The Cherished Wife

Chapter 51

Time froze, and Noelle’s heart raced out of control. She Instantly wished she could take back her words, wondering why she had ever blurted them out.

Her cheeks warmed with a blush, and she could not bring herself to look at Charles, feeling totally mortified. Girls were not supposed to ask guys questions like that, were they?

Charles watched her, a playful smile creeping into his eyes as he saw her squirm. His fingers drummed lightly on the table, each tap echoing in Noelle’s chest

Noelle chewed on her lip, her embarrassment growing. She felt like she had lost all control of the conversation. “I mean… just forget I asked, okay? Don’t take it seriously!” 1

“What if I do take it seriously?” Charles’s voice was cool but teasing.

Noelle was ready to just shrug off the whole awkward moment, but Charles’s response stopped her cold. She looked up at him, her eyes wide with surprise. “What?”

She had figured Charles was just messing with her, especially after his earlier gesture, and she had nearly given up hope. “Can you repeat that?”

twinkling. “I always keep my word, and I’m not one for jokes. I told you

and now that you’ve made your decision, there’s

holding the reins of the conversation and,

fear that creeped

of her mouth. Sadly, it just would

to explain, Ms. Shaw,” Charles had cut her off with a wave of his hand. “Whatever sparked this change of heart or sped it up, it is not my concern. I’m only interested in the

hand over her life story to someone else? Noelle’s

emotions.

fingers. “Marry me, and I’ll give you the happiness you’re after. And if there’s anything you

for a

tapping coming to a halt. He gestured with an open hand, inviting

silence stretched on, the air heavy between