The Cherished Wife

Chapter 57

Noelle watched her phone disappear into Charles’s hand, let out a little sigh without even realizing it, then caught his teasing look. “Having second thoughts?”

Noelle bit her lip, her face a shade paler than usual. Charles’s words had thrown her for a loop. Deep down, she knew the truth, though. Ever since Xavier’s betrayal with Winter, her heart had checked out. “No way!”

“Is that so?” Charles let out a skeptical chuckle, clearly not buying it.

Noelle caught the disbelief in Charles’s eyes and sighed inwardly. What was she expecting? Charles was a tough nut to crack, and their relationship had taken a turn into uncharted territory. “Believe it or not, Xavier and I are done,” she declared, pausing for emphasis. Since she was his wife now, she would not step out of line. “You have my word.”

Charles quirked an eyebrow, his eyes revealing a flicker of surprise before he gave a half–smile. “Good to hear. Let’s get you home.”

“Okay.”

Noelle knew better than to argue. Charles was set in his ways, and she could not change his mind.

familiar. Just as Noelle reached for the door handle, Charles’s voice stopped her. She turned to

slightly, the weight of his words hanging in the air. “I know this all happened fast, but we are married now. You

frown deepened, a silent acknowledgment, as she met his

it?” Charles pressed, his

the strings, with Noelle, he handled things with kid gloves. Noelle bit her lip and gave a small nod. “I need

do,” and she had rushed into this life–changing decision.

a forced smile, Noelle said, “You know, you don’t have to remind me. I’m your

his deep eyes glinting

out

way more terrifying than any monster.” She kept that to herself and managed a weak,

night. Just take it easy today, and don’t go catching a cold,” Charles said, his gaze making