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.

could not believe Charles had just dismissed him in front of everyone. He had tried to

feel the stares from everyone around him, and they felt like a million slaps to the face, especially since Charles seemed to favor Julian

his family, Joseph still felt embarrassed. He thought Charles had come to

far from okay with that. He had wanted

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

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

walked, the

anyone had. actually met him. Now, the famous Charles

swung open. "Mr. Hoffman, Sir Shaw

glance and went inside.

of a chess game. When they heard Charles come in, they both looked up and stopped playing. "Hey, Charles. You're