The Cherished Wife



When Charles returned, Noelle, Tania, and Brandon were playing in the living room. Tania seemed to be on the phone with Trevon while Noelle was running around the room with Brandon in her arms.

The moment Charles opened the door, he was greeted by this harmonious scene especially the smile on Noelle's face as she held Brandon. Charles' gaze softened even more as he watched her.

Noelle was the first to hear the door open. She turned around while still carrying Brandon and saw Charles standing in the entryway, his hands full of shopping bags. He was changing his shoes.

"Charlie!" she called out, setting Brandon down. She took his hand as they walked over. "Brandon, this is your Uncle Charles."

Brandon shyly looked at Charles, tilting his head in such an endearing way that it melted Noelle's heart. "Charlie, this is Tania's son, Brandon!" Charles, who always had a sharp glint in his eyes, softened his gaze when it landed on Brandon. "Brandon, I'm your uncle!"

Charles put down the bags and reached out to pick up Brandon. "Where's Tania?"

"She's on the phone." Noelle pointed to the corner of the living room where Tania was finishing her call. She then patted Charles on the shoulder. "You go spend time with Brandon. I'll take care of dinner."

"Alright," Charles said, carrying Brandon into the living room. Tania had just ended her call and was a little surprised to see Charles carrying Brandon, but she smiled as she greeted him, "Charles."

Charles nodded, settling Brandon on his lap and playing with him. His eyes, however, were fixed on Tania as though he could see right through her. "This child... Nelly told me you got married?"

"Nelly?" Tania was confused.

"Noelle, my wife," Charles explained, his gaze never leaving Tania. "Who's the father?"

Tania chuckled. "When did you start caring so much about my affairs, Charles?" Then, she turned to Brandon. "Brandon, did you greet your uncle?" "Hi, Uncle Charles!" Brandon's voice was bright.

It was clear that Brandon liked

Charles. He did not shy away from his touch or from being around

Noelle either. Tania, on the othe

hand, was surprised because

e

Brandon tended to be withdrawn.

That was one of the reasons she kept him so close. Today, however, he seemed comfortable with them.

"What's wrong?" Charles noticed Tania's unease. "Are you hiding something from me?"

"I..." Tania hesitated.

"You've seen Peter, haven't you?" When Charles mentioned Peter, Tania flinched slightly, and her expression darkened.

"Charles, can we not talk about him? I know you two are close, but things between Peter and me ended three years ago. You knew that back then-"

"Tania," Charles called out, his tone firm. "I didn't want to get involved in your issues with Peter, but three years have passed. You disappeared without a word during this period of time. Do you know how much everyone at home was worried about you?"

Charles' voice took on the tone of an older relative, which made Tania pale slightly. "I... Charles, I..."

"You've been avoiding Peter, but in doing so, you've also kept us in the dark for three years. If Aunt Nancy hadn't fallen ill, were you planning to never come back?"

"Charles..." Charles' words hit Tania hard, each one striking at her guilt. For three years, she had missed her parents terribly, but... "I sent them emails, but they never responded!"

"Emails? Uncle Henry and Aunt Nancy never received them. Aunt Nancy has had several serious episodes during these past three years.noveldrama

"I've also been looking for you, but

et

there was no trace of you. Can you tell me where you've been all this time? Who have you been with? Or perhaps, who has the power to keep you hidden so thoroughly that even I wasn't able to find you?"