steven!"

Steven gave a slight nod, acknowledging Noelle. "Hi, Noelle. Where's Charlie?"

"Charlie is inside, and Aunt Nancy is here too," Noelle smiled. She then glanced at the young girl, nodding politely. "Steven, who's this?"

"Elly, aren't you going to greet her?"

"Ms. Noelle." Eloise's voice was sweet. It was the kind that made her instantly likable, completely different from the cold, hard tone she had used the previous night.

Noelle smiled and nodded. "Hello, I'm Noelle Shaw." She then added, "Please come in!"

Noelle led Steven and Eloise inside and handed them slippers to change into. "Steven, please go inside. Elly, you too."

before heading to the kitchen to make tea. Steven approached and squinted slightly as he noticed Nancy sitting on the couch. The woman before him overlapped yet diverged from the person in his memory. "Nancy." His voice was edged with respect. Hearing it, Nancy hesitated briefly before looking

features that vaguely resembled the stubborn child she remembered. However, time had softened

you, Stevie?" Nancy beckoned him over. "Come here, let me take a look at you.

me, Stevie." Steven walked over, knelt beside her, and took her hand. "It's

my age." Nancy sighed, studying Steven carefully. "How many years has

have

to Nancy, letting

Nancy smiled. "I never thought I'd get to see you again in my lifetime. Did you come to Brookville just to

City? After all... and this young lady is?" Nancy's

could not quite place her. "Stevie, is this

shook his head. "Take a closer look, Nancy." Steven stood up