The Cherished Wife

Chapter 44

Noelle’s head smacked into the back of the front seat, the pain almost bringing tears to her eyes. She let out a soft cry, propping herself up, only to frown in confusion, “What’s this? It’s so hard!” she said, giving it an accidental squeeze.

Charles gasped, pulling her close, his voice tense. “Stay still.”

Noelle heard the edge in Charles’s voice and pouted, giving him a woeful look, “Are you mad at me?”

Although Charles did not know whether to laugh or cry, he managed to keep his composure, gently patting Noelle’s head. “Calm down. Let go.”

“You still haven’t told me what this thing is!” Noelle gave it another curious squeeze. “Why is it on you?” Her wide–eyed innocence was making it tough for Charles to keep his cool, let alone make a move.

He took a deep breath, gently pulled Noelle’s hand away, and wrapped her in a comforting embrace. “Try to stay still, okay?”

As Charles rolled down the window, the chilly breeze rushed in, a welcome distraction to help him settle his racing thoughts.

on it!”

His gaze grew

the rising tide of emotions inside him. Grabbing his phone, he dialed Sean’s number. “Be at the Phoenix Tree Residence in twenty minutes,” he commanded,

hung

1. up.

squirming against him, her restless movements rekindling the flames he just managed to douse. Clutching his phone like a lifeline, he took a few steadying breaths before tenderly stroking her

turmoil in the backseat, Ronald floored the gas pedal, speeding towards Phoenix Tree Residence. They pulled up to see Sean casually leaning against the

fingers.

the door open, and without missing a beat, Charles scooped Noelle up and carried her past Sean into

doubt. He did not snuff it out until Ronald came closer, then he

Charles’s chilly voice cut through the air from inside the Phoenix Tree Residence,

up; it was not often that Charles sounded so irked. This was getting interesting. He gave Ronald a