The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

"My relationship with Mr. Parker is the same as yours," Noelle replied with a playful grin, brushing off the idle chatter.

Arya trusted Noelle. If Noelle said there was nothing to it, then that was that. "Okay, I can breathe easy then. You have no idea. Mr. Parker is a total catch, and girls are practically lining up for him. I just didn't want you getting caught up in all that drama!" "Relax," Noelle said, giving Arya's shoulder a reassuring pat. "You're making it sound way more intense than it is. Mr. Parker's a great guy, and he'll find someone just as awesome. You don't need to stress about it."

The buzz about Noelle and Brian fizzled out as quickly as it had started. With so many people around, the topic changed before you knew it. Besides, the people at the heart of the rumor did not make a big deal out of it, so neither did anyone else. A little ways off, Janet froze when she caught sight of Noelle's face. She could not tear her eyes away, terrified she was mistaken. However, that face was etched in her memory, a face she loathed with every fiber of her being. How could she ever confuse it? What on earth was Kelly doing there?

Was it not years ago that Kelly had left Brookville for good? How on earth could she be at the Colossus Group's annual gala? Impossible.

"Janet? Janet, are you okay?"

"Uh? Aunt!" Janet was still shaking, her mind reeling from the shock. It was not until Clarisse's familiar face came into view that she snapped out of it. "Aunt, I saw her, I swear I did."

"Saw who, sweetheart?" Clarisse could tell something was up with Janet. "Who did you see? And why are you all shaky?" She scanned the room but did not catch sight of anyone or anything out of the ordinary. "Janet?"

"Aunt, it was really her." Janet clung to Clarisse's hand. "It was Kelly. She's supposed to be gone from Brookville, right? She..."

"Wait, you mean Kelly?" Clarisse was taken aback and peered around. "Look, Janet, maybe you're just worn out from all the prep for the annual meeting. Could it be that you're seeing things?"

However, Janet was adamant,

shaking her head vigorously. "No, Aunt, I'm telling you, she was right over there..." She pointed to where she last saw her, but the figure had vanished. She blinked in disbelief. "How can that be? She was just here a second ago."

Janet shoved Clarisse out of the way and dashed to where Noelle had just been, but Noelle was nowhere to be seen. Under her breath, Jahet kept whispering, "NO way, I couldn't have been mistaken, it was definitely Kelly. Aunt, Kelly's back. She's going to try to steal Charles from me. Aunt, I won't let her take my Charles! You have to help me!"

"Janet, Janet, take a deep breath!" Clarisse grabbed Janet's flailing arms and gave her a firm pinch.

"Look at me, Janet. Even if she

hasn't come back, and even if shet

has, Won't let her anywhere near Charles, trust me. What makes you think she's good enough for him? Don't you remember? She's lost her honor."