The Cherished Wife

Sean was mid-sentence when he heard the purr of a car pulling up outside. His ears never missed a beat. "Charles is back," he announced.

Then came a knock at the door. Sean sauntered over and swung it open. "Charles, man, you should know how to-Mr. Fischer?" His eyes popped in shock at the sight of Steven and the fiery woman at his side. "Little Firecracker?" Steven shot Sean a look. "What's the matter? Shocked to see me?"

Feeling the sting of Steven's icy stare, Sean stiffened and quickly shook his head. "No way! Shocked? Ha! Come on in, Mr. Fischer. And, uh... Little Firecracker, you too?" Eloise ignored Sean, stepping past him with Steven.

Sean smirked innocently and trailed after Eloise. "Come on, Little Firecracker, give me a little smile. We go way back! Aren't you even a little bit happy to see me?" "You're so loud!" Eloise shot back, visibly annoyed. "Only a chatterbox like you could still be single!"

Sean's mouth hung open, ready to retort, but her jab left him speechless. He stared at her, wide-eyed. "For your information, I choose to be single. Here in Brookville, if I so much as snap my fingers, the ladies come running. I guess you must have a crush on me!" The moment the words left his mouth, the room turned frosty.

at Steven, who was standing a short distance away. Steven's piercing gaze locked onto him, sending a shiver down Sean's spine as if he were teetering on the edge of a fiery abyss. Sean could not shake the feeling that Steven was about to

voice dripping with sarcasm. "Grow

Eloise a brief look.

in indignation. He felt slighted. "Hey, Little Firecracker, you tease me for being single,

eyebrow. "Got an issue with

was not about to challenge him. "I'll go help out my sister-in-law in the

in the room, Sean knew better

Steven's gaze shifted back to Eloise, his tone calm and detached. "You're fond of

before shaking her head. No way she