The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

"Understood!"

The year had barely begun when Nancy's health took a nosedive. She thought a little rest would do the trick, but lately, she had been feeling worse, not better. Henry had been dragging her to hospital after hospital, and he had even insisted on her staying there. Nancy could feel herself getting weaker by the day, and her longing to see Tania intensified.

...

Henry knew exactly what was weighing on Nancy's heart. He was well aware of Charles's secret visit with Nancy. He had not said a word, but he knew the only move left was to bring Tania back.

Back when Nancy was on death's doorstep, not a single member of the Hoffman family was a bone marrow match-only Tania was. Tania had risked it all to save Nancy, giving her a second shot at life. However, that very act had taken its toll on Tania, leaving scars that haunted her even after she got pregnant, and then the baby...

Henry had just finished calming Nancy down when he stepped out of the hospital room and dialed Charles's number. "I need to see Peter!"

Charles got the call and wasted no time in tracking down Peter. He relayed the urgent message, "You've got to brace yourself. Aunt... she's not doing too well. Uncle Henry's bringing Anna back, and it might be to say goodbye for the last time. If Anna this time..."

"I get it!" Peter cut Charles off mid-sentence, inhaling sharply from his cigarette, the smoke curling around his fingers until the cigarette was half gone. He stubbed it out, rolled up the window, and shot Charles a look of gratitude. "Thanks."

"Sure thing," Charles replied with a nod. "Uncle Henry might still be holding some grudges against you, so just bear with it, okay?"

"Will do."

Peter swung the car door open and stepped onto the pavement.

Nancy's health was on a steep

decline, and Henry, who was utterly devoted to his wife, could not stand to be away from her. That's why they were meeting at Sean's hospital.

Sean was just leaving his office when he caught sight of Peter. Surprised, he quipped, "What brings you here Checking in on your mother-in-law?" However, noticing Peter's grim expression, Sean quickly backed off. "No harm meant."

Peter gave a slight nod. "How's my mother-in-law holding up?"

"It's not looking good. She's been out of it these days. Her health's been shaky for the last three years. If it hadn't been for Tania's situation back then, well, it's tough to say if she would have made it this far. So, what's up? Did your in-laws send it to you?"

Peter inhaled sharply, giving Sean's shoulder a reassuring pat. "Do what you can to buy me some time, okay? Anna will be back."

"I know, I know. Now go! She needs you!"

With that, Peter hurried to Nancy's hospital room. Henry, hearing the footsteps, got up and met Peter at the door. "You made it." "Dad!"

Henry just huffed, not bothering with a rebuttal. He glanced at Nancy, sleeping peacefully in her bed. "Let's talk over there. Mom's resting."

"Mr. Henry Hoffman, I've arranged the next room for you guys. You can talk there. I'll keep an eye on Nancy." Henry gave a nod of thanks and clapped Sean on the shoulder. "I appreciate all you've done for us lately."