The Cherished Wife by Chweety

"So, I was right with my guess?" Noelle had felt it in her gut, but hearing it from Charles hit differently. She felt a twinge of sadness and glanced at him. "Your mom doesn't like me, does she?" Charles's brow creased ever so slightly when he heard Noelle's words, a wave of annoyance washing over him for no clear reason. "I like you, and that's all that matters," he declared firmly.

Noelle gave a half-smile, her unease showing. "It's not that I'm trying to imply anything else. I'm just worried your mom might not take to me because of the whole Janet situation." They had been married for quite a while now, and even though it was Noelle who had initially been hesitant about meeting the Hoffmans, she could not shake the fear that they might not think highly of her.

Charles could easily read the concern in Noelle's eyes. With a sigh, he reassured her, "Forget about all that. I'm the one who married you, and I'm the one who's going to be with you for the rest of our lives, not them. You don't have to worry about a thing."

Noelle felt the reassuring grip of Charles's hand. She looked up into his deep, soulful eyes and managed a small smile. "Alright. I've got it." She did not want her worries to come between them. "I'll do my best to win them over and make sure your family likes me!" Charles chuckled and affectionately tapped Noelle's forehead. "Just do what you can. Some things in life just can't be forced." He did not need her to be anything more than herself. Even if the Hoffmans did not approve, it would not change a thing for him. However, if it mattered to Noelle, he was more than happy to play along.

"My mom's got this weird history with the Hoffmans, so if she's not on board, it's probably not about you, okay? Don't sweat it. Everyone else loves you, I promise."

Janet planning to hang around? If she's not keen on leaving,

sure you're not just a tiny bit jealous? Cause it sure looks like it!" Charles teased, giving Noelle's hand a gentle squeeze. "When are you gonna drop the act and just say what you

discomfort, but it was nowhere near jealousy. "I'm just... concerned, especially after seeing how she was with

on

be here for long," Charles reassured her, patting her hand softly. "So, what's on the menu

You've been avoiding the kitchen for so long. I was starting to think

back playfully. "I think it's

then her cheek, his eyes twinkling with adoration. "Ouch! Hey, cut it out with the face-pinching. You're gonna squish it

come to a screeching halt in front of a locked door on