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Chapter 653
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The Cherished Wife Chapter 654
After hashing things out, the group split up and headed home. Charles patted his pocket before turning to Steven with a grateful look. "I owe you big time!"Steven chuckled. "Here I was, thinking you'd be mad at me for giving her a scare." He remembered how Noelle's eyes widened when she witnessed him in action. "Luckily for us, it was me she saw, not you." He paused, then added, "She's got guts, though. She didn't budge an inch!"Most people would have lost it in that kind of situation, but not Noelle. She looked a little out of it, but she kept it together otherwise. Steven squinted, his mind drifting to the first time he saw Eloise's face.Charles's brow creased, but he managed to say, "Anyway, I really appreciate what you did today.""It's late. You’d better sleep," Steven said.Once Charles was upstairs, Steven fished a pack of cigarettes from his pants pocket. He deftly plucked one out and held it between his fingers, his gaze drifting aimlessly out the window.That night,
The Cherished Wife Chapter 655
"Cut it out!" Noelle ducked back into the bathroom to finish getting ready. When she emerged, she found a set of clean clothes laid out on the bed. They looked brand new, and she noticed the tags were still on when she picked them up. "Did you go out and buy me clothes this morning?""Nope, Eloise did," Charles replied. "Get changed, okay?""Alright, alright!"Charles led Noelle downstairs hand-in-hand, where the whole crew had already gathered. It was not just Steven and Eloise. Peter and Sean had swung by too, along with Ronald, Lareal, and Andrew.The whole crew watched as Charles escorted Noelle down the stairs, and they could not help but smirk at his tough-guy act.Sean was the quickest on his feet, flashing a harmless grin and sauntering over. "Noelle, how're you holding up? It was a long night, and Charles wouldn’t let us see you once you fell asleep.”He dumped the blame on Charles without missing a beat. "You missed the drama. We were all freaking out over you last nigh
The Cherished Wife Chapter 656
Charles was a statue of contemplation, his usual chatter replaced by a heavy silence. "But that just paints a target on their backs. If the Hoffman family catches wind of my personal security boost, it'll send my father and the rest into a frenzy of overthinking." The last thing Charles wanted was for his family's rivals to sniff out his vulnerabilities.Peter, who usually kept his thoughts to himself, could not stay quiet. "Without protection, you're just asking for trouble. Yesterday's close call could’ve actually killed you!" He glanced toward Noelle, concern etched on his face. "She's out of her depth and clueless about the danger. You really think those thugs will back off if they can't get to you? They might just target her instead."Charles let out a resigned sigh. "Fine. Have them shadow me, but they’d better blend into the background. I don't need a crowd. It’d be better to beef up Noelle's security." The memory of yesterday's scare was still fresh, and he would do anything
The Cherished Wife Chapter 657
"Not at all." Charles quickly realized Noelle had the wrong idea. He gently patted her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Just because I'm taking you to see a psychologist doesn't mean there's anything wrong." He flashed a smile and nodded toward Sean. "Could you get her, please?""Sure thing. You two can have a heart-to-heart," Sean said, quickly exiting the potential drama zone. Charles let out a wry smile. "You've been a bit out of sorts and wound up. Whatever happened last night must've stressed you out. I just thought the doctor could help you unwind. Don't worry, nobody thinks you're ill or anything."Relieved, Noelle nodded. "Alright, I'll give it a shot. But honestly, I'm okay. It was just my first time dealing with something like that, and I was totally unprepared!""I get it, and I promise I won't leave you to face anything like that alone again," Charles vowed to Noelle.Half an hour later, Charles and Noelle were on their way out of Sean's private hospital. Noelle
The Cherished Wife Chapter 658
