LOGINShare
Chapter 46
Related chapters
The Cherished Wife Chapter 47
Charles had always been the master of his own fate, unshakable and untroubled by others, but as he watched Noelle sleep, he wondered if she might be the one to break his composure.He had not planned on getting her involved, but now that she was here, he was not about to let her slip away. Time was not on their side, but Charles never sweated the small stuff.As he glanced down at himself, he was surprised by the effect she still had on him. He fought to keep his cool, though sometimes the body told truths the mind tried to hide. He had been so close to giving in to his desires, but the thought of her waking up scared or full of regret stopped him cold.Charles was out on the balcony, lost in the night air, until Ronald came back. Only then did he retreat to his study."Mr. Hoffman, here's the surveillance footage from the Shaw place tonight." Ronald knew Charles like the back of his hand, having been by his side for years. He had already started digging into the Shaw family's dram
The Cherished Wife Chapter 48
Charles burned the midnight oil, wrapping up his workload before stashing it away. He sparked up a cigarette and stepped out onto the balcony, gazing into the inky void that shrouded Phoenix Tree Residence. As the last wisp of smoke from his cigarette faded, he released it, his intense eyes cutting through the night like beacons.He swung by the master bedroom, where Noelle was out like a light. He kept watch like a silent sentinel to keep her from tossing and turning.He peered down at Noelle from his vantage point. The flush that had painted her cheeks was gone, leaving her looking serene and exquisite. Charles had clocked her as a knockout from the get-go, but her natural beauty caught him off guard.A chuckle escaped him as he gently flicked the quilt. There she was, all askew in her slumber, a far cry from her usual buttoned-up facade. Maybe the night was too warm, or maybe it was just her habit, but she had kicked off her covers, baring her silky shoulders to the cool air.Ch
The Cherished Wife Chapter 49
This was the harsh truth about her parents—they had never really put her first. Marriage? If marriage was the real goal, why had they rushed to toss her into Simon's bed? "Awake?"The man's voice, crisp and icy, had sliced through the silence, jolting Noelle back to the present. She stumbled backward in a panic, crashing into the bed and collapsing onto it, her face drained of color.Charles arched an eyebrow, taking in Noelle's panicked dance. Had he scared her that much?Realizing she might have overreacted, Noelle managed a sheepish grin. "Mr. Hoffman!""Mm," Charles had hummed, nodding. "Good to see you're up. Feeling alright? There's some medicine for fever on the table if you need it.""A fever?" Noelle was shocked. "I wasn't running a fever." Then she added quickly, "Did you rescue me last night?"Charles squinted and flashed a knowing grin. "Pretty obvious, isn't it?"Noelle inhaled deeply. She really did not like the idea of being in debt to Charles, yet he had sa
The Cherished Wife Chapter 50
Charles looked away, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Family? I guess I'm still looking for one."Noelle's heart started to dance a wild rhythm, thumping all over the place. She felt totally out of her element.Charles flashed a warm smile as he brought out a steaming pot of porridge from the kitchen. "Last night, we had to cool you down the old-fashioned way. The doctor warned you might have a fever today, but you're fine. That's awesome. Let's keep it light with the food today, okay?"Noelle stared at Charles, her eyes wide with surprise. He was a different person from the buttoned-up guy she had met before. Dressed down in light gray casual wear instead of his usual sharp suit, he still managed to look drop-dead gorgeous. Who knew Charles had this homey side to him? He could cook!"That smells amazing," Noelle commented, taking in the comforting scent of the porridge.Charles's smile grew as he served her a bowl. "Give it a taste. I've been at it since the crack of dawn,
The Cherished Wife Chapter 51
Time froze, and Noelle's heart raced out of control. She instantly wished she could take back her words, wondering why she had ever blurted them out.Her cheeks warmed with a blush, and she could not bring herself to look at Charles, feeling totally mortified. Girls were not supposed to ask guys questions like that, were they?Charles watched her, a playful smile creeping into his eyes as he saw her squirm. His fingers drummed lightly on the table, each tap echoing in Noelle's chest.Noelle chewed on her lip, her embarrassment growing. She felt like she had lost all control of the conversation. "I mean... just forget I asked, okay? Don't take it seriously!""What if I do take it seriously?" Charles's voice was cool but teasing.Noelle was ready to just shrug off the whole awkward moment, but Charles's response stopped her cold. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise. "What?"She had figured Charles was just messing with her, especially after his earlier gesture, and sh
The Cherished Wife Chapter 52
"You still haven't given me a straight answer," Noelle pressed, her determination bordering on stubbornness.Charles paused, then offered a smile. "It’s no big mystery, really. You just happened to show up at the right time and place. That was all there was to it."Noelle searched Charles's eyes for something more, but their locked gazes offered no further clues. Feeling a bit let down, she averted her eyes. "Got it.""So, what’s your verdict, Ms. Shaw?"Noelle chewed on her lip for a moment. "You were well aware of where I stood with the Shaws. I was never going to see a dime of their fortune, nor was I going to get a foot in the door of their company. You knew that from the beginning, didn't you?"He nodded. "A guy's got nothing if he's waiting for a woman to bring him wealth."Noelle let out a small laugh. "You’re one of few who think that way.""Any other questions?" Charles was the picture of patience. Whether it was business or anything else, he could outwait anyone. With
