The Cherished Wife

 novelbin

Winter was on a roll with the Saint Di ad campaign. In just a few days, they wrapped up filming. Over at Unchallenged Dominion, they had officially launched the production team and announced Winter's character first.

The gossip about Charles and Winter had been hushed up and pulled from the headlines, but they could not squash inte chatter that easily. People were still whispering, wondering if there was something between Charles and Winter.

Xavier and Joseph were also caught up in the rumor mill. They were not totally up to speed with all the online buzz, but since it involved their wife and daughter-in-law, they could not help feeling a bit on edge.

Winter had moved back home and cleared the air about that incident, but they still felt awkward. Joseph kept his cool, though. With Winter holding a piece of the Shaw family pie, he was all about keeping Xavier from blowing his top and starting a fight with Winter.

Xavier was kicking himself for his choices. Why had he ditched Noelle for Winter and the glitter of wealth and status? Rumors were swirling about Winter and another man, and not just any man-Charles, someone with more clout and prestige than Xavier could ever claim. It stung. Xavier was a regular guy, and no regular guy could shrug off gossip about his wife, especially when it involved a high-roller like Charles.

"I'm back!"

The door swung open and Winter stepped into the silence of an empty house, a chill greeting her instead of warmth.

She frowned, puzzled by the quiet. The cook popped out from the kitchen, a look of surprise crossing her face. "Mrs. Harris, you're back?" However, seeing Winter's expression, she quickly bowed her head. "Mrs. Harris, Mr. Harris isn't home yet. I was about to start dinner. What would you like?"

A little warmth returned to Winter's

cheeks. "Something simple will do!" she called over her shoulder,

heading for the stairs. She paused, a thought striking her. "Actually, make whatever Mr. Harris enjoys, and let me know when he gets in, will you?"

"Of course!"

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With that, Winter headed upstairs. She moved swiftly, straightening up the room, swapping out the bed linens for fresh ones, and then slipping into a steamy, scented Refreshed, she emerged to find Xavier shedding his coat.

Xavier was totally caught off guard by Winter's early return today. He gave her a quick once-over and turned his back on her. Winter felt a flash of irritation at his cold shoulder but tamped it down. "Hey, Xavier. You're home!"

She went up to him and took his suit jacket. "The chef said she whipped up your favorite dish. You've got to be tired after a whole day at work, right? I'm off for the next few days, so I can hang out with you for meals."

"Sure," Xavier responded, but his voice was flat and distant.

"Xavier!" Winter's patience was wearing thin with his aloof attitude. "I've explained it all to you, and you get it, so why the icy demeanor?

There's nothing between meanine!

Charles, and you know it. You're the one love. I wouldn't have hurt Noelle to be with you if it wasn't true."

Winter's face lost color as she spoke, her lips quivering slightly. She was the picture of innocence and hurt feelings.