The Cherished Wife by Chweety

Annie had been eavesdropping for a bit and overheard Winter and Jade talking. With every word, she saw Winter in a new light. She could hardly believe that Winter, whom she had once helped to plot against Noelle, could be so cruel. The thought made her feel angry and trapped.

Back in the day, Annie might have been bossy, but she never wanted to hurt anyone. She would never do something as mean as setting loose poisonous snakes. She had believed everything Winter said about Noelle, but listening to Winter and Jade now, she felt a cold shiver run through her.

Annie had a pretty great life with loving parents and a caring older brother. She never had to worry about anything. It was tough for her to picture someone like Noelle being tricked by her own sister and mother. They had even taken Noelle's boyfriend and given her to Simon against her will.

Her brother Cody had filled her in on all the details about Winter last night. Annie had doubts before, but she knew her brother was telling the truth.

"Okay, Winter. Mom shouldn't stay here too long. I need to go look after the guests. What about your two best friends?" Jade glanced around. "Their names were Suzy and Annie, right? You said they were your best friends. Why aren't they here?"

"They're here, Mom. Suzy's outside," Winter replied with a smile. "It's my wedding day. Of course she came! And Annie, well, she's not..."

door. Winter and Jade exchanged a quick glance before Jade suggested, "Maybe

smile still bright. However, when she saw Annie,

did not

the happiest ever after. When

alive and have

soon

eyes sparkled with humor, but the scars on her

took a deep breath. "Annie, thank you. I didn't expect to see you today. I heard about your..." Winter's face fell with concern.Cls your face okay? I'm sorry. I just got

hide her unease, but she could not take her eyes off Annie's expression. Annie clenched her teeth with anger. "Who else but that mean girl, Noelle!" Annie touched the

with caution. Jade's eyes sparkled as she walked over and gently took Annie's hand, her head shaking with sadness. "It's such a

Shaw!" Annie's voice trembled, close to tears. "Is it really