The Cherished Wife by Chweety

Julian was surprised, but he knew today was a special day and that he should act appropriately. He remembered that Charles had brought a gift for Sir Shaw's birthday back then and had just mentioned playing chess with him, so they must have met in private.

After thinking it over, Julian guessed that his father must know Charles, even though he had never mentioned it. His father did seem to enjoy going out more recently.

Julian looked Charles over and said, "My father is inside, having a rest. Does Mr. Hoffman want to go in and talk to him?"

Charles gave a quick nod. "I must be going now!"

This whole time, Charles had not even bothered to say hello to Joseph. He just glanced at Ronald and walked away. Ronald quickly passed the present he was holding to Julian. "This is a gift from Mr. Hoffman to Ms. Shaw and Mr. Harris."

"Thanks a lot, Mr. Hoffman!" Julian winked, and someone hurried over to take the gift.

Joseph watched Charles and Ronald leave, his face turning a stormy shade of gray and his hands balled into tight fists.

everyone. He had tried to say hi, but Charles acted like he

a million slaps to the face,

was part of his family, Joseph still felt embarrassed. He thought Charles had come to back him up, but it turned out Charles had trapped him

far from okay with that. He had wanted to befriend Charles, but

and thinking about what had just happened, he started to get a

pretty old and had come for the wedding, but he did not want to wear himself out meeting all the guests, so

walked, the hotel

Brookville knew about Charles Hoffman but hardly anyone had. actually met him. Now,

swung open. "Mr. Hoffman, Sir Shaw is right this

gave the man a quick glance and went inside. There was Samuel, taking it easy,

they heard Charles come in, they both looked up and stopped playing. "Hey, Charles. You're