The Cherished Wife

"Then you'd better hurry!" Arya gestured a quick goodbye to Noelle. It was only after Noelle had left that Arya's head popped up again. "Mr. Hoffman asked Noelle to join him?" Something felt off to her, but she could not quite figure out what it was. With the documents in hand, Noelle made a beeline for Charles's reserved parking spot and found Charles casually leaning against his car, apparently caught up in a phone conversation.

Charles caught sight of Noelle as she jogged up to him, slightly breathless. He glanced at his watch and quirked an eyebrow. "Right on time-nine minutes and fifty seconds!" Rolling her eyes, Noelle grumbled. "Where are you heading off to?" She handed over the documents to Charles. "Here are the papers. You know what? I think I'll pass on going." With one hand, Charles accepted the documents and with the other, he gently grabbed Noelle's arm. He quickly wrapped up his phone call with a "Catch you later," and ended it.

He took a brief look at the documents before swinging the car door open, signaling Noelle to hop in. Noelle hesitated. "You've got something important, don't you? Is it really okay for me to tag along?"

With a soft laugh, Charles tousled Noelle's hair. "Come on, get in. If I'm bringing you, it means there's nothing to worry about."

seatbelt. All the while, Noelle sat stiff as a board, her gaze fixed on the back of Charles's head. Even after all their time as

caught Noelle's unblinking stare and playfully caressed her cheek, giving it a gentle pinch.

take self-love to a whole new level. And hey, you still haven't

tight. You'll see soon enough." Charles gave Noelle's nose a playful scratch and circled the car to hop into the

mirroring

stop to make before our final destination." With that, he smoothly

giving herself another once-over. "Is it my outfit? Is it not up to par?" Charles quirked an eyebrow. "Looks like my girl's