The Cherished Wife Chapter 53
After hanging up, Charles caught Noelle's gaze on him. He lounged against the sofa, legs casually crossed, the picture of relaxation. "All done?"Noelle nodded, stood up, and began to tidy up the dishes. Charles just observed, making no move to assist.He watched her move about, the angled sunlight streaming through the window, bathing her in a glow that made her seem effortlessly at ease and content.Charles had always reveled in the quiet of his life. Phoenix Tree Residence had stood empty for years as his own personal haven. Now, with another soul wandering its halls, it did not seem too bad.He was not exactly put off by this woman's arrival. Perhaps having her around would spice up his days. Then again...A shadow flickered across Charles's eyes, the hint of a smile giving way to something sharper, more guarded.Ronald was on the ball, zipping back to the Phoenix Tree Residence in less than thirty minutes with company in tow. Charles swung the door open, and Ronald, standing
The Cherished Wife Chapter 54
Charles had just seen Ronald and the others out. Coming back, he caught Noelle's incredulous question and chuckled. "Yep, we're married now."Noelle's hands flew to her cheeks, surprised to find Charles right behind her. Flustered, she got to her feet quickly. "It's late. I should head back.""Noelle!" Charles's voice stopped her in her tracks, and she halted, her steps halting just as quickly. She turned around stiffly, a puzzled "Huh?" escaping her lips.Charles was barely holding back a laugh at Noelle's adorably confused look. "It's actually morning," he said.Noelle's cheeks flamed even hotter. "Morning?" It was probably the most embarrassed she had ever been around Charles.Ever since meeting Charles, Noelle felt like her life had become a series of increasingly embarrassing moments. Every encounter with him seemed to leave her more flustered than the last.Charles watched her, the teasing mood fading. He stepped closer and gently pushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
Latest chapter
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2012
The woman with Joanna gushed, "You're so lucky! Your boyfriend Sean is so handsome and rich, and your future mother-in-law adores you too!""Please, you're making me blush. Sean and I aren't even official yet." Joanna laughed off the compliment."It's only a matter of time. Everyone at the hospital knows you two are an item. And your future mother-in-law is so generous, showering you with gifts. You wouldn't believe how many people are green with envy!""You're making it sound too good to be true!"As Liliana overheard Joanna and the woman's conversation about Sean, she felt like a creep for eavesdropping.Yes, Sean had been with Joanna for a while. Where did that leave Liliana?She had been with Sean, which explained why he was so cold that day. He must have really disliked her, or else it would not have made sense.Liliana squeezed her hands together, trying hard not to eavesdrop on Joanna and the other woman's chat. However, their words floated to her ears, every single one c
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2011
Adalee had braced herself for tough negotiations, but to her surprise, they were ready to shake hands on the deal he moment she stepped into the other company's office. The previous unreasonable demands were gone. They were going to work together just like they had before.Even though Adalee thought it was odd, she was just glad there were no hiccups in the partnership. She signed the contract and decided to give Liliana some time off, hoping it would help her shake off the blues from that unhappy evening.Ever since Liliana came back from Cascade City, she had been quiet. Her life was work, work, and nothing but work. She did not go out, not even when Tania tried to coax her into hanging out.Tania could tell something was off with Liliana, but Liliana clammed up whenever she asked, saying she was swamped with work and had no spare time.Liliana had even forgotten about the date with Keith she had planned to arrange after her business trip.Her routine was simple: she would work
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2010
Adalee had just stepped out of her room when she ran into Sean. Sean's face was stormy as he walked past, not even noticing Adalee."Mister..." Adalee called, but Sean did not even look back.Adalee's brows knitted together in worry. She rushed to Liliana's door and called, "Liliana? Liliana?"Adalee did not hear Liliana answer, so she knocked again. "Liliana, are you in there?"After Sean left, Liliana could not stop the tears from coming. However, she did not let herself cry loudly. It was just a quiet, steady sob.When she heard the knock at the door, Liliana quickly stopped crying.She bit her lip, hurried to put on her clothes, and dried her eyes.Adalee waited outside, not leaving before she heard from Liliana. Liliana had no choice but to open the door.As soon as Adalee saw her, she noticed her red, puffy eyes and the marks on her face and neck. "Liliana, what's wrong?"Remembering the drink Liliana had taken for her sake the previous night, Adalee gasped and grabbed h
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2009
