The Cherished Wife



J said pitifully, "But Chloe seems to dislike me a lot. Aunt Clary, what did I do wrong? Why does it seem like no one in the Hoffman family likes me?"

"Silly child, it's not your fault. It's their problem," Clarisse consoled J, who was on the verge of tears. Her pitiful appearance made Clarisse's heart ache.

Clarisse lived in Capiton for years, raising J by her side and loving her like her own daughter. She treated J far better than she ever treated Chloe.

At that moment, Charles walked in front while carrying Anna, with Chloe following behind. As they entered the living room, their gazes turned sharp and cold upon seeing Clarisse and J.

J quickly stood up when Charles finally came in, but her eyes betrayed unmistakable jealousy when she saw Anna in his arms. "Charles, you..."

Charles swept a piercing gaze over her before settling on Clarisse. "It's getting late. Chlo and I will be heading back now. Mother, you should rest early too."

"Charlie!" Clarisse called out, stopping him. "Have you become unwilling to even see me now?"

Charles frowned slightly. Perhaps it was Clarisse's loud and cold voice that startled Anna in his arms. She shrank a bit, saying, "Grandma is scary!" Charles quickly lowered his gaze to comfort Anna. "Don't be afraid, I'm here." His voice was gentle as he soothed Anna.

After a moment, he looked up to meet Clarisse's gaze. "Mother, you're overthinking it. Even if you hadn't come, I'd be heading home at this time." Clarisse asked, clearly upset, "Home? Isn't this your home? I came all this way, and you won't even stay one night? Charlie, I'm your mother, not your enemy."

She was deeply hurt by Charles' behavior throughout the eveninge She knew their relationship was strained, but she never imagined he would be so unwilling to see her.

"Mother, you're exaggerating. I've never seen you as an enemy," Charles replied coolly, seemingly unaffected by her words. "I need to get up early for work tomorrow, and Chlo and Anna need to go home too. It's late, and the roads might not be safe." Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Seeing Charles carrying Anna and preparing to leave with Chloe, Clarisse could not contain herself anymore. "Fine, I won't object to you leaving tonight. But what about tomorrow? And the day after? Will you still not come back?

"I understand Chloe needs to head home since she's married, but don't forget, the Hoffman residence is your home. What are you doing staying out all the time?"

"Mother, are you suggesting that because I'm married, I'm no longer part of the Hoffman family?" Chloe interrupted coldly as she looked at Clarisse with an icy stare.

"What about you, then? Is the Hoffman residence your home, or is it the Baker residence? Am I your daughter, or is J?"

"You..." Clarisse looked at Chloe in shock, never expecting such aggression from her. "Chloe, how dare you speak to me like this?!"