The Cherished Wife

Charles was a storm cloud in human form, radiating such negative vibes it was practically a force field. Who in their right mind would get close to him now? Only Janet seemed to have missed the memo and was barreling straight into danger. Charles's forehead was creased with a frown, his face so dark it sent shivers down her spine. "I'm telling you one last time. Let go!"

"No!"

However, before Janet could even finish protesting, Charles had already wriggled free. He moved so fast it was a blur, and by the time everyone caught up, he had spun around and clamped his hand on Janet's neck. It looked terrifying. "Cough cough!"

Janet was dangling from Charles' hand, her toes barely scraping the ground.

"Charles!" Clarisse was the first to snap out of it, her face as white as a sheet. She dashed over. "Charles, what the hell are you doing? Have you lost your mind? Let her go now!"

well have been deaf. His dark eyes locked on Janet's reddening face. A twisted smile played on his lips like he was some kind of demon straight out of the underworld, icy and bloodthirsty. "Didn't

go, Charles. You..." She was scared out of her mind, the suffocating grip on her throat making her fear death for the very first time.

heck are you doing? Let go of Janet. She's

in mock surprise. "Well, since the whole Hoffman family is here, I might as well tell everyone the truth." His

blurted out, "No, Charles,

matter?" Charles's freezing stare cut to Clarisse. "Madam Baker, are you getting

Charles called Clarisse 'Madam Baker'. Clarisse's face went pale. "Charles,

a sharp, dismissive snort. He tightened his grip, and Janet's face turned a shade paler. "Scared of dying? I've got two ways of dealing with you. One is