The Cherished Wife

"I'll head downstairs to rest now," said Eloise.

"Okay." Steven did not even bother to look up. Only after Eloise left did he slide his hands into his pockets, his dark eyes shining brightly in the night.

He stood by the window, gazing out at the desolate view with his brows slightly furrowed. It had been so many years since he last returned, and it seemed that much had changed, including the people.

After drinking too much alcohol that evening, Charles, though appearing to behave himself, ended up being quite a challenge for Noelle.

Both of them disliked having outsiders in their homes, so even after getting married, they maintained their habit of not having any household staff around.

Noelle usually did not mind, but tonight, taking care of a drunk Charles by herself was proving exhausting.

managed to get Charles out of his clothes, but then came the dilemma of

of the night that she finally breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Charles was calm when drunk. He did not get loud or cause a mess. Otherwise, Noelle felt she might have lost her

how long she had slept

Noelle let out a soft murmur, her eyes slowly fluttering open to find Charles propped up on one hand, leaning over her. His lips roamed freely across her face, and his expression showed no hint of

Charles placed both hands on either side of the bed, lifting his head to look at her.

of aged wine. Still groggy, Noelle stared at

down again, she abruptly opened her eyes wide, quickly pushing him away. "Stop

immediately wanting to mess around now that he was wide awake. Noelle was worn out and not in the mood. "Stop it, lie down. I want

thing." Charles, who was fully alert, was far from feeling drowsy. Plus, tonight Noelle looked

her smooth, pale thighs, and the sight of her slender, shapely legs

wife lying before him, he could not