The Cherished Wife

Noelle was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter. She patted the steering wheel and turned to look at the man behind her. "I hadn't thought of that. If that's the case, then you'd have to call Brian your mentor too!" Charles frowned, closing the file in his hands. "You seem quite pleased with yourself."

Noelle bit her lip, trying hard to suppress her laughter. Her shoulders shook as she struggled to keep a straight face, but she shook her head vigorously. "No. Not at all!"

Charles narrowed his eyes, his dark orbs glinting mischievously in the dimly lit car. Noelle felt a flutter in her chest and swallowed nervously, but in her anxiety, she accidentally kicked the car door, wincing in pain. "What's wrong?" Charles heard her sharp intake of breath and frowned, leaning over to check on her. "Where did you hurt yourself?"

He quickly exited the car, opened the driver's side door, and saw Noelle cradling her foot.

He gently lifted it and noticed that her ankle was swollen and the back of her heel was blistered. His frown deepened.

prodded her ankle with his

to admit it. "Really, it's fine. I just

gasped, pulling her foot back. However, Charles' firm grip held her

gonna say it doesn't hurt?" He shot her a stern look. "Why did you wear such high heels when going out?" His tone was

of her clothes without saying a word. Charles' gaze grew colder. "Don't think staying quiet will solve the problem. You didn't think to change shoes before going out with Brian? And he didn't notice you

it. "It was my first day at work. I didn't know he'd take

spoke softly, her tone full of apology. "I was wrong. I promise I'll be more careful next time and won't let myself get

not!" Noelle protested, a little annoyed. "I already said today was an accident. Plus, I'm a woman, and women love to look good. Wearing high heels is normal. It's