The Cherished Wife

"My wife," Charles repeated, then chuckled. "I know you heard me, Chlo."

Even so, Chloe was still quite shocked. "When did you get married?" As Charles' older sister, she had no idea this had happened.

Wait, that was not right. The real surprise was that Charles was keeping this from everyone. "You're not joking with me, are you?" Chloe gulped, still finding it hard to believe that Charles was married. "Who is she? It's not that actress from the rumors, is it? What's her name... Winter Shaw?"

"No," Charles replied calmly.

He sat quietly, turning slightly to glance at Noelle. She appeared startled by what he had said and had been motionless for a while.

It was not until Charles gently squeezed her hand that she snapped back to reality, mouthing the question, 'Why did you tell her?'

Charles pulled Noelle closer to him, holding her small hand in his large one, radiating calm and composure. "When you have some time, I'll introduce her to you."

you really not joking?" Chloe still found it hard to accept. "You've always been a decisive person, and I know once you make a decision, you don't change it easily. You've never lied

me," Charles said with a smile. "But yes, I'm married. And she's a wonderful woman. You'll really like

filled with pride and

not really spoken much. There was just the occasional passing glance.

"Uncle Henry knows," Charles

silent for a moment before letting out a small laugh. "So, Uncle Henry and Aunt Nancy already know, and now, I'm

"Yes," Charles confirmed.

pleased to hear this. "Marriage is no small matter. Since you've made this decision, I'm sure you've thought t through carefully.

not being overly cautious; she was simply aware

had been absent for years, only to reappear with Janet in tow. It was clear that the Bakers had not let go of what