The Cherished Wife



Noelle thought about what Charles had told her that Clarisse had always been in love with Henry.

She glanced at Nancy and murmured, "I'm sorry, Aunt Nancy."

Nancy shook her head with a sigh. "Silly child, there's no need to apologize to me. It's the truth, after all. Even if you hadn't asked, the fact remains that Clarisse has always loved Hen."

She exhaled deeply, her expression tinged with regret. "Back then, she resented Hen for not fighting to marry her. And she blamed Mateo for taking her. So, there was never a peaceful day for her at the Hoffman residence.

"It's a shame for the children... and poor Liliana. Charlie probably told you about her, right?"

Noelle nodded. "Yes, he mentioned her. Charlie feels deeply guilty toward her."

Nancy said softly, "Charlie is a good child. People say he's ruthless, but he has carried the weight of the Hoffmans on his shoulders since young. He has no choice but to be tough.

"But his love for Chloe and Liliana is genuine. It's just a pity that Liliana will never truly be accepted by the Hoffmans.

"Do you have any other questions?" Nancy asked.

Noelle shook her head. "Not for now."

"If you ever have questions you can't ask Charlie, come to me. I watched those siblings grow up. Whatever you want to know, I can tell you," Nancy offered kindly.

Charles' voice interrupted them from the staircase. "What are you two talking about?"

He had changed into a knitted cardigan over a plain white T-shirt, looking relaxed and comfortable.

Noelle smiled. "Nothing important. We're just chatting."

Charles nodded warmly. "It's getting late. Why don't you keep Aunt Nancy company, and I'll make dinner?"

"No need, I'm already cooking!" Noelle exclaimed as she bounced to her feet. She grabbed Charles' arm to pull him back to the couch. "You stay here and chat with Aunt Nancy."

Noelle then dashed toward the kitchen. Seeing her, Charles chuckled, shaking his head.

Nancy waited until Noelle was gone before asking quietly, "Charlie, Noelle mentioned you met with your mother today?"

Charles froze for a moment, his fingers twitching slightly. He gave a slow nod. "Yes."

"What did she say to Noelle?"

Charles murmured, "Nothing. I didn't give her the chance to say anything."

Nancy's voice carried both relief and caution as she replied, "Good. I know your love for Noelle is real, but not everyone will understand that. Don't forget, Kelly used to be by your side. If Noelle finds out that she looks exactly like Kelly, it might be too much for her to handle."

Nancy's concern was genuine. "This isn't something to take lightly. You need to think carefully about how to tell Noelle."

"I understand."

Nancy gave him a small, approving nod. "Good. I won't meddle in your affairs, then."

"Thank you, Aunt Nancy."

Meanwhile, Clarisse staggered out of the restaurant, her mind in turmoil. She was consumed by the harsh words and humiliation she had endured from Charles.

Just as she tried to compose

tried

herself, someone blocked her path.

She looked up to see Mateo

etnoveldrama

standing before her. All the pent-up anger surged within her, and without

thinking, she slapped him hard

across the face.

"This is all your fault, Mateo! You owe me all the years I wasted!"

"Enough!" Mateo snarled, grabbing her wrist tightly. "Haven't you made enough of a scene? Do you want to become a public spectacle?"

"I-I..." Clarisse stammered, her fury faltering.

"You've really outdone yourself this time. You haven't even fully recovered, and yet you've run out of the hospital. What exactly are you trying to do, Clarisse? If you want to die, go back to Capiton and do it there. No one will stop you.

"But if you plan to cause trouble and die here in Brookville, you'll have to get through me first," Mateo said with a cold sneer.