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?"

over and tidied Noelle's messy

did you say last night?" She only remembered discussing Annie

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

whispered softly in her ear, "Come to

recalling that he had mentioned this, but it had been while he was...

then, so she had not remembered much of what he

hesitated. "Do I really have to

want to stay at

hard, he also did not want her to be idle. He knew

She had been resting because she had not decided what kind of job to pursue. "Then... I'll give it a try, but let's

my Nelly is capable.

"Um... I