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!"

giggle. "Mr. Smith, I'm all good. Thanks

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

by unless there's a crisis? I've got a place

Charles replied with a grin that did not quite reach his eyes, then turned to Ronald. "You're up with the birds,

Hoffman's safety," Ronald said, standing ramrod straight. "The company's closed for the holidays, but

in some kind of trouble!" He glanced at Noelle.

blue, and she blushed with embarrassment. She glanced around to see everyone's eyes were

Don't

a bite yet either. Let's hit the restaurant for some breakfast!"

a reassuring nod and gently patted Noelle's hand. "Go on and get some food. I've got to hash out a few things with Mr. Fischer and the

a worried glance back at Charles, sensing that things were not as simple as they seemed. However, Charles was