The Cherished Wife

A playful glint danced in Charles's deep eyes. "Well, aren't you going to choose one?" he teased, strolling over to a display case to survey the array of rings. Noelle trailed behind him, casting only a brief glance at the collection before she hesitated. Charles caught her hand gently. "Not to your liking?"

She shook her head. "It's not that. It's just that wearing something so lavish to work doesn't sit right with me." Noelle was mindful that her colleagues were unaware of her true status, and after the previous night's events, their perceptions of her had likely shifted. She had no desire to be treated differently in the workplace.

Charles looked at her thoughtfully and gave a small nod. "What kind of ring are you thinking of, then?"

"Something understated and minimalist," Noelle mused, moving on to another display. She beckoned Charles over with a wave. "Hey, Charles, check this one out. What do you think?" She pointed to a ring that was the epitome of simplicity-no diamonds, no engravings, just a sleek band with a subtle, unique shape.

Charles narrowed his eyes, intrigued. "Could we take a closer look at this one, please?"

their polished appearance was all show and that they were not the

an impatient wave. "What's the problem? You're open

right away!" The assistant's face soured, but she

had been banking on a lucrative sale today, but it looked like she had misjudged her

other patrons began browsing the jewelry, the assistant quickly excused

the ring up to Noelle's hand.

let the assistant's earlier disdain bother her. She extended her hand, and Charles

you think? Does it look

agreed with a nod, gently squeezing the hand Noelle had the