The Cherished Wife

The Hoffman family's old house came alive as Janet sprinted toward Charles, only to be stopped in her tracks by his warning glare. "Didn't you notice I'm helping Aunt?"

Janet's lips tightened as she shot a glance at Nancy. Seeing Nancy's weary expression, Janet's eyes betrayed a flicker of annoyance. However, with Charles there, she held back her frustration and forced a smile. "Aunt Nancy, it's been ages! How are you holding up?" "Weren't we just together yesterday?" Nancy could see right through Janet's fake concern. She knew Janet was not her biggest fan.

"Oh, Aunt Nancy, silly me and my forgetful brain! I must miss you so much that it feels like forever when you're not around," Janet said, her face not even blushing with the lie. "Let me give you a hand, Aunt Nancy!"

"No need. Charles is all the help I need," Nancy declined gently. "Charles, I can walk on my own. Maybe you should head back. Weren't you saying you had things to do?"

"Sure. So, you'll go inside on your own?"

coming in? What's so important that you have time for your aunt but none for your own mother?" Clarisse had burst out, thrilled, only to overhear Nancy suggesting her son leave. Clarisse's joy turned to indignation. "He's not your son, so you don't feel the pain. After going through the trouble of bringing you

face flushed with embarrassment at Clarisse's words. She had not meant for it to come across that way, and she understood Clarisse's reasons for being upset. Still, it was hard not to feel ashamed when

the car, and she knew that Charles probably would not have

three whole years. And now what? You're going to try and keep me

creased in disapproval at his mother's harsh

Clarisse was taken aback, anger bubbling up as Charles confronted her. "Charles, I am your mother. How can you speak to me

my Aunt Nancy, the

in every way that counts!" Charles cut her off, his patience wearing thin. "Aunt Nancy was the