The Cherished Wife



When J saw Charles answer the phone and get ready to leave, she instinctively guessed that the caller must be someone important. What bad timing. It was the Hoffman family's annual dinner, an event Charles had never missed as the future head of the family. Even Kelly's departure years ago had not seemed to stir much emotion in him.

Trusting her women's intuition, J was certain the caller was a woman.

J's voice was not exactly loud, but it cut through the room so every member of the Hoffman family heard.

Mateo was the first to catch on, his face clouding over. "Charles, where do you think you're heading?"

Charles gave J a sharp glance that soon landed on Mateo. "I've got some stuff to sort out. It's quick, and I'll be back in a flash!"

"Now? What could be so urgent? It's a work holiday, so you should be enjoying dinner with us!" With the house packed, Mateo played the part of the strict dad. After all, most of the attendees were there to see Charles, so what would happen to their big party if he left?

Charles just scrunched his brow and did not bother with a reply, heading straight for the door.

"Uncle!" Anna wriggled free from Chloe's grasp, scampered over, and grabbed Charles's pants. "Uncle, where are you off to? Why don't you want to hang out with me anymore?"

Charles's stern expression melted a bit as he squatted down, gently touching Anna's face. "Anna, be a good girl. I have to run an errand, but I'll be back before you know it!" Charles always had unexpected patience for Anna. The whole room watched, their faces a mix of shock and awe. Charles did not mind the stares and calmly assured Anna, "You're such a good girl, Anna. I've got something really important to handle."

"Can I come with you, Uncle?" Anna's eyes were wide with hope as she asked.

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Charles could not help but smile. "I'm sorry, kiddo. It's past your bedtime, and you should stay with your mom. He glanced over at Chloe, who was already on her feet. "Anna, sweetheart, come back to me Uncle's got important stuff to do. I'll bring you to see him the next time you miss him, okay?"

Anna pondered for a second before nodding. "Okay, deal!" She piped up, "Uncle, bend down for a second!"

Hearing her request, Charles bent down further, his face close to Anna's. She giggled and planted a kiss on his cheek. "There, it's official now. No take-backs, Uncle!"

Charles touched his cheek, smiled affectionately, and gently tapped Anna's head. "You got it. My word is good."

With that, he stood up and gave Chloe a nod.

J's panic kicked back in when Anna failed to make Charles stay. She leaped up and clung to Charles' waist. "Charles, where do you think you're going? You're not leaving!"

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Charles grimaced, feeling instantly uncomfortable. "Let go!"

J held on tight. "Please, Charles, it's a big day. Can't you just stay?" J could be a real stickler once she set her mind on something.

Everyone in the room watched the unfolding drama, chuckling and whispering among themselves.

Nobody really understood what was

going on between Charles andThis content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

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J, but the rumor mill was working overtime, and where there was smoke, there was usually fire. J's behavior today was like a giant neon sign, confirming all the Whispers.