The Cherished Wife

"It's here."

Peter opened the study door, motioning for Tania to step inside. She walked in and realized the room's layout was exactly as it had been years ago, right after she and Peter got married. Nothing had changed in the entire Five Elements Residence. Peter noticed her reaction but said nothing, only gesturing for her to sit. "Go on. If you're here to tell me to give up, I'm not interested in listening."

Tania opened her mouth, hesitating. "It's about Brandon."

Peter paused, a flicker of concern crossing his gaze.

"I need you to look into something."

"Tell me," he said.

"A year ago, Brandon was kidnapped. Ever since, he has shown unusual behavior for a child his age. I was worried something was wrong, so I took him to see a psychologist. The doctor said he'd been traumatized and was showing signs of... emotional instability and some developmental delays."

Emotional instability? Developmental delays? Peter frowned. Could it really be that serious?

had spent with Brandon lately, he had not seen anything out of the ordinary. Brandon seemed just like any

thought I might have been mistaken too. Brandon's been so

few times after, but he had always reacted with such resistance." "What do you want me to do?" Peter asked, his brows furrowed. "Do you want an evaluation for Brandon, or do you want to investigate what happened back then? You were with Jack, weren't

Tania's expression darkened. "Jack wasn't around when Brandon was kidnapped. I never even

eyes.

sigh of relief, though Peter seemed slightly

my

Peter's knowing look, the words would not come out. There was no way he would believe something like

ago, but believe me, I'll get to the bottom of it. And as for Brandon... He looks exactly like me.

is just

you need for proof, you know I can get one easily enough, but I'd

Tania found herself unable to argue against