The Cherished Wife

"But the way you treat Nancy..."

"Look, how I treat my Aunt Nancy is my choice. She's my uncle's wife, and she practically raised me. I see nothing wrong about being good to her now. Don't forget you were the one who walked away from me when I was little, Mom. So, don't expect too much now. No matter what, you're still my mother in the Hoffman family records, and that's not changing."

"Charles!" A shiver ran down Clarisse's spine at his words. She was terrified that he might say something even more cutting.

"Mom, if there's nothing else, I've got work to do. I can't stay on the phone."

"Charles!" Clarisse caught him just in time. "After all these years, can't you find it in your heart to forgive me? I'm back and trying to make things right now. I am your mother, Charles. Everything I've done has been for you. Can't you forgive me? Please let me..." "Mom, what are you trying to say?"

stepped into the room when Charles gestured for her to hold off on speaking. "If

said I left you behind, so I'm trying to make it right now. However, you've got to give me a chance, don't you? You're so kind to Nancy because she was there for you. I promise I'll be there for you

Charles cut her off without a second thought. "Second uncle and aunt are just looking for a change of scenery to help with her health. As for you, the Hoffman family's old house has plenty of room. If you're feeling cooped up, just pick

ended the call, his expression rigid and

frozen, waiting for Charles to tell her what to do next. She really wanted to bolt out of there. That was the first time she had heard Charles

to snoop. Realizing she had

"Didn't you

quickly regained her