The Cherished Wife by Chweety

Sean's eyes crinkled with a hint of mischief. "Talk about timing-I just hung up with Charles. Don't tell me you're summoning me to Mooncliff too!" "Yep," came Bob's clipped reply. "Tonight at seven."

"You've got to be kidding! Both you and Charles are on my case... are you meeting up with Noelle?" Sean smacked his forehead. "Man, this isn't cool. I mean, I helped you out once, but this is becoming a habit. What gives?" "So, you're bailing on us? I heard Noelle and Charles tied the knot. If I bail, it's going to be the talk of the town..."

"Fine, I'll go. Happy now?" Sean clenched his jaw. "Sometimes I wonder if I'm paying off a debt from a former life or something."

He passed the phone to his assistant. "Set up the next surgery with another doctor. I've got to step out after this one."

Post-work, Noelle's phone buzzed with Jade's voice on the other end, loaded with pleas and commands to show up and make sure she was dolled up. Despite her reluctance, Jade's leverage was too strong to resist.

Noelle did not bother changing, though. She showed up at Mooncliff at 6:30 PM in her workday outfit. Jade, already there, waved her over frantically. Yet, her face fell at the sight of Noelle's getup. "I told you to glam up, didn't I? Look at you, all drab and dreary. No wonder men like leaving you!"

Jade's every word dripped with disapproval when she talked to Noelle. It was like no matter how Noelle looked, she just could not win Jade's favor.

but the jab about being single still made her wince.

was taken

was getting

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every chance she got. Jade, shot Noelle a venomous look, her teeth clenched. "Just look at you, dressing like

you can't land a decent

a rich

everything better, doesn't it?"

job? Where did you get that idea, Mom?" Noelle was genuinely puzzled. "Sure, I'm not at Frotconn anymore, but

"You..."

could not

a