"Aunt Nancy, this is your home too. You've been so happy here, so why leave in such a hurry?" Noelle clung to the idea of Nancy staying. Nancy had given her the motherly love and attention she had been missing all her life.Noelle's parents were still around, but they never showered her with the affection she craved. Nancy's short stay at the Phoenix Tree Residence had filled a void in Noelle's heart and given her a motherly love she had never known. Noelle had come to see Nancy as true kin, and the thought of her leaving was just too much to bear."Sweetie, why the tears all of a sudden?" Nancy's heart went out to Noelle. "I'm just heading back, not disappearing forever. If you miss me, just call, and I'll be right over to see you!"Leaving Noelle was hard for Nancy too. She had had kids of her own, but her biological daughter had been taken from her early on, and the child she had raised was the child of an enemy. Even after reconnecting with her daughter Tania, things were compli
The Cherished Wife Chapter 659
"Really?" Noelle smiled and stretched out, leaning between the two seats. She looked up at the side of Charles's face and studied him for a while. It was hard to connect the mischievous kid Nancy had described to the man before her.Charles caught the moment in the rearview mirror, his lips quirking into a sly grin. "What's up? Noticed your hubby's gotten even more dashing?""Cut it out. Aunt Nancy's right here!" Noelle's cheeks flushed a bright pink as she ducked away, diving back into conversation with Nancy. "What happened after that? Aunt Nancy, has Charles been with you since he was a kid?""Oh yes, he was such a well-behaved and clever boy. While other kids were still going through middle school and high school, he was skipping grades and heading straight to college." Nancy's face lit up with pride as she spoke of Charles. "I've cared for two kids, Charles and Stevie. They're both quite reserved. Charles is as sharp as a tack, and Stevie is obedient and so devoted. If my healt
The Cherished Wife Chapter 660
The Hoffman family's old house came alive as Janet sprinted toward Charles, only to be stopped in her tracks by his warning glare. "Didn't you notice I'm helping Aunt?"Janet's lips tightened as she shot a glance at Nancy. Seeing Nancy's weary expression, Janet's eyes betrayed a flicker of annoyance. However, with Charles there, she held back her frustration and forced a smile. "Aunt Nancy, it's been ages! How are you holding up?""Weren't we just together yesterday?" Nancy could see right through Janet's fake concern. She knew Janet was not her biggest fan."Oh, Aunt Nancy, silly me and my forgetful brain! I must miss you so much that it feels like forever when you’re not around," Janet said, her face not even blushing with the lie. "Let me give you a hand, Aunt Nancy!""No need. Charles is all the help I need," Nancy declined gently. "Charles, I can walk on my own. Maybe you should head back. Weren't you saying you had things to do?""Sure. So, you'll go inside on your own?""Y
The Cherished Wife Chapter 661
"Don't sell yourself short, Aunt. You raised me like a mother would. Hey, Uncle's not back yet, and I don't want anyone giving you a hard time. Stay in your room for a bit if you can, okay?""Alright, dear. I'm tired, so I'll have a rest," Nancy replied, understanding Charles's concern. She had raised him, after all, so she knew his warm heart well. "Don't worry about Noelle. She's fine in the car, but don't keep her waiting too long."With a tender smile and a glint of affection in his eyes, Charles said, "I'll head back, then. Drop by when you can, Aunt. Noelle and I always enjoy your company."Stepping out of Nancy's room, Charles ran straight into Clarisse and Janet. Clarisse's earlier irritation with Charles had simmered down. She had bigger fish to fry with Nancy later. Right now, she needed to make sure Charles stuck around.Clarisse fidgeted, her hands twisting together as she looked at Charles with hopeful eyes. "Hey, Charles. Now that you're back, how about sticking aroun
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The Cherished Wife Chapter 2129
