The Cherished Wife

"What are you thinking about?"

Charles came out of the shower and saw Noelle looking troubled while clutching her phone. He walked over and gently took the phone from her hand, glancing at the recent call log. There was a faint glimmer flickering in his eyes. Noelle snapped back to reality and saw Charles in a white bathrobe. His hair was damp, with a strand still dripping with water.

She stood up, grabbed a towel, and started drying his hair while guiding him to sit on the couch. With a soft sigh, Noelle said, "Grandpa just called, and then my mom called right after." Charles' dark eyes narrowed slightly. "Hmm."

He had seen Jade's number earlier, which explained the sour look on Noelle's face. "What did she say?"

"She talked about going home for New Year's." Noelle paused before continuing, "I need to tell you something, but promise you won't get angry."

"Why would I be angry? What did she say?" Charles shifted, took Noelle's hand, and gently squeezed her fingers. "Hmm?"

"They want me to go home... and they also asked me to bring Bob with me."

the air around them grow heavier. Noelle had seen this

demeanor. However, at this moment, she felt the intense chill emanating from

hint of fear flickered in her eyes, but she still said

reacted. Noticing the

Noelle this way. He hated seeing her look fearful or

Charles whispered, pulling Noelle into

with the other. With a soft sigh, he said, "Did I

smile, but

hand. "I wasn't scared. It's just... Please don't show that expression again, okay?"

this, Noelle finally

and smiled. "Even though I know you weren't

"Alright."