The Cherished Wife by Chweety

"Be a good girl and accompany me for some shopping. You were always so busy before and never had time to spend with me!" Cindy patted Annie's hand gently. Annie looked around uneasily, saying, "But my face!"

"To me, you've always been the most beautiful girl," Cindy reassured.

"But..." Annie was about to say more when she spotted a familiar figure not far away. She quickly recognized Winter and Suzy, chatting and laughing as they shopped.

Annie clenched her fists, her eyes turning bloodshot as she stared at their backs. She wanted to rush over, but Cindy grabbed her just in time. "Annie, what are you trying to do? You promised your father and brother that you wouldn't associate yourself with them anymore!"

"I..." As she was held back by Cindy, Annie reluctantly turned to walk the other way.

Annie's resentment still lingered. She touched her face. Thinking about the information Cody had given her, her hatred intensified.

She had always considered Winter and Suzy her best friends, but they had abandoned and even used her at a critical moment. Her brother had told her that if Noelle had not been lucky enough to get rescued in time, she would have died from poisoning.

charged with

at her daughter, noticing Annie's pale face. "If you don't want to shop, we can

forced a smile to reassure Cindy. "I'm sorry I got so upset. I promise I won't be willful anymore." As she spoke, she saw Noelle walking toward them and froze, her expression shifting. Noelle had not expected to run

face was not disfigured, but the scars were unsettling,

on Noelle. Her anger and hatred toward Winter

Annie did not

what to feel.

*

Noelle

tried to walk past her. Annie spoke up just then, "Noelle." Noelle paused, unsure what Annie wanted. Did

and looked at Annie, "What

have time? We need to talk," Annie