The Cherished Wife



The new year was just a few days away, and Noelle's spirits had been lifting. Charles was still worried about her getting upset, though. He had been sticking closely by her side at the Phoenix Tree Residence. He had also ramped up the search for clues about her past, putting Peter on the case. However, just like before, they had hit a wall. It was as if someone had gone to great lengths to wipe Noelle's history clean.

Charles had a hunch that there was more to Noelle's story than met the eye, but he knew it was not the right time to dig into Sebastian or Samuel's secrets. If they were keeping things under wraps, it must mean Noelle's past was a can of worms they did not want to open. Just like that, Charles lost the urge to keep snooping.

Conversely, Noelle was gearing up to make a bold move. She had decided to meet with Samuel, leaving Charles out of the loop. They agreed to catch up at Homestyle Garden House, one of the few places still buzzing with life as New Year festivities drew near and most shops were closed.

Noelle got to the coffee shop way ahead of time. Teresa was off that day, leaving only a couple of baristas who acknowledged Noelle with a nod and a smile.

Samuel walked in with Eli lending him an arm, and Noelle sprang to her feet. "Grandpa!" she exclaimed.

Seeing Noelle, Samuel's face lit up with joy. He had sensed she was upset the last time they met, which must have been why she dashed off so suddenly. He had tried to get the scoop from Noelle and even prodded Charles about it, but a straight answer was nowhere to be found.

Then, with Noelle reaching out to him, Samuel could not help but feel a warm glow inside. "We've barely been apart, and you're already missing me?" he teased.

"Really? Doesn't Grandpa miss me?" Noelle gazed at Samuel, her eyes welling up with tears. She had reminded herself to stay composed on her way over, but the weight of the moment was proving too much for her.

It was one thing to not be a Shaw and not Julian and Jade's daughter, but Samuel's kindness to her was as real as it got. He even seemed to favor her over Winter.

"Look at her. She's about to burst into tears."

Samuel's heart clenched at the sight of Noelle's distress. With Eli's help he sat down and gently pulled Noelle to sitbeside him. "Are you that happy to see me?"

Noelle forced a small smile, trying her best to appear normal. "Yes, I'm just really happy."

Samuel shook his head with a mix of affection and resignation. "So, why did you want to see me?"

After a brief pause, Noelle poured Samuel a cup of coffee. "Grandpa, there's actually something I've been wanting to ask you."

Samuel's grip on his coffee cup

faltered stightly at her serious tone. A flicker of uncertainty crossed his mind, though he could not pinpoint why. "Go ahead. Let's see if I can clear things up for you."

Noelle hesitated, seeming to gather her thoughts. Just as Samuel was about to assume she had changed her mind, she took a deep breath and said, "Grandpa, I'm not your granddaughter by blood, amd?"

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Samuel's grip on his coffee cup faltered, and the hot liquid splashed out, making him wince. However, he quickly pulled himself together. "I'm okay!"

"Grandpa, I..." Noelle caught the look on Samuel's face and hesitated, biting her lip. "You don't have to pretend with me. I know all about it."