The Cherished Wife

Tania slipped back into Phoenix Tree Residence way past midnight. The car's rumble barely had time to die down before Charles was on his feet. He squinted through the darkness and saw Noelle out like a light. Moving like a shadow, he made sure she was snug under the covers before he tiptoed out of the room.

"Charles? You're still up?"

Tania could not hide her shock at finding Charles awake. He just nodded, giving her a once-over. "I figured you wouldn't make it back tonight." He frowned a little, seeing the weariness etched on her face. "What's up?"

Tania gave a weary shake of her head. "Nothing, really. It's late, and you should get some sleep too."

Once Tania vanished into her room, Charles lingered at her door, eyes narrowed in thought, before he finally retreated to his own space.

The bombshell about Trevon actually being Jack only hit Charles the next day. Tania, up with the dawn, found him waiting outside her door. "Charles?"

a nod. "Peter told me about

slightly, the news still a hard pill to swallow. She had tossed and turned all night, haunted by the revelation. Her mind raced back to long-forgotten moments and

that she married Trevon out of desperation-she was

care of her, her son, and even her adoptive dad, Tania felt like he was a hero swooping in to

Trevon never pushed her to do anything she did not want to. However,

off with Tania's mood and looked at her with

"I'm okay, Charles!"

nodded. "Heading to the

Smith for a check-up. We can't put off Mom's treatment any longer. So, I've got to swing by the hospital. Would you mind taking care of

Noelle!" Charles gave Tania's shoulder a reassuring pat. "Do you need a ride