The Cherished Wife

"I know that," said Charles.

Meanwhile, Noelle had gone upstairs, but she still felt suspicious about Charles' behavior. It was not that she was overthinking. After spending so much time together, she had grown familiar with his moods. Earlier, she had sensed the emotional turmoil he was suppressing. Things were not as simple as he made them seem, but since Charles had chosen not to say anything, she decided not to press him. After hanging up his coat, she lingered upstairs for a while. When she finally came down, she only saw Nancy in the living room. Charles was nowhere to be seen. "Aunt Nancy, where's Charlie?" Noelle asked.

"He's in the kitchen. Come sit with me," Nancy replied with a smile, waving Noelle over.

"But I told him I'd cook dinner tonight!" Noelle said, a little surprised.

"No need. Charlie is handling it. You just come and keep me company for a bit."

"Alright." Noelle glanced toward the kitchen and saw Charles washing vegetables. Smiling, she tapped the kitchen door. "You're cooking?"

Charles turned around. He had put on an apron, which made him look somewhat amusing. Noelle's eyes narrowed with delight, clearly enjoying the moment.

teased, pulling out her phone. "Strike a few poses!

Noelle had already taken several photos and scampered away with

Meanwhile, Noelle sat beside Nancy and eagerly showed off the photos. "Aunt Nancy, look! Don't you think Charlie looks good in these?" Nancy leaned in

the photos was filled with unmistakable affection. Nancy saw this clearly-there was no doubt or hesitation. The worry that Charles might see Noelle as a replacement for someone else was unfounded. "And your photography skills make it even better.

at the photos again, finding them even more delightful. She quickly set

...

background information. As the head of

did not offer much beyond what they already knew nothing revealing or

than acting immediately, Maxwell chose to

somehow caught wind

genuinely taken aback. She had seen Clarisse briefly at the year-end party but had not spoken to her. Today, Noelle had just finished

to speak with you," said a man standing