"Sean, stop messing around. Let go of me first," Liliana tugged at Sean's arm, realizing how tightly he was holding her. "You're choking me."Only then did Sean loosen his grip slightly, though he still did not let her go. His forehead rested against hers, and he panted softly. "Liliana, do you remember what you said to me in the fire?"Liliana's face turned red, and she awkwardly turned her head away. "N-No, I don't remember. What did I say? I don't think I—mmph..."Before she could finish, Sean kissed her, swallowing the rest of her words with that one stubborn kiss.Liliana raised her hands and smacked Sean on the shoulder, trying to push him away. "Sea—mmph, what are you doing? Let me go..."She shoved him hard, and Sean stumbled back, clutching his chest. Liliana's face went pale, and she rushed over. "Sean, what's wrong? Are you okay? Did I hurt you somewhere?"Nonetheless, Sean took the opportunity to wrap his arms around her again. That feeling of holding her tightly
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2128
Noelle raised an eyebrow. "I didn't say that."Then, she added, "That knot in Liliana's heart can only be undone by Sean."What happened back then had always been a shadow between the two of them. Noelle had noticed it these past few days. Though Liliana stubbornly claimed she no longer cared, she clutched her phone every single day, obviously waiting for a call.Liliana's social circle was small. Noelle and the others knew everyone she knew. Who else could she be waiting for but Sean?Charles furrowed his brows. "If Liliana can't have the best, then she's better off with nothing."Noelle could not help but laugh. "Alright, alright. I know you're still holding a grudge against Hayes and Savannah."Honestly, Noelle shared the sentiment. "Savannah really crossed a line with how she handled everything."Charles reached out and gently pinched Noelle's knuckles. "That's not what I meant."Noelle chuckled, exasperated. "I know."Outside, the sound of a car engine drew their attentio
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2127
Sean shoved Hayes away. "Dad, if you're just like Mom and trying to stop me from being with Liliana, then don't even bother. If I can't marry Liliana in this lifetime, I won't marry anyone else."With that, Sean lay down decisively. Hayes frowned. "Sean, this isn't about what we want anymore. It's about Liliana and Charles now."Truthfully, Hayes did not have many opinions about Sean and Liliana's relationship. He was always too busy with the company to pay attention to such things. Even the events from four years ago were only now becoming clearer to him."If you insist on marrying her, I won't stop you. But from what I can see, the problem lies with Liliana and Charles."Sean's gaze sharpened as he clenched his fists. "That's impossible. Liliana already forgave me back when the fire happened. She promised that if we both made it out, she'd marry me."Hayes sighed. "Your mother… She misunderstood Liliana and said some harsh things. Just rest for now. Once you're better, we'll go
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2126
Sean spat out a mouthful of blood. One hand gripped the bedsheet tightly, his gaze turning darker than ever."What do you mean by that? What do you mean she doesn't want to marry me? She promised me. She said that as long as I was willing to walk out of that fire with her, she'd be with me. You're lying to me, aren't you? Tell me you're lying to me."Sean's bloodshot eyes locked on Savannah's. "Tell me."Savannah was momentarily stunned by the sheer force of Sean's gaze. This was the first time she ever felt fear in front of her own son. "Sean, I…""Where's Liliana?" Sean demanded."Sean," Hayes called out as he pushed open the door and stepped in. "That's no way to speak to your mother.""Then how should I speak to her?" Sean's voice turned icy."Did you know it was Joanna who drugged me nine years ago? And while I was under the influence, I forced myself on Liliana? I misunderstood her, and as a result, she had to hide in the countryside for years."Four years ago, it was me
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2125
The operating room door swung open, and Liliana spun around. She saw Saxon step out. Not caring about anyone else’s opinions, she grabbed his hand. "Mr. Holt, how's Sean?"Saxon looked down at their hands, noting how soft and warm hers was. He met her eyes and nodded. "The patient is out of danger now. He should wake up by tomorrow."Hearing that, Liliana let out a sigh of relief and then suddenly fainted."Liliana!"Charles rushed over and wrapped Liliana in a tight hug, but his eyes quickly darted to Hayes and Savannah. "Now that Sean is safe, Sean's fate is no longer Liliana's concern, nor ours," he declared, speaking for the Hoffman family.With those words, Charles carried Liliana away. Saxon was tugged along by Linda. "Saxon, you should check on her. The young lady seemed off to me. She's been hiding her pain. Besides the wound on her shoulder, I think she breathed in a lot of smoke."Saxon's eyes shimmered for a moment. "Yeah, I'm aware."Liliana had been pushing through
