The Cherished Wife

"Cut it out!" Noelle ducked back into the bathroom to finish getting ready. When she emerged, she found a set of clean clothes laid out on the bed. They looked brand new, and she noticed the tags were still on when she picked them up. "Did you go out and buy me clothes this morning?" "Nope, Eloise did," Charles replied. "Get changed, okay?"

"Alright, alright!"

Charles led Noelle downstairs hand-in-hand, where the whole crew had already gathered. It was not just Steven and Eloise. Peter and Sean had swung by too, along with Ronald, Lareal, and Andrew.

The whole crew watched as Charles escorted Noelle down the stairs, and they could not help but smirk at his tough-guy act.

Sean was the quickest on his feet, flashing a harmless grin and sauntering over. "Noelle, how're you holding up? It was a long night, and Charles wouldn't let us see you once you fell asleep."

He dumped the blame on Charles without missing a beat. "You missed the drama. We were all freaking out over you last night."

Charles shot Sean a look that could freeze lava, and Sean clammed up quickly. "Anyway, Noelle, all that matters is that you're okay!"

but giggle. "Mr. Smith, I'm all

mind him!" Charles said, pulling Noelle along. "What's with

chimed in, "What, we can't drop by unless there's a crisis? I've got a

I owe you one?" Charles replied with a grin that did not quite reach his eyes, then turned to Ronald.

Hoffman. Andrew and I were worried about you and Mrs. Hoffman's safety," Ronald said, standing ramrod straight. "The company's closed for the holidays, but Andrew and I aren't in the vacationing mood-we'd

kind of trouble!" He glanced at Noelle.

was called out of the blue, and she blushed with embarrassment. She glanced around to see everyone's eyes were on her and Charles. She gave Charles's hand a quick

okay! Don't mind me.

either. Let's hit the restaurant for some breakfast!" Eloise got up and moved next to

and get some food. I've got

Eloise to the restaurant. She threw a worried glance back at Charles, sensing that things were not as simple as they seemed. However,