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."

actions do seem inappropriate,"

she added, "But maybe it means things are going well between Noelle and Mr. Smith? It could be good news. Noelle isn't usually that thoughtless, so if she has decided to bring him home during New Year's, perhaps there's something worth celebrating!" Winter glanced at Xavier. "What do

moment. Then, he nodded perfunctorily.

Xavier's reaction, but she kept

soon." Jade took Winter's hand. "Come, sit down. It's been so long since I last saw you. Let me have

noticed the thick layer of makeup on Winter's face and thought about the allergy incident that happened some time

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

reached out and touched Winter's face.

pulling Jade's hand away. "It's much better now. The doctor prescribed some medication, but need

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