The Cherished Wife

"Do you like it?"

Noelle caught Charles's eye. He was as silent as a statue, which made her heart race a little. She glanced down at her outfit, feeling out of place. She had never worn anything like this before, and she was pretty sure she had never seen these clothes in any period drama before. However, the intense spark in Charles's gaze immediately washed away her worries. She gave a small, hopeful smile. "How do I look?"

"You look amazing!" Charles whispered, his voice low but filled with warmth. He chuckled and reached out to straighten her outfit. "Head on out. I'll be right behind you!"

"Got it!"

Stepping out, Noelle spotted Sean and Peter, already decked out in their new gear. They looked like they had stepped out of a different era. They looked so cool that Noelle nearly forgot Sean's usual goofball antics. Blinking in surprise, Noelle greeted them with a bright, "Hey Peter, Mr. Smith!"

a slight nod, but Sean was not having it. "Hold up, Noelle. You're on a first-name basis with Peter, yet I get the 'Mr. Smith' treatment? That's cold. We've known each other way longer!" "Should I just call you Sean, then?" Noelle laughed, caught

us just now. If Charles saw that, he'd be green with envy!" "Who's envious?" Charles appeared, his gaze briefly flicking over Sean. "Are you sure she's even looking at you?" he said, the dig at Sean

or popular enough? Even

the jab,

at Sean. "Sean, you're really asking for it." His

Charles's brooding tone. Noelle glanced up at Peter, sensing

They're always like this. How about

Charles, her hand in his. She could not help but steal glances at him. She was

tall, not overly muscular but with a physique that made everything he wore look effortlessly stylish. He