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?"

gestured for her to hold off on speaking. "If it's not urgent, can it wait until after

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 this

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 a different room. I'm grown up now. I don't need

his expression

her what to do next. She really wanted to bolt out of there. That was

not one to snoop. Realizing she had stumbled onto such a big secret, she

brow creased slightly. "Didn't

quickly regained