Disgust—that was it.She remembered a similar desperate moment from years ago. However, Sean had not given her a chance to explain back then.He was disappointed and disgusted with her."Sean, only you and I know about today. If we keep it to ourselves, no one else will find out. I know I was wrong… but I was set up. I'm truly sorry."I promise I won't bother you again. I'm not the same as I was before. I used to have feelings for you, but now I really just see you as a brother. I wouldn't fall for my own brother."And I have a boyfriend whom I really love… I wouldn't ever ruin your happiness, Sean. I promise you that."Liliana was trying to explain, but her words were all jumbled up. She did not even understand what she was saying herself. All she knew was that she did not want to see that look of disgust in Sean's eyes, so she kept explaining, hoping Sean would not hate her.Liliana was so busy trying to clarify things that she did not notice the icy look in Sean's eyes when s
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2008
Liliana woke up feeling utterly spent, as if she had been run over.For a moment, her mind was totally blank. She could not remember a thing. She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling for what felt like forever. Slowly, her senses started to come back.The warm breath and steady breathing from beside her made her eyes pop open wide.The moment she saw Sean lying next to her and shirtless, she could not stay calm any longer. "Ahh!"Her scream woke Sean up.He cracked his eyes open, still groggy, but then suddenly, his eyes snapped wide open, and his piercing gaze landed on Liliana.Her mind was a whirlwind, the memories of last night rushing back. She remembered being drugged, Sean bringing her home, and then, despite trying so hard to hold back, she ended up crossing a line with Sean.The thought made her heart ache, almost drowning her as she met Sean's icy stare.She wrapped her arms around herself, clutching the blanket tightly. She was shaking all over, and her eyes wer
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2007
Liliana was crying so hard that she could not think of anything else. All she knew was that she felt awful, and Sean was the man she loved more than anyone else in her life. She hugged Sean tightly, tears streaming down her face. "Liliana, please stop," Sean said gently. He tried to move her hands away, but she held on even tighter. "Sean, I feel so sad… I really like you, Sean," she said through her tears. Sean pried Liliana's hands off him, but she clung to him again. "Sean, I feel awful… I… I like you, Sean."She bit his lips, her hands desperately roaming over his body.Sean was a man, after all. The moment Liliana started touching him so recklessly, his body responded.However, he had always been a man of strong self-control. He pushed her away countless times, but Liliana crawled back each time, whimpering as she restlessly clung to him.Sean's expression darkened. It was not because of Liliana—it was because of himself.He could not believe it. He was actually having
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2006
Liliana's mind was a whirlwind. She found her key card fast, but just as she was about to shut the door, a big hand stopped it.She was not strong enough to close the door against Sean, who pushed it open.Liliana took a shaky step back, looking at Sean with a bit of fear. "Sean, it's late. I need to sleep."Sean just kept looking at her. "Liliana, what... what's wrong with your mouth?" he asked as he reached out, his fingers lightly touching the corner of Liliana's mouth. Liliana felt a rush of heat through her body, making her shake all over.In a swift motion, she knocked Sean's hand away. "Leave me alone."With his inscrutable eyes, Sean noticed the blood on his thumb and Liliana's unusual red cheeks. A flicker of surprise showed in his eyes. "Liliana, did..."However, Liliana was already clenching her fists, all pretense gone. She was shaking and crouching on the ground, her tears filling her eyes. "Sean, please. I'm begging you, just go, okay?"Sean's brow furrowed. His
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2005
Liliana could not make out what Sean was saying anymore. She felt awful and shut her eyes tight, not wanting Sean to notice.Sean thought Liliana had dozed off from drinking too much and had a headache, so he stopped talking.The car pulled up to Liliana's hotel, and Sean gently shook her. "Liliana, time to wake up. We're here."Liliana slowly opened her eyes and saw Sean's face close to hers. Her heart, which was already fluttering, started racing.She turned her head away, swallowing hard. "Are we here already?"Once she saw they were outside the hotel, Liliana quickly got out of the car and opened the back door to help Adalee. "Ms. Cobb, can you walk?"Adalee nodded. "Yes, I can."With a sigh of relief, Liliana told Sean, "Sean, we've made it. Ms. Cobb and I will head up now."Liliana rushed off, scared that any delay might make her lose her composure. She could not let herself fall apart in front of Sean again—not after what happened years ago.Sean noticed Liliana rushing
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2004
The moment everyone in the private room saw Bob, they were scared out of their wits.It was Andy, the favorite son of the Jones family in Cascade City! Even though he was the second child, he was the one everyone knew would run the company one day.Everyone felt a wave of relief, glad they had not messed with Liliana earlier. They knew that if they had, they would not just be outcasts in Cascade City, but probably everywhere else too.Sean gently put Adalee in the back seat of the car and then helped Liliana into the front seat. Noticing Liliana's pale face, he asked, "Did you have too much to drink?"When Sean touched her forehead, Liliana felt a wave of heat rush through her, like she was on fire. Sean's hand was cool, and the moment it touched her, she could not help but sigh in relief."Maybe," she said.Sean shook his head. "Where's your hangover pill? Take it now. Where do you live?"After Liliana told him the address, she saw that Adalee was already fast asleep.Sean tur
