The Cherished Wife

Noelle noticed Charles's face grow a bit serious after what she had said. She wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her forehead against his, and gave a light tap, chuckling. "Feeling jealous?" "What's that?" Charles smiled, tilting Noelle's head back so their foreheads touched, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Noelle, have you ever felt jealous?"

Noelle lifted an eyebrow, her mouth curving into a smile. "Nope." She laughed softly, playfully pinching Charles's cheek. "Not at all!"

Charles could not help but be entertained by Noelle's playful antics. He watched her busy hands pinch his cheek and let her be. "From what you're saying, maybe I should make you jealous for real!" "You wouldn't dare!" Noelle playfully clawed at his face, rubbing it vigorously. "Just you try!"

Charles burst into genuine laughter, gently pulling her hands away. "Go on, then!"

Noelle looked serious. "I've been thinking. Grandpa is just worried because he hasn't met you and hasn't seen us together. I know he doesn't have any reason to worry, but he's our elder. We got married so quietly. I think it's time you met him."

Charles took a moment to think, his face serious too. The lamp in the study gave off a soft light, and outside the window, the night was thick. If they listened, they could hear the autumn cicadas, a sign that fall was almost over. It was chilly and dewy outside, but inside, it was cozy and warm.

gentle look in

wanted to tell Samuel that she was doing well before Winter's wedding and that Winter's

always so

warmer as he held Noelle's face, his gaze intense.

and gave Charles a quick kiss on the lips. "I knew you

kissed him when she felt that fiery, wild side of him that was so different from the

suddenly

long enough to know exactly what that look in his eyes meant. A slight tightness gripped her heart as she

Charles's kiss interrupted her, warm and