The Cherished Wife

Charles gripped the steering wheel so hard his knuckles turned white. Janet's words had hit him like a punch, and he was seething.

Noelle gently took his clenched hand, her touch soothing. It was like magic. The storm inside him quieted. He was like a raging lion, teetering on the brink of an outburst, but she managed to reel him back in. Charles glanced at Noelle, her worried eyes locked on him. He sighed. "You're not mad?"

"Why would I be mad?" Noelle's voice was calm, and she gave a small laugh. "You shouldn't be mad either."

"I was afraid you'd be bothered by her!" He was genuinely concerned that Janet's claims would unsettle Noelle.

Noelle quirked an eyebrow. "What do you take me for? Why would I be bothered? You're mine now. She's the one who should be worried."

a playful grin, Noelle added, "Actually, I should be thanking Janet. Who knew you cared about me so

you haven't noticed

let out a slow breath of relief. As long as Noelle was okay with it, nothing else mattered. He had not worried about that stuff before because she had not been in his life. However, now that she was, he could not just

concern. Janet was a piece of work. Noelle had not met her face-to-face, but from the little she had seen, it was

her head. Her obsession with Charles was off the charts. No matte how obvious Charles was about not

was Clarisse, Charles's mom. No matter how tough

knew Julian Shaw and Jade played favorites and that Winter had it out for her, but she still had to play the game and keep up

just do what you've got to do. I know this mess

Charles nodded with a playful grin.