The Cherished Wife



"Charles began, "She's from a poor family. After what happened, she lost her job and went back home, but her family didn't forgive her. She raised the child alone while going through a lot of hardship. Eventually, with no other option, she turned to the Hoffmans, hoping they would adopt the child." Noelle stiffened, stunned by the revelation. "And... your father, what did he do?"

"My father had intended to divorce my mother, to set her free. They had both agreed to it, but at the last moment, my mother changed her mind and refused to go through with it."

"Why?" Noelle asked, confused.

"Why?" Charles repeated with a bitter smile. "Have you forgotten the Bakers standing behind her? A divorce would've cut off all ties between the Bakers and the Hoffmans, severing the Bakers' foothold in Brookville. My uncle isn't a fool."

Noelle let out a quiet sigh, feeling the weight of how cruel the situation had been.

"And what happened to Liliana?" she asked softly.

"My mother refused to divorce my father, but she also refused to let the Hoffmans acknowledge Liliana's existence. She wouldn't allow Liliana's mother to step foot in Brookville either. Eventually, she took the wedding gifts and returned to Capiton."

Noelle was taken aback by the sheer coldness of it all. Moments ago, she thought Charles had been too harsh toward Clarisse, but now, she saw things differently.

Clarisse had not just disliked the situation she was in-she actively destroyed the lives of everyone involved, cutting off their futures.

The true victims were the young woman and Liliana, both of whom had been dealt a cruel fate by Clarisse's hand.

"Is that why you've always been so kind to Liliana? Out of guilt?" Noelle asked, her voice low.

Charles' eyes darkened, but he said nothing.

Noelle whispered, "Charlie, everything happened a long time ago. You don't need to carry that burden with you anymore. You've grown up now, and you have the power to control your own destiny-"

Charles interrupted, his tone steady,

"I know. Do you think I'm still controlled by these things?" He gave a slight shake of his head. "No one will dictate my life anymore. My life belongs to me."

Neither the Bakers nor the Hoffmans would have control over him ever again.noveldrama

"And Uncle Henry and Aunt Nancy?" Noelle asked carefully.

"They truly love each other. They were always meant to be together. Don't worry, I know exactly where I stand with them."

Noelle nodded, reassured. "I can tell from how you treat them. It's obvious."

Charles exhaled quietly. "Honestly, I'm not the one who suffered the most in all of this. At the end of the day, I'm still a Hoffman and an heir to the family. The real victims are my sister and Liliana."

"Your sister? Chloe?" Noelle's mind began to piece things together. Chloe was 34 now. Could the events of 35 years ago...

Charles confirmed it, saying, "You guessed right. My mother directed all her rage and resentment to my sister. That's why Chloe's relationship with my mother is so strained."

Noelle sighed deeply, unsure of what to say next.

"I didn't tell you all this to make you sad. I want to share everything with th the good and the bad-so that we can face it together," Charles said, his tone softening.

"I understand," Noelle murmured, forcing a small smile.

Her smile was not convincing, but she kept it up. She wanted Charles to know that no matter what came their way, she would always stand by him.

"Oh, by the way, how did you know I was here?" she asked suddenly.

Charles gave her a tired but fond smile, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Did you forget? I have people watching over you."