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."

person, and I know once you make a decision,

said with a smile. "But yes, I'm married. And she's a

with pride and satisfaction toward

on the phone was Charles' sister. Noelle had seen Chloe around at work, but they had not really spoken much. There was

"Uncle Henry knows," Charles

fell silent for a moment before letting out a small laugh. "So, Uncle Henry and

"Yes," Charles confirmed.

this. "Marriage is no small matter. Since you've made this decision, I'm sure you've thought t through carefully. But you should also be prepared for what might come from the Hoffmans and the

cautious; she was simply aware of the

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