The Cherished Wife

Chapter 49

s was the harsh truth about her parents–they had never really put her first.

Marriage?

If marriage was the real goal, why had they rushed to toss her into Simon’s bed?

“Awake?”

The man’s voice, crisp and icy, had sliced through the silence, jolting Noelle back to the present. She stumbled backward in a panic, crashing into the bed and collapsing onto it, her face drained of color.

Charles arched an eyebrow, taking in Noelle’s panicked dance. Had he scared her that much?

Realizing she might have overreacted, Noelle managed a sheepish grin. “Mr. Hoffman!

“Mm,” Charles had hummed, nodding. “Good to see you’re up. Feeling alright? There’s some medicine for fever on the table if you need it.”

fever?” Noelle was shocked. “I wasn’t running a fever.” Then she added quickly, “Did you rescue

squinted and flashed a knowing grin. “Pretty obvious,

idea of being in debt to Charles, yet he had saved her life. “Thanks! But, um…” She glanced down at her clothes, her cheeks warming with embarrassment, “About these

Charles said matter–of–factly. “No staff or ladies at my

face turned a deeper shade of red, and

in front of Charles, she stammered, “I… wasn’t talking about that.

Charles raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her shyness. “They’re probably

He added casually, “Hungry?”

not realized her hunger until he mentioned it. She had not eaten much at the Shaw’s last night

bathroom. “There’s a new toothbrush and towel for you. Freshen up. and we’ll grab some food

oh

away, her hand flying to her face as she felt her cheeks flare up

she could not control.