The Cherished Wife by Chweety

"Your parents?" Nancy asked, looking up at Charles.

However, Charles appeared calm and indifferent, as if he truly never considered telling them.

Nancy understood and decided not to press further. "You brat, you didn't mention your marriage on the phone earlier. Your Uncle Henry and I came empty-handed, and this is our first time meeting..." "Aunt Nancy, my name is Noelle Shaw. You can just call me Noelle," she smiled.

"Oh, Noelle." Nancy noted how Noelle behaved with grace and poise. Most importantly, Nancy could tell Noelle was genuinely pleasant and had treated them with respect, neither too humble nor arrogant.

Plus, she seemed attentive to Charles as well, her eyes often following him. "Charlie, your Uncle Henry and I are meeting Noelle for the first time, and we didn't bring anything-that's just not right!"

"It's not a problem, Aunt Nancy," Noelle reassured her without any concern. "Actually, Charlie has wanted to introduce me to you for a while, but I felt the timing wasn't right before, so I declined. I hope you're not upset."

"Noelle's right. We're all family, so there's no need for gifts. Aunt Nancy, you must be tired from standing; let me help you sit down," Charles said as he guided Nancy to a seat.

Though Henry had not said much during the visit, his perceptive eyes observed Charles and Noelle carefully, along with Phoenix Tree Residence. He then nodded in satisfaction.

Aunt Nancy, have some tea!" Noelle brought the tea from the kitchen. "I wasn't sure what you would prefer, Uncle Henry, so I made tea similar to what Charlie likes. Aunt

replied, taking a sip before setting the cup down. She patted Noelle's hand and added, "This girl

Nancy, you flatter me," Noelle replied, delighted to

Tree Residence?" Henry asked

visited. Henry had come by a few times when Charles had first purchased the place,

decor was similar, but it felt cold, heavily reflecting Charles' personal style. This time, while the changes were subtle, Henry could sense a newfound warmth. Noelle hesitated

a

а

my doing. Charlie's

white curtains were too stark, so

like's traditional paintings, so

well."

"You understand him

so when we got married, we didn't dare tell anyone. I hope