The Cherished Wife

“Grandpa’s in the hospital. I have to go see him!” Noelle said, grabbing her car keys and heading for the door. However, Charles grabbed her hand. “Hold on. I’ll come with you!”

“There’s no need.” Noelle pulled away. “If you show up now, the Shaw family might get the wrong idea. They’re the ones who upset Grandpa so much that he ended up in the hospital. It’s because of this whole mess with the shares. I have to sort this out!” The thought of her grandpa being in the hospital because of her made Noelle’s heart ache.

Charles’s eyes sparkled with concern, yet he held her hand tighter. “That’s exactly why I should be there.”

“But…” Noelle had her reasons for not wanting Charles to come. She was afraid he would get caught up in the family drama, just like Simon did before. The Shaws would latch onto Charles, and he would never hear the end of it.

Noelle knew her parents all too well. They were definitely the type to stir up trouble.

“No more ‘buts‘. I’m coming with you. I’ll just wait downstairs. I won’t come up!” Charles hurried upstairs, threw on his jacket, and led a stunned Noelle out the door.

He gently guided Noelle into the car’s front seat, quickly started the engine, and zoomed off to the hospital.

Charles found a hidden spot to park. Noticing Noelle’s nervousness as she reached for the door, he caught her hand. “Nelly.”

Noelle looked back, worried. “Is there anything else?”

“Just be careful, okay? Call me if you need anything!” Charles gave Noelle’s hand a reassuring pat. Remember, you’ve always got me!”

“Okay!” Noelle’s heart felt warm as she nodded. “Charles, once Grandpa’s better, I’ll introduce you to him!” Charles gave her a small smile and gently ruffled her hair. “I thought you’d want me to meet your maternal grandfather first!” He gazed at her fondly.

Noelle paused, puzzled. “Why?”

“Just go,” Charles said with a shake of his head.

“Alright!”

Noelle stepped out of the car, gave Charles one last look, then hurried into the hospital.

She reached the emergency room and saw the Shaw family waiting outside. Jade saw Noelle first and charged at her, slapping her face. “You piece of trash! Look at what you’ve done! You’ve sent your grandpa to the hospital with a stroke!”

Noelle did not see the slap coming. Holding her cheek, she stared at Jade, her eyes wide with shock. “I have no idea what you mean. What’s happened to Grandpa?”

All Noelle could think about was her grandpa and what might have happened to him. She did not have the patience to deal with Jade right then.

Jade was fuming. “You don’t know? How did you trick Grandpa into giving you all his shares? You’re nothing but trouble. What are you up to?” Jade raised her hand to strike again, but Noelle was ready this time. She caught Jade’s hand, her gaze icy. “I’ve always respected you because you’re my mom and you took care of me. But I see now that you never deserved that respect, because you’ve never really seen me as your daughter.”

With a strong shove, Noelle pushed Jade away. “It was Grandpa’s choice to give me the shares. Why are you fighting with him about it? Don’t think I don’t know what you’ve done to him. I can’t deal with this now. Step aside!” Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.