The Cherished Wife

Chapter 39

It was like being in an oven, heat blasting from every direction, frying Noelle’s brain. Through the haze, she thought she saw someone. A cool touch on her cheek, a moment of relief, made her grumble in protest. Blinking hard, the figure looming over her took her by surprise. She felt like she was floating on a cloud, then suddenly, she was free–falling.

Snapping back to reality, Noelle’s eyes flew open to an unfamiliar face. “Who are you?” she croaked, shocked at the sound of her own voice. She shoved the guy away and bolted from the bed. “What did you do to me?”

The man ran his fingers along his jawline, his gaze sharp and calculating. “Are you just playing dumb, or do you really have no clue?”

Noelle’s legs gave out. She stumbled into the coffee table before collapsing to the floor. The man watched her with a hint of amusement, his eyebrow arching slightly as he said with a smirk, “Your folks told me you were still a virgin when they gave you to me.”

“What did you just say?” Noelle’s mind was foggy, her thoughts focused on the confrontation she had just had in the study. Her father’s stern voice was still ringing in her ears, as were her mother’s words. Was this guy they were talking about? The one who had poured a fortune into their lives? Noelle’s face, paled, particularly when she caught the sneer on the man’s face.

in a Shaw family room. Was it true? Did her parents really hand her over to some stranger during her

chin up, Noelle slapped his hand away

struggled weakly, clicking his tongue in mock pity. “Quite the

by a stranger. This time, her own parents were to blame. She bit down on her lip so hard it started to bleed. It helped her focus. “What

practically buried in her palms, but she did not. even feel

cocked an eyebrow, clearly amused. “What can you offer me? What on earth could I, Simon York, not already have in

Simon York?

Noelle’s eyes. She had not expected him to be Simon, the notorious Master York

a knock came from the door, followed by Winter’s