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."

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

was tall, with handsome features that vaguely resembled the stubborn child she remembered. However, time had softened

let me take a look at you. It's been so many years, and I can't believe

knelt beside her, and took her hand. "It's been a long time. How

at my age." Nancy sighed,

How have

you, I've been well." Steven showed great respect to Nancy, letting her hold his hand tightly. "How

get to see you again in my lifetime. Did you come to Brookville

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

Nancy could not quite place her. "Stevie, is this your

a closer look, Nancy." Steven stood up