The Cherished Wife

Xavier, who had appeared uninterested moments before, suddenly looked up upon hearing Noelle's name. Winter noticed his reaction. A shadow crossed her eyes, but she forced herself to keep it in check. "Mom?"

Jade had also noticed and responded with a displeased expression, "That woman always manages to make me angry. Didn't I introduce her to a potential match before New Year's?"

"Yes, that's right. It's someone from the Smiths, a man named Bob, I believe?" Winter chimed in, playing along with Jade.

"What happened? Did Noelle end things with him?"

"Not at all! That woman has no manners at all. Even though I introduced them, how could she bring him home for New Year's, which is such an important occasion?" Jade complained, clearly exasperated.

"I've spoiled her too much, and now, she's become so reckless. It's supposed to be a family gathering, yet she brought an outsider along."

Noelle's actions do seem

good news. Noelle isn't usually that thoughtless, so if she has decided

stunned for a moment. Then, he nodded perfunctorily.

but she

down. It's been so long since I last saw

Winter's face and thought about the

ruthless. A woman's face is so important, and she

and touched Winter's

doesn't, Winter replied, awkwardly pulling Jade's hand away. "It's much better now. The doctor prescribed some medication, but need to avoid certain foods for

looked over at Xavier. "Xavier, doesn't my face