The Cherished Wife



"Be a good girl and accompany me for some shopping. You were always so busy before and never had time to spend with me!" Cindy patted Annie's hand gently.

Annie looked around uneasily, saying, "But my face!"

"To me, you've always been the most beautiful girl," Cindy reassured.

"But..." Annie was about to say more when she spotted a familiar figure not far away. She quickly recognized Winter and Suzy, chatting and laughing as they shopped.

Annie clenched her fists, her eyes turning bloodshot as she stared at their backs. She wanted to rush over, but Cindy grabbed her just in time. "Annie, what are you trying to do? You promised your father and brother that you wouldn't associate yourself with them anymore!"

"I..." As she was held back by Cindy, Annie reluctantly turned to walk the other way.

Annie's resentment still lingered. She touched her face. Thinking about the information Cody had given her, her hatred intensified.

She had always considered Winter and Suzy her best friends, but they had abandoned and even used her at a critical moment. Her brother had told her that if Noelle had not been lucky enough to get rescued in time, she would have died from poisoning.

Annie would have been charged with hiring a killer.

"Annie? Annie?" Cindy looked anxiously at her daughter, noticing Annie's pale face. "If you don't want to shop, we can go back. I'll take you home!" "Mom, I'm fine!" Annie forced a smile to reassure Cindy. "I'm sorry I got so upset. I promise I won't be willful anymore." As she spoke, she saw Noelle walking toward them and froze, her expression shifting.

Noelle had not expected to run into Annie. She had not seen Annie since their last class reunion. Seeing Annie now startled her.

Annie's face was not disfigured, but the scars were unsettling, especially on a previously beautiful face.

Annie's eyes fixated on Noelle. Her anger and hatred toward Winter and Suzy were born of disappointment. With Noelle, Annie did not know what to feel.

l

She disliked Noelle and wanted to make her suffer, but she never intended to kill her. Seeing Noelle unharmed alleviated some of Annie's guilt, but the suffering she endured because of Noelle fueled her bitterness. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Feeling uncomfortable under Annie's intense gaze, Noelle nodded slightly and tried to walk past her. Annie spoke up just then, "Noelle." Noelle paused, unsure what Annie wanted. Did she still want to cause trouble?

Noelle stopped and looked at Annie, "What do you want?"

"Do you have time? We need to talk," Annie said.

Noelle hesitated, somewhat surprised by Annie's request. She scrutinized Annie. "You want to talk? I don't think we have anything to discuss."

"Don't you want to know why you were bitten by that snake? And about my face..." Annie said, touching her scarred cheek.

Noelle was silent for a moment. She

.ne

disliked dealing with people like Annie. Annie was close to Winter, and she might use Winter's tricks against her.

Annie urged, "It won't take much of your time. I need to explain everything to you!"