The Cherished Wife

Afterward, Charles carried Noelle into the bathroom to bathe. Once out, Noelle had no energy left to ask about Annie. She fell asleep almost immediately.

With a smile in his eyes, Charles gently laid Noelle on the bed and then went to his study.

Ronald had sent updates punctually, reporting that there was little activity from Kerlsberg lately. Charles rubbed his chin, instructing Ronald to pull their people back and relax their vigilance toward Kerlsberg for the time being.

Finally, he added an afterthought to his instructions.

When Noelle woke up the next day, she felt entirely off. Her whole body ached as if she had been disassembled, lacking any energy.

The sunlight streamed in, fully waking her brain. She opened her eyes wide, thinking for a moment before getting up.

"Awake?"

Charles' voice came from the doorway. Noelle blinked and then threw off the covers. "Why didn't you wake me up!" She glanced at the time-it was already past eight. "Aren't you going to work today?"

Noelle's messy hair. "Do you remember what

thinking for a while. "What did you say last night?" She only remembered discussing Annie with Charles, but then Charles

this, Noelle glared at Charles. "You kept distracting me while I was talking to you!" she accused, feeling dissatisfied. "What did

her ear, "Come to the company

he had mentioned this, but it had been while he was... busy

mind had been unclear then, so she had not

I really have

to stay at home

he did not want Noelle to work too hard, he also did not want her to

be a couch potato, doing nothing all day. She had been resting because she had not decided what kind of job to pursue. "Then... I'll give it

Charles chuckled, pinching her nose. "I know my Nelly is capable. Now, wash up,

Charles' hand. "Um... I haven't even submitted my