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."

the kitchen to make tea. Steven approached and squinted slightly as he noticed Nancy sitting on the couch. The woman before him overlapped

resembled the stubborn child she remembered.

a look at you. It's been

beside her, and took her hand. "It's been

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

How have you been

been well." Steven showed great respect to

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

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

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

Nancy." Steven stood up and said, "Elly, come closer