The Cherished Wife

Annie had been eavesdropping for a bit and overheard Winter and Jade talking. With every word, she saw Winter in a new light. She could hardly believe that Winter, whom she had once helped to plot against Noelle, could be so cruel. The thought made her feel angry and trapped.

Back in the day, Annie might have been bossy, but she never wanted to hurt anyone. She would never do something as mean as setting loose poisonous snakes. She had believed everything Winter said about Noelle, but listening to Winter and Jade now, she felt a cold shiver run through her.

Annie had a pretty great life with loving parents and a caring older brother. She never had to worry about anything. It was tough for her to picture someone like Noelle being tricked by her own sister and mother. They had even taken Noelle's boyfriend and given her to Simon against her will. Her brother Cody had filled her in on all the details about Winter last night. Annie had doubts before, but she knew her brother was telling the truth. "Okay, Winter. Mom shouldn't stay here too long. I need to go look after the guests. What about your two best friends?" Jade glanced around. "Their names were Suzy and Annie, right? You said they were your best friends. Why aren't they here?"

"They're here, Mom. Suzy's outside," Winter replied with a smile. "It's my wedding day. Of course she came! And Annie, well, she's not..."

Knock knock! There was a knock at the door. Winter and Jade exchanged a quick glance before Jade suggested, "Maybe it's your best friend."

Winter smiled. "You're probably right. I'll get it!" She walked over and swung the door open, her smile still bright. However, when she saw Annie, her smile froze, and she stumbled back in shock.

Winter gasped, staring at Annie in disbelief. "You..."

Annie's smile did not waver. "Winter, I hope you and your dream guy have the happiest ever after. When you're married, make sure to keep the spark alive and have babies as soon as you can!" Annie's eyes sparkled with humor, but the scars on her face made her look a bit scary.

Winter quickly pulled herself together and took a deep breath. "Annie, thank you. I didn't expect to see you today. I heard about your..." Winter's face fell with concern.Cls your face okay? I'm sorry. I just got a bit scared. Who did this to you?"NôvelDrama.Org owns all content.

Winter tried to hide her unease, but she could not take her eyes off Annie's expression. Annie clenched her teeth with anger. "Who else but that mean girl, Noelle!" Annie touched the marks on her face. "I won't let her get away with this."

Winter glanced at Jade with caution. Jade's eyes sparkled as she walked over and gently took Annie's hand, her head shaking with sadness. "It's such a shame about your face, Annie. You were so pretty before. Sigh!"

"Madam Shaw!" Annie's voice trembled, close to tears. "Is it really that bad?"

"No, not at all. Annie, you're still the most beautiful," Jade said, even though she did not quite mean it.

"You know, some people might beet

pretty on the outside, but that

doesn't matter if they're not nice on the inside. But Annie, I just I

think it's

such a waste. Why don't you go to

the hospital and get it checked?"

"I will, but Winter is getting married, right? If I go now, I might not see her for a long time, and I wouldn't be able to wish her well. Winter is my best friend, so I have to be here to bless her first. After this, I'll go to the hospital."