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2124
"Charles, you…""Stop it!" Hayes was taken aback by Savannah suddenly slapping Liliana. He did not particularly like or dislike Liliana, but she was part of the Hoffman family, and their family commanded much respect. Besides, Noelle was still Charles's wife, and they had to be careful about their actions.Hayes turned to Charles. "I'm sorry, my wife acted without thinking. But what in the world happened today?"Hayes had been told that his son was hurt, but he did not know the details. When he arrived and saw Liliana was there and injured too, Hayes and Savannah could not help but think that Liliana must be connected to Sean's injury.Charles gave a sharp look. "It was Joanna's doing.""Joanna? No, that can't be!" Savannah was shocked to hear the name Joanna, and she quickly objected, "Joanna is such a sweet girl, she couldn't possibly...""Oh, sweet indeed!"Liliana, who had been silent until then, finally spoke. She narrowed her eyes and stood up, ignoring the pain from her w
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2123
"Liliana!""Get up quickly!" Liliana used all her strength to pull Sean up from the ground. "Can you walk?""Uh-huh!" Sean had been hit by a falling piece of wood on his leg when he tried to push Liliana out earlier. That was why he could not get out in time and could only hear Liliana's loud calls from outside.He had wished so badly for Liliana to leave quickly, but she had come back for him.Sean bit down hard and pushed himself up.Even if it was hard to walk, he had to try because Liliana wanted him to stand.Liliana slung Sean's arm over her shoulder, noticing his injury. Her eyes were red with tears. "Sean, hang in there. If we both make it out today, I'll forgive you. You can ask me to do anything.""Really?" Sean's eyes sparkled, and he smiled. "Liliana, I don't want you to do anything." In his heart, he added, ‘I just want you to marry me.’"The fire is licking at our heels, and you two are still dawdling," came Charles's icy voice from up ahead. In a flash, he was be
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2122
"Sean, where are you? Didn't you just say you love me?" she cried out. "How can you leave me like this, saying you love me and then j-j-just giving up? What am I supposed to do now?"Sean, you took our child from me. How could you think I'd just forgive you? If you don't make this right, I swear I'll never forgive you," Liliana yelled outside, her voice filled with madness. Inside, the plant was engulfed in flames. Shaking from head to toe, Liliana's screams slowly turned into a whisper. She clenched her hands tight, staring blankly at the fire. "If you're gone, what's left for me here?""Liliana!"Charles rushed over and saw Liliana moving toward the flames. He grabbed her and pulled her back. "What are you doing?"Liliana looked up, dazed, and saw Charles. She quickly stood up and grabbed his hand. "Charles, please. I'm begging you. Help me save Sean, please!"Charles's brow creased as he looked at the fiery red inferno, his fingers tensing. "Liliana, the fire's too big. Sean mi
The Cherished Wife Chapter 2121
Liliana shoved Sean aside and covered him with her body, taking a knife stab from Joanna. "Ugh..."Pain whitened Liliana's face, and blood dripped onto Sean's face. Reacting quickly, Sean rolled over, picked Liliana up in his arms, and seized Joanna's neck, twisting it hard until it cracked. Joanna's eyes bulged in disbelief as she stared at Sean."You..."She had not thought Sean would actually snap her neck. Her eyes were wide open, one hand clutching a knife, and the other holding a lighter.With her last breath, she tossed the lighter.A loud bang followed, and flames started to spread from that spot.Sean's eyes darkened as he carried Liliana and dashed for the exit. However, how could he outrun the swift spread of the fire while burdened with Liliana's weight?Liliana's eyes widened as she saw the flames creeping up behind them. She pushed Sean, urging him, "Go now, or it'll be too late!"However, Sean's eyes turned a deep red with emotion. "Liliana, I won't let go of you
