The Cherished Wife



"A bunch of people already know about me and Charles, and it seems like we can't keep it a secret much longer. We never really planned to keep it under wraps anyway!"

"You're thinking of making it official?" Sean grinned. "That's awesome. I won't have to play third wheel to you lovebirds anymore. You don't know how tough it's been, getting an eyeful of your lovey-dovey act all the time. It's so cringe!"

"Cringe?" A playful glint appeared in Rowena's eyes as she leaned in and teased, "Mr. Smith, you're familiar with that word? I didn't know you were so hip with new slang."

Sean arched an eyebrow. "I know way more than you think, kiddo. Did you really think I was out of touch?"

Rowena laughed and settled back into her seat, trying to piece together what had happened. "So, you pretended to be in a relationship with Mr. Smith to throw people off? But I'm still confused. Who's Andy? Why did Winter look so scared when his name came up? I've never heard of someone like him in Brookville, but he sounds like someone you wouldn't want to mess with."

Noelle bit her lip. "You're asking a lot of questions. Which one do you want me to answer first?"

"Tell me about Andy," Rowena decided after a moment's thought.

Teresa, who was sitting nearby, suddenly chimed in, "Is it related to the Jones family in Cascade City?"

Noelle paused, a bit surprised, then nodded. "Yeah. How'd you know?"

Teresa grinned. "Did you forget I'm from Cascade City? I've heard a thing or two about the Jones family's second son, but is using their name like this appropriate? What if they find out? It could be awkward, especially since that Andy guy is actually from Cascade City!"

Sean glanced at Teresa with new interest. "No worries. Ms. Shaw and I are practically kin."novelbin

Teresa smiled, knowing Sean was just being polite. After all, her Saunders family wasn't the same as the one Sean was referring to.

Sean's Smith family was one of the

top families in Brookville, while

Teresa's family was just

comfortably middle-class. Sean was only talking to them because of his

connection to Noelle.

Noelle clarified. "That Andy guy is Sean's actual brother, and we're using his name because he told us to. As for who calls the shots on this, just know it's all part of the act."

Teresa and Rowena nodded in agreement. "We've got your back. We won't spill the beans about you and Charles until you're ready to make it official."

While they were talking, they reached The Majestic Lounge.

The valet spotted Sean's car and came running. "Mr. Smith."

Sean flicked the car keys to the valet with a casual flip of his wrist and ushered Noelle and the crew upstairs.

They had been to The Majestic

et

Lounge before, but only to the regular rooms on the ground floor. That was their first time stepping into the swanky upper-tier suites. Noelle had breezed through once, but it was crowded, and she had not really scoped it out. Today, she took it all in and noticed it was different from the last time.

Leading the way, Sean cracked a grin. "Tonight's on me, so of course we're hanging out in my spot. It's not like the last time you came. Back then, we were in Mr. Fischer's territory!"

Noelle's eyes lit up with understanding. "Oh, so there's a difference tonight?"

Sean nodded, catching Rowena and

Teresa gawking as if they had just entered a palace. He could not help but smirk and fill them in. "Each room's got its own vibe, all decked

ne

out according to the owner's taste. Mr Fischer likes a more minimalist and dull style."