The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

"Alright, I'll ask Aunt Nancy first." Charles then hung up the phone.

Noelle noticed his serious expression as she entered from the garden. "What's wrong? Is it something troublesome? From work?"

"No, nothing to worry about." Charles reached out and gently patted Noelle's head. "It's Mr. Fischer."

"What happened to Steven?" Noelle raised an eyebrow. "Wasn't everything fine with him last night?"

"He's fine, but he wants to see someone," Charles said, holding Noelle's hand as they walked to the living room. "Are you feeling better now?"

Noelle raised an eyebrow, smiling. "How did you know I was feeling unwell earlier?"

"I could tell. You ate so much in one go; can your little stomach handle it?" Charles playfully tapped Noelle's nose. "No more overeating from now on."

"Got it. But it's because you made everything so delicious." Noelle grumbled. "Don't change the subject. Who does Steven want to meet? Does it have something to do with you? You seemed a bit off-was it difficult to arrange?"

"It won't be difficult." Charles shook his head and handed Noelle a document. "Take a look at this; I need to make a call."

"Okay." Noelle knew the matter probably was not simple, but since Charles said it was not difficult, so she decided not to pry.

Charles found Nancy's number and dialed it. "Aunt Nancy, it's me, Charlie!"

"Charlie? What a surprise to get a call from you" Nancy sounded a bit surprised. Although Charles had grown up with her and treated her like his own mother, Clarisse was back and Charles was all grown up now. "Is there something you need?"

"How have you been, Aunt Nancy?" Charles asked, hesitating briefly. "It's been a while since I last saw you. I'd like to see you."

Nancy paused and glanced at Henry, who was beside her, giving him a resigned smile. "Well, I don't have much going on these days. But what's this about?"

"I'd like to bring you over for a visit," Charles said, pausing again. "And introduce someone to you."

"Introduce someone to me?" Nancy chuckled. "You're insisting on bringing me over, so it must be someone important to you, Charlie." She laughed lightly. "Alright then, I've been feeling cooped up at home anyway. Will it be today?"

"Yes, I'll send someone to pick you up this afternoon," Charles replied with a smile. "It's been a while since we last saw each other. Come have a meal at my place!"

"Alright." Nancy hung up and looked at Henry. "Charlie called. He wants to bring me over and introduce me to someone."

Nancy saw Henry's furrowed brow

and reached out to smooth it. "Henry, you don't need to worry so much. I'm old now, and if it's my time, it's my time. Being stuck here every day is suffocating."

A hint of darkness crossed Henry's eyes, but he nodded. "If you want to go, then go. But what is that boy up to, asking for just you?"

"No idea. We'll find out when I get there. Maybe our Charlie found a girlfriend and wants me to meet her?"