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!”

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

mistake and kept checking on

glanced up and gave the lady a reassuring smile. “I’m

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

She was so captivated that she forgot to

frown and shot a quick, displeased look at

I’m okay, see? I’m all in one piece!” She was worried Charles might get upset, and the lady wouldn’t be able

looked like he wanted to say more. Noelle, however, shook her head. “Come on, I’m starving, and we’ve still got shopping

to snap

downplaying her pain. This tough little lady was pretending she was just fine.

not sure what he was getting

up into his arms, causing her to yelp in surprise as she instinctively