The Cherished Wife

Noelle was nestled in the backseat of the car, her heart still racing from the night's chaos. She had scooted her seat back to match Charles', while Sean had taken on the role of chauffeur. Sean caught Noelle's silence, shot a look at Charles, and raised an eyebrow.

"Noelle, why so quiet?"

She let out a sigh, her thoughts snapping back into the car. "I just don't know what to say."

"Tired?" Charles reached over and took Noelle's hand in his, gently squeezing it. "Your hand feels like ice," he said, his brow creasing with worry. Sean, can we turn up the heat in here?"

He turned back to Noelle, his voice tinged with concern. "Didn't you think to bring a jacket before heading out? It's not the dead of winter, but the nights are still chilly."

Noelle laughed softly, feeling the warmth from Charles's grip. "I'm tougher than I look," she assured him, but her smile faded as the night's events replayed in her mind. "You know Winter's friend, Suzy? Today, she was..." The words got stuck in her throat as Suzy's face invaded her thoughts, unbidden and haunting.

"Don't be scared. Whatever happened,

met his gaze, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "I know. But how

course, Noelle. You have no idea how long Charles and I waited for you downstairs, keeping tabs on your every movement!" Sean glanced in the rearview mirror at their intertwined fingers and raised an eyebrow. "We would've come up sooner if

about you, so I had a few people keep

at that time, his care was like a constant embrace. No wonder she felt like some of the people around her were watching over her,

Charles's hand before snuggling closer,. resting her

"Thanks, Charles!"

There's no need for thanks!" Charles gently patted her head,

Noelle hummed contentedly.

chill with the PDA? Some of us are single