The Cherished Wife

“Oops!” Noelle carefully put back the extra items she had grabbed, “So now we… Ouch!”

Before Noelle could finish her sentence, she was jolted by a shopping cart that a customer had accidentally let go of. The cart had come out of nowhere, and even Charles, with his ninja–like reflexes,

could not catch it in time.

Charles, with a swift move, pulled Noelle out of harm’s way, but the cart clipped him, causing his ankle to

twist.

Noelle inhaled sharply, the throbbing pain in her calf forcing her to clench her teeth.

Charles caught the pained look on Noelle’s face and quickly shoved the cart aside, crouching down to massage the spot where she had been struck. “How are you? Does it hurt much?”

The spot where Charles’s hands were was tender, but Noelle shook her head. “I’m fine, really!”

you sure you’re okay? I’m so sorry!” A woman, clutching her child, hurried over, her face awash with remorse. “I was watching my little one and didn’t see the cart get away from me. I’m terribly sorry. Are you sure you’re not hurt? Maybe we should check it

kept checking on how

a reassuring smile. “I’m fine,

his tall figure casting a protective shadow over Noelle. The lady caught sight of Charles and was momentarily

before. She was so captivated that she

slight frown and shot a quick,

was worried Charles might get upset, and the lady wouldn’t be able to handle it. Noelle shifted her leg

looked like he wanted to say more. Noelle, however, shook her head. “Come on,

Noelle led Charles away. The lady took a moment to snap out of her daze, her cheeks flushed as she watched

lady was pretending she was just fine. However, seeing her limp, he could not

gave him a puzzled look, not sure what he was getting at.

suddenly scooped Noelle up into his arms, causing her to yelp in surprise as she instinctively clung to his neck. “Hey! What are you doing?