The Cherished Wife

Noelle glanced up, a bit taken aback. "Sure. Just a minute!"

She hung up and stepped outside, spotting Ronald with a breakfast bag in hand. She raised an eyebrow. "Mr. Wells, did you need something?"

"Madam, this is the breakfast Mr. Hoffman sent me to deliver to you!" Ronald tried to hand it over, but Noelle did not take it. "Mr. Wells, you've been told to call me Noelle at work. And don't you know most places have a policy that you can't eat during work hours? Please take it back. I'm not interested."

"Madam sorry, Ms. Shaw!-you're putting me in a tough spot here!" Ronald's face was the picture of despair. "Mr. Hoffman made it crystal clear this morning that I had to get you breakfast. But when I got here, I found him pacing the sidewalk, and you were nowhere. He was livid and threatened to cut my bonus. If I don't make sure you get this breakfast, he's going to slash my year-end bonus too. Ms. Shaw, I'm begging you! Have a heart. I've got my folks and kids counting on me..."

I'll get caught by Mr. Parker, and he'll cut my pay. It's still my first day. I'm sure you wouldn't want me to start off on the wrong foot with my boss, right?" Ronald was at a loss

what do I

to run. I can't talk!" With that, Noelle spun on her heel and strode off, leaving Ronald with a sinking feeling in his gut. He reached out, wanting to stop her, but all he could do was watch her walk away. It hit him then-neither Mr. Hoffman nor

office, Noelle bumped into Arya again, who eyed her curiously. Noelle gave a slight nod and had barely settled into her seat when Arya sidled up. "Spill it, Noelle. What's the

arched an

then hand-delivers your breakfast? Along with that, Mr.

lips tightened just a tad-her face was calm, but inside, she was anything but