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."

Noelle said that, she felt the air around them grow heavier. Noelle had seen this side of Charles before, but

at this moment, she felt the

tighter. A hint of fear flickered in her eyes, but she still said softly, "I didn't agree to

eyes, taking a moment before he reacted. Noticing the tension and fear in Noelle's

you." He disliked seeing Noelle this way. He hated seeing her look fearful or timid around

Charles whispered, pulling

holding her delicately thin fingers with the other. With a soft sigh, he said, "Did I scare you? I'm

know." Noelle forced a smile,

could sense Charles' regret, and she gently patted his hand. "I wasn't scared. It's just... Please

Noelle

her courage, she gave him a quick peck on the lips and smiled. "Even though

"Alright."