The Cherished Wife

"Not at all." Charles quickly realized Noelle had the wrong idea. He gently patted her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Just because I'm taking you to see a psychologist doesn't mean there's anything wrong." He flashed a smile and nodded toward Sean. "Could you get her, please?" unwind. Don't worry, nobody thinks you're ill or anything."

"Sure thing. You two can have a heart-to-heart," Sean said, quickly exiting the potential drama zone. Charles let out a wry smile. "You've been a bit out of sorts and wound up. Whatever happened last night must've stressed you out. I just thought the doctor could help you Relieved, Noelle nodded. "Alright, I'll give it a shot. But honestly, I'm okay. It was just my first time dealing with something like that, and I was totally unprepared!"

"I get it, and I promise I won't leave you to face anything like that alone again," Charles vowed to Noelle.

Half an hour later, Charles and Noelle were on their way out of Sean's private hospital. Noelle caught Charles's look of relief and chuckled. "See, I told you I was okay but just a little shaken up. Don't worry. I'll be fine soon."

"Got it," Charles replied, securing Noelle's seatbelt before leaving the hospital.

the couch at the sound of the door. "Charles, Noelle, you're back at last." Worry was etched across her features. "You two didn't come home last night, and you didn't let us know you would be gone! Charles, your uncle and

Charles a playful look of reproach. Charles grinned and said, "Oh, come on, Uncle must've been over the moon with us out of

a pair of slippers for Noelle. "We realized it was way too late last night, and with the non-stop bustle at the office lately,

and we were tired, so..." Noelle trailed off, a

kids!" Nancy was not

two lovebirds had probably

gestured and pulled Noelle into a seat

me buzzing!" Noelle grinned. "Aunt

"I have!"