The Cherished Wife by Chweety

Clarisse's expression darkened as she set her teacup down forcefully. "Mateo, I don't want to discuss these things with you. I don't know what your mindset is in saying all this. I came to you today for just one thing." "Go ahead," Mateo said, his lips twitching. He knew she must have had a reason to approach him so voluntarily. "What do you need from me?"

"Regarding Charlie and Janet's marriage, it's been delayed for so many years now. When do you think we should arrange their wedding?" Clarisse asked politely, suppressing her usual haughty demeanor.

Mateo's brows furrowed upon hearing this. He looked at Clarisse, his eyes filled with complexity. "You know Charlie won't agree to this. Why are you so persistent? Janet could have anyone. Why does it have to be Charlie?" Clarisse grew impatient. "Mateo, just give me a straight answer. Do you agree or not? What's wrong with Janet? I think she's far better than that Kelly!"

Mateo felt helpless. "This has nothing to do with Kelly. We're talking about Janet. You know very well that Charlie has no romantic feelings for Janet. Why are you insisting on this?

"You've seen how he is in these past few years. We couldn't control him before, and now, his abilities are evident to everyone. Who can influence his decisions now?"

"I don't care. Charlie's the one who did those things to Janet back then, so he needs to take responsibility. Are all Hoffman family men so cold and unfaithful? Janet is from the Baker family. How can we let her suffer such injustice?" Mateo interrupted sharply, "Clary, must you do this? The Hoffman men, the Bakers... Isn't Charlie your son too? I have nothing to say if you don't acknowledge our relationship, but what about Charlie? He's your own flesh and blood.

"You're forcing your own son for the

sake of an outsider like Janet. Clary, I don't know what you're trying to achieve, but let me give you some

is no

We

thoughts anymore."

care, Mateo. You owe me this. Back then, you insisted on Kelly marrying Charlie, but how did that turn out? Was

In the past, when Mateo favored Kelly, she had brought Janet

she

shame. She thought

competing with Mateo,

Janet

a child of

If

the Baker and

then

Charles' control?