The Cherished Wife

Charles quickly went into the kitchen and started cooking. Noelle finished work right on time at 6:00 pm and got home around 6:40 pm.

As soon as she stepped inside, a delicious aroma filled the air. Her eyes lit up, and she hurriedly took off her shoes before entering the house. "Charlie?"

Leaning against the doorway, Noelle saw Charles wearing an apron. He was busy in the kitchen. There was a look of surprise in her eyes. "Why are you home so early today?"

In truth, Noelle wanted to ask him about the movie's press conference. How did he manage to come back this early?

While holding a ladle in one hand and wiping his other hand on the apron, Charles turned to look at her. "You're back? Go wash your hands. Dinner will be ready soon." Noelle sniffed the air. "You made stew? What kind?"

"Pork stew," Charles replied while gesturing. "Hurry, go wash up!"

could not help glancing back at

she asked, "Didn't you say you might be home late today? Aren't

handed her a dry towel. As Noelle took it to dry her hands, she

but something unexpected happened, and it got canceled," Charles said casually, though Noelle sensed there was more to the story. "Something

"Why do you have so many questions?"

arrived, there was an incident. Someone got pollen on Winter's dress, and she had a severe allergic reaction, so she

asked, clearly surprised. "Very few people know that. Besides the Shaws, only..." She paused.

caught on the spot, so, of course, I know.

Noelle's hand and gently