The Cherished Wife

When Charles returned, he had already tamped down the anger and frustration he carried from earlier, but Noelle could still sense the lingering heaviness in his demeanor. She was chatting with Nancy, sharing amusing stories and anecdotes from her school days about friends she had known.

Nancy seemed to grow even fonder of Noelle with every conversation and asked more about her life. She clearly appreciated Noelle's personality.

Noticing Charles quietly entering the room, Nancy smiled. "You're back already?"

Noelle looked up, her eyes curving into crescents with a bright smile. "Charlie, you're home?"

"Yeah," Charles answered. At the sight of Noelle's cheerful expression, the weight on his shoulders seemed to lift entirely. The harshness he carried melted away.

He returned her smile. "What were you two talking about? You seem to be having a good time."

"We were talking about you!" Noelle grinned, standing to take his coat and fetch him a pair of slippers. "Did everything get sorted out?"

gently ruffling Noelle's hair. "What were you

Aunt Nancy didn't say a single bad word about you. She was just singing

Charles chuckled, patting her on the shoulder. "Have you figured out what we're having for

have!" Noelle said proudly, tugging Charles toward the couch.

course, I bought everything we needed for dinner. I was just waiting for you to get home so I could start cooking." "Really? You've been so good," Charles said with a warm smile. He reached out to pinch her nose, but Noelle swatted his hand away with

is right here! What are you doing? Behave yourself! Stay here with Aunt Nancy for a bit. I'll go put your things away and get started on dinner," she

chuckle before watching her scamper up the stairs. As her footsteps faded, his smile dimmed, and he turned his gaze toward Nancy.

he?"

"Of

shook her head slowly. "So,

in detail, Nancy could already predict Maxwell's reaction.

extended not only to Mateo and Henry but to Charles