The Cherished Wife by Chweety

"That's a relief! I was worried you might be stretched too thin. Oh, and your mom mentioned she's set up a marriage for you. You..."

"I'll make up my own mind about that. The girl's alright, but the Shaw family aren't exactly ideal in-laws."

Harrison nodded, understanding. "As long as you've got it figured out. Your mom... She's just worried about you." "I get it."

Jade hung up the phone, seething with bitterness. She had not expected Noelle to be so stubborn and Bob to be such a tough nut to crack. She had hoped he would cut her some slack for old times' sake with Yitty, but the kid had a bigger backbone than she had anticipated.

Jade was used to calling the shots in the Shaw household, and this was the first time she had been so openly disregarded. It left her feeling more than a little sour.

just come home today. With Xavier chatting with her dad Julian in the study, Winter slipped into Jade's

Jade could not lash out at Bob, but Noelle was her daughter, and she was an easy target

today was supposed to be Noelle's meeting with Bob. "Noelle's not cooperating? What's her deal? She

to crack. I only mentioned their marriage today, and can you believe it? He totally snubbed me His mom, Yitty, is so polite and chatty with me. But

you wanted Noelle to meet Bob, and then he even..." Winter's voice rose with frustration. She had clearly told Xavier they were

this, balled

We need to wrap this up quickly before it gets messier." As long as Noelle was single, neither Jade nor Winter could relax. "If Bob's not the one, we'll find someone else. There's got