The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

"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.

"Uncle Henry, 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 Nancy, since your health isn't the best, I brewed a gentle honeysuckle tea for you. Please give it a try."

"Oh, how thoughtful," Nancy replied, taking a sip before setting the cup down. She patted Noelle's hand and added, "This girl is not only beautiful but also thoughtful!"

"Aunt Nancy, you flatter me," Noelle replied, delighted to receive such high praise from Nancy.

"Did you decorate Phoenix Tree Residence?" Henry asked Noelle while surveying the surroundings.

Phoenix Tree Residence was a place Henry and Nancy seldom visited. Henry had come by a few times when Charles had first purchased the place, years ago.

Back then, the 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 slightly before replying, "You noticed it, Uncle Henry?"

She blushed a little. "It wasn't

а

entirely my doing. Charlie's previous

decor was already nice, but I felt the white curtains were too stark, so chose a slightly darker shade.

wasn't a major change. Charlie also like's traditional paintings, so incorporated that into the decor as

well."

Henry nodded approvingly. "You understand him well."

"Not entirely. We haven't known each other for very long, so when we got married, we didn't dare tell anyone. I hope Uncle Henry doesn't blame us for it."

Henry finally smiled. "Marriage is

between the two of you, but it also

involves two families. It wouldn't be right if you didn't at least inform the family, regardless of whether anyone has the right to object. That's just the proper way to do things."

"You're right, Uncle Henry. Charlie and I didn't fully consider that," Noelle acknowledged quickly. "But inviting you and Aunt Nancy over today is our way of informing the family."

She paused for a moment before continuing, "My family situation is quite complicated, and I don't want them to know about my marriage to Charlie, as it would only cause him unnecessary trouble. However, my grandfathers are aware, and they're both very happy with Charlie."