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?"

smile turned frosty. She sized up Charles and Noelle, convinced their polished appearance was all show and that they

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

right away!" The assistant's face soured,

a lucrative sale today, but it looked like she had misjudged her customers. They were mere country folks

assistant quickly excused herself to cater to the

the ring up to Noelle's hand. "Want

hand, and Charles slipped the ring on. It fit

you think?

the hand