The Cherished Wife

Chapter 59

Charles‘ slender hand picked at the seatbelt on Noelle, then he smiled and said, “I hope you were joking.”

Noelle gazed at Charles, her breath catching in her throat. She could not read him, he was way too close for comfort. His presence and unique scent were overwhelming. A crisp blend of passionfruit and lemon lingered in the air, light yet impossible to ignore.

She turned away, her heart racing. “I get it,” she said with a quick nod.

She knew she was no match for Charles in this game they were playing.

Charles noticed her unease and softened his expression, “Hey, I didn’t mean to freak you out. Look, stuff happens, right? Why run from it? Face it head–on, accept it, and who knows? You might see things in a new light.”

Noelle inhaled deeply, trying to steady her nerves. ‘Fine. I’ll give it a shot. Three days, right? You promised me three days.”

Noelle’s mix of fear and feistinessng, not the usual reaction he got. “I’m a man of my word. Just don’t act like this after the

lip, Noelle mumbled, “I should head

unlocked the car door. Noelle’s spirits lifted. She flung the door open and bolted, not even bothering

with her skirt hiked up. Her clumsy steps gave her away, and remembering how she had second–guessed herself earlier, he just shook his head, a mix of amusement and pity in

thoughts. Charles

frosty smirk

camped out at Noelle’s place since dawn. She had vanished last night, and even though Xavier was partly relieved she was okay, he could not shake off his worry. He had bolted from the Shaw’s and had been staking out her doorstep ever

night despite his endless knocking, nor any answer

night long.

parked under Noelle’s apartment, he kept a close watch. The had been there for ages, and he had no clue