The Cherished Wife

Charles flashed a mischievous grin, noticing Noelle's cheeks were red. He slowly stood up, still cradling her waist, and gently set her down in his seat before taking the spot next to her, oblivious to the stunned looks from the crowd. Noelle was mortified. She was convinced Charles had lost his mind. She glanced around at the silent onlookers and let out a nervous chuckle. "Looks like everyone's here, huh? What's the occasion? Are we having a party today?" The crowd gave her blank stares as if she had just said the most ridiculous thing.

Noelle thought, 'I'd better just shut up.'

"Don't be shy!" Peter said, breaking the ice. "You two remember me, don't you?"

"Absolutely, Mr. Lennon!"

"Please, call me Peter!" he insisted with a firm tone, then changed the topic of conversation. "Sean, you set this up today. What's the plan now? Where are we going?"

"We're off to grab some food. I've already told Noelle's two friends over here," Sean said with a whistle, standing up. "Ronald's got us a reservation."

have a way with my people!" Charles commented with a

you? Come on, let's head to Bamboo Grove House!" Sean led the way out, then asked, "Are Noelle's two friends riding with me

chill guy, would be tough to talk to, and Steven would be even tougher. Out of the so-called Four Young Masters of Brookville, besides Charles, who they sort of knew, Sean was the easiest to get along with. As long as Sean was not in one of

a

grin, grabbed his coat, and

of course, hopped into Steven's car while Rowena and Teresa joined Sean. Peter

last ones out. Charles held Noelle's hand and asked, "How'd you guys get into

supposed to!" Noelle would have preferred to avoid Winter, especially during the holidays.

things over between them, always looking the other way when Winter pulled her stunts, but she had changed now. She was not about to put up with it anymore. Besides, ever since she found out about her ties to the Shaw family, she realized that playing nice would not change