The Cherished Wife

"Charles began, "She's from a poor family. After what happened, she lost her job and went back home, but her family didn't forgive her. She raised the child alone while going through a lot of hardship. Eventually, with no other option, she turned to the Hoffmans, hoping they would adopt the child." Noelle stiffened, stunned by the revelation. "And... your father, what did he do?"

"My father had intended to divorce my mother, to set her free. They had both agreed to it, but at the last moment, my mother changed her mind and refused to go through with it." "Why?" Noelle asked, confused.

"Why?" Charles repeated with a bitter smile. "Have you forgotten the Bakers standing behind her? A divorce would've cut off all ties between the Bakers and the Hoffmans, severing the Bakers' foothold in Brookville. My uncle isn't a fool." Noelle let out a quiet sigh, feeling the weight of how cruel the situation had been.

"And what happened to Liliana?" she asked softly.

"My mother refused to divorce my father, but she also refused to let the Hoffmans acknowledge Liliana's existence. She wouldn't allow Liliana's mother to step foot in Brookville either. Eventually, she took the wedding gifts and returned to Capiton." Noelle was taken aback by the sheer coldness of it all. Moments ago, she thought Charles had been too harsh toward Clarisse, but now, she saw things differently.

Clarisse had not just disliked the situation she was in-she actively destroyed the lives of everyone involved, cutting off their futures.

The true victims were the young woman and Liliana, both of whom had been dealt a cruel fate by Clarisse's hand.

been so kind to

eyes darkened, but he said

time ago. You don't need to carry that burden with you anymore. You've grown up now, and

interrupted, his tone

gave a slight shake of his head. "No one will dictate my life anymore. My life belongs to me."

the Hoffmans would have control over him ever

Uncle Henry and Aunt Nancy?" Noelle

be together. Don't worry, I know exactly where I stand with

"I can tell from how you treat them. It's

of the day, I'm still a Hoffman

things together. Chloe was 34 now. Could the events of 35 years