The Cherished Wife

Wife 69

Charles shot Sean a quick look, a hint of a smirk on his face. “Come on, you know I don’t kid about stuff like this.”

“You’ve lost your mind!” Sean couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that Charles had actually tied the knot with Noelle. He peeked into the kitchen, still in disbelief. “You know she’s… she’s not the one!”

A glint of steel flashed in Charles’s eyes as he smiled, his gaze sharpening as he looked at Sean, obviously not a fan of his words.

Sean knew Charles had a serious hang–up about that woman, but he pressed on. “Look, Noelle’s got nothing to do with this, and if she ever finds out…” Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“I know exactly what I’m doing.” Charles cut in, his voice icy. “Stay out of it. All you need to know is that Noelle is now mine.”

“Would the Hoffman family even take her in?” Sean was not buying it. “It’s easy for you to say, but you and I both knew how messy your family politics were.”

Charles arched an eyebrow, a cool edge to his look. At Sean’s words, the corners of his mouth twitched into a faint smile. “So, that’s why you can’t stand her?”

Sean felt a chill run down his spine and quickly changed the subject. He had zero interest in discussing something that Charles was so touchy about.

Charles cracked a grin and playfully clapped Sean on the shoulder. “Look, whatever’s going on with you/ and her, I’m staying out of it. Remember, I told you to keep out of my business too!”

Sean gave a shrug. “You think I’ve got nothing better to do? I just don’t want to get tangled up in

all that, which is exactly why I didn’t go to work for the Smith family’s company.”

Sean’s family, the Smiths, were big shots in Brookville, but Sean never wanted any part of that life. The Smiths were not too happy about it, especially when Sean decided to become a doctor instead of joining the family business. Everyone tried to talk him out of it, but Sean was always his own man, doing things

sway him. his way. He was set on his path in medicine, and nobody could

In the kitchen, Noelle was blissfully unaware that she was the topic of conversation for the two men outside. She had not expected Charles to bring a friend home today, so the pickings were slim. She made a couple of simple dishes and, seeing Charles and Sean deep in conversation, announced with a smile, Dinner’s ready.”

Sean’s eyebrow quirked up as he glanced over at Noelle, spotting the few yet inviting dishes on the table. A teasing look passed between him and Charles. “Wow, lucky guy! Who knew your wife was a whiz in the kitchen?”

Sean playfully nudged Charles’s shoulder, and a laugh flickered in Charles’s eyes. He shot Sean a look and said, “Come on, let’s eat!”

“Sorry for the humble spread. I feel kind of bad that this is all I could offer you!” Noelle said, glancing at Sean with a sheepish look. Deep down, she felt a twinge of discomfort. Anyone who was close with Charles was probably rich, and Sean, with his classy clothes and vibe, was obviously no exception.

Sean just gave a casual wave. “No worries, Noelle. This is great, seriously. You wouldn’t believe how many times we skip meals at the hospital. And trust me, the food there is nothing compared to

your cooking.”