The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

"Hmph!" Sebastian huffed but still allowed Charles to bring the chessboard over. "Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're addressing me as 'sir'. If you ever hurt Nelly in the future, you'll have to sleep with one eye open! I don't care whether you're heir to the Hoffman family or not!" "Understood!" Charles said, a smile on his face as he placed the chessboard on the table. "Would you like to play black or white?"

"I'll play white!"

Charles handed the pieces to Sebastian, and the two sat down to play a game of chess together. Every once in a while, Sebastian would ask him a question. Charles bade his time, directing his black pieces across the board before he asked hesitantly, "Something happened when Noelle went to celebrate the New Year at the Shaw residence the other day. I was wondering if you heard about it, sir?"

Sebastian's hand quivered slightly as he looked at Charles.

Though he was getting on in age, he still had sharp eyes that allowed him to peer into the depths of one's heart. However, even after all these years, he still had not gotten a complete grasp of this student of his.

Upon noticing the look in Sebastian's eyes, a flame appeared in Charles' eyes. "I'm sure you won't tell me the details, but the fact that Nelly is your granddaughter will not change!"

Sebastian shut his eyes before letting out a sigh. "I have no idea if taking you in was the right decision or not!" Sebastian set down the chess piece he was holding and got up from his chair to walk over to his table. He sat there and ran his fingers over the pipe on the table, as still as a statue save for his moving hand.

Charles put his chess piece down as well. The outcome of the game had already been determined, and it did not matter if he made his next move or not.

"Is there something you can't discuss, sir?"

"I can't keep this a secret from you, but I'll try for as long as I can. That's the best response I can offer you. You've always been smart, so I'm sure you can understand what I'm getting at!"

Charles pursed his lips before crooking a corner upward. "Are you sure this is what's best for Nelly?"

"It doesn't matter whether it's the

best or not. Either way, it'll be better than what's happening now!" Sebastian said, spreading his hand outward. "You don't need to tell me about anything else. I had a feeling you weren't here just to visit me. I will tell you everything I can, but please leave this matter as it is for now!"

Sebastian shook his head. "Tell Noelle to pause her investigation. Knowing won't necessarily make things better than the way they are now!"

Charles frowned. It was the same request once more. "Sir..."

A knock rang out at the door,

interrupting Charles and Sebastian's

conversation. Upon hearing the knock, both men fell silent. Noelle opened the door, scrunching the corner of her apron in one hand as she asked, "Grandpa, Charlie, what are you two talking about?"

"It's nothing. I was enjoying a game of chess with sir!" Charles said as he got to his feet, "What's the matter?"

"Dinner is almost ready, so May asked me to let you two know that we can begin eating soon!" Noelle said as she smiled. "I'll continue getting things ready. Charlie, escort Grandpa to the table soon!"

Sebastian watched Noelle leave

before he spread his hands out and

said, "You saw that, didn't you?

Noelle is a simple child. It doesn'tet

matter what you give her. If you treat her well, she will also treat you well for the rest of her life. Heed my advice, and leave things alone, Charlie!"

A glint appeared in Charles' dark eyes, and he finally nodded.

It was the best dinner Noelle had eaten in a while. There were few people at her grandfather's home, and everyone was in a pleasant mood. Moreover, since Charles was with her, she felt even happier.

May's sharp eyes caught sight of the rings on Noelle and Charles' fingers, and she motioned to Sebastian. "Sir Shaw, look!"

When Sebastian looked over and saw the rings, he became even happier. "Wonderful, wonderful. Here, have more to eat!" As Sebastian ladled some food onto Charles' plate, he began, "Charlie, you and Noelle's wedding..."