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."

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

tall, with handsome features that vaguely resembled the stubborn child she

look

me, Stevie." Steven walked over, knelt beside her, and took her hand. "It's been a long time. How

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

have you been all these

Steven showed great respect to Nancy, letting her hold his hand tightly. "How have

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

visit in Cascade City? After all... and this

seemed familiar, but Nancy could not quite place her. "Stevie, is

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