The Cherished Wife by Chweety

However, Charles grabbed Noelle's hand as she was about to go. Noelle turned around and asked in confusion, "What's wrong?" "Ignore him," Charles grumbled, casting a displeased glance at the shameless man nearby. "If he wants to eat, he can help himself."

Sean clicked his tongue in mock dismay and shrugged nonchalantly. "It's really tough trying to mooch a meal off you. I always have to gauge your mood."

Despite his words, he made his way to the kitchen without hesitation as if it were his own home. He grabbed the cutlery and even brought out a bowl for Arnold, placing it on the table. Charles shot Sean a dark look. "Don't let that dog get near the table, or I'll throw both of you out."

Sean shivered slightly and exchanged a pitiful glance with Arnold, who looked equally forlorn.

Arnold shifted his pleading gaze from Sean to Charles, but upon seeing Charles' stern expression, he wisely turned his attention to Noelle instead.

Noelle was already charmed by Arnold's antics. She tugged on Charles' sleeve and said, "Come on, let's eat. I'm starving!" She then addressed Arnold, "Be good, and we'll feed you after we finish, okay?" Arnold whined softly, pawing at the floor and rolling over in a display of cuteness before trotting off to the living room.

"It seems Arnold really likes you, Noelle!" Sean remarked with interest as he started preparing his food.

dramatically

gave Sean a sideways look. "Are you

not. I just came for a meal, Charles, don't get violent!" Sean quickly dropped the subject

She picked up some beef and placed it in Charles' bowl. "Charlie, eat

eyes filled with warmth. "You too.

beginning to regret coming over for dinner. He had not

"It seems like life has been treating you well lately." Charles narrowed his eyes. "If not for your intrusion,

a moment before he sighed. "If the others saw you like this, they'd probably wonder if you're an

to the point," Charles said, pulling out a cigarette and offering

waved it off.

you could give up anything." Then, he added, "So, what

nothing escapes you. My brother mentioned that there's been some movement in Kerlsberg. Technically, this is your business, and my brother doesn't have much of a connection with