The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

"I'll do as you say and steer clear of Noelle for now, but Winter is just too much, Dad. Charles has been giving her all the best opportunities. He's not even trying to hide his relationship with Winter, acting like he doesn't care about anything else. And she's married! He'd

rather be with a married woman than marry me. I just can't stand it, Dad!"

"You shouldn't stand for it. I've seen a picture of her, and you're way prettier and smarter too. What you need to do now is win Charles back!"

"I will!" Janet's fists were tight, her eyes blazing with fury and a touch of something darker. "You have to help me, Dad!"

"I'm here to check things out and, while I'm at it, to have a little chat with your Charles," Milo said with a wave of his hand. "Come here!"

Janet sauntered over and gently took Milo's hand. "Dad, are you feeling hungry? It's getting pretty late. Let's go grab some dinner, okay?"

"Absolutely! My sweet girl!" Milo gazed at Janet with a softness in his eyes, tenderly stroked her cheek, and then pulled her into a warm embrace. "Janet."

Janet shivered a bit but wrapped her arms around Milo, giving his back a comforting pat. "Dad, what's up? You seem off."

Milo snapped out of his reverie, his gaze flickering. "Oh, it's nothing. I'm just realizing how quickly you've grown up, and now you're about to get married. I guess I'm just finding it hard to let go."

"Why the fuss? I'm marrying Charles, and you're his uncle. If you ever miss me, just swing by Brookville, or I'll bring Charles over to Capiton to visit you. Better yet, once you retire, you could come live with me, and I'll look after you forever!"

Janet nuzzled against him playfully. "Dad, I'm starving. Let's go eat, okay?"

"Let's do it!"

Sean had been camped out across from Noelle's apartment for nearly half a month before the person tailing her finally backed off. Still, just to be cautious, Sean had not moved out yet. For Sean, those weeks were all about eating his fill and then some. Aside from chowing down, he spent most of his time witnessing Charles and Noelle's

lovey-dovey antics.

At times, Sean even wondered if he had a thing for self-torture, considering he kept showing up like clockwork to witness their romance.

"The coast is clear now, so when do I get to hit the road?"

"Sorry, but it looks like you're stuck here for a bit longer!" Charles said as he drew the curtains closed and settled into a chair in the living room. Sean, finding the whole situation dull, popped a toothpick into his mouth and slouched back into his seat.

Noelle came over with two steaming cups of coffee and handed them out. "What's the scoop?" she asked with a grin. It looks like the coast is clear Mr. Smith doesn't have to hole up here anymore."

Charles, however, shook his head. "No, not yet."

"Why not?" Sean asked, confused. "You're not overthinking this, are you?"

"Ronald just sent word. Milo's name came up with Brookville Airlines," Charles explained, his long fingers

wrapped around his cup, a slight et

frown on his face. "He got to

Brookville last night. Why else do you think everyone bailed so fast?"

"So, you're saying your uncle called the shots for the evacuation? Then we're golden!"

"No, knowing how paranoid he is, he'll send someone to tail us soon enough. I know him like the back of my hand."