The Cherished Wife

"Charlie!" Chloe was taken aback by Charles' bluntness and sudden defiance. "You come back every year. If you don't show up this year, things at the Hoffmans will be a mess. Tell me, why-"

"There are plenty of people at the Hoffmans. Missing one member won't be the end of the world. Besides, it's not like those gatherings are worth attending. Alright, if there's nothing else, I'm hanging up." Charles' voice had gone cold. He ended the call abruptly and rubbed his temples in frustration. Just then, a steaming cup of tea appeared in front of him. Charles narrowed his eyes and accepted the cup.

Noticing his troubled expression, Noelle asked, "What's wrong?"

He shook his head. "Nothing, just some work issues."

"Charlie, don't lie to me. How could there be work problems at this time of the night? Was it a call from the Hoffman residence?"

Without him saying anything, Noelle already knew it was not hard to guess. She had overheard parts of his conversation. "You don't have to stay with me. You can go back if you need to."

said I'd stay with you," Charles replied firmly,

smiled faintly. "But what about the

is more important than you," Charles interrupted. He gestured for her to come closer. Noelle sat down, leaning against him. "Nelly, nothing is more important than you. There will always be more gatherings like that. I don't want to waste time on them." He

early." Noelle glanced at her watch. "It's only 10:30 pm. Isn't it

midnight, everyone else's fireworks will be lighting up the sky. Ours might get lost in the mix. Come on, let's go!" Charles grabbed Noelle's

him back while laughing. "Wait! Let's put on warmer clothes first.

with a coat for Charles. She had bundled herself up in a soft lavender sweater, which made her look like a delicate doll. Her

set off the fireworks in the yard or on the roof?

at the glass rooftop. "What do you think it would feel