The Cherished Wife

"Everything's been ready for a while. I wanted to bring it over a few days back, but I ran into a few problems. I just got them sorted. When are you heading over?" The woman's voice was polite, and Noelle caught every word. "We'll be there shortly," Charles replied, then hung up. He glanced at Noelle's curious gaze and smiled slyly. You'll see soon enough."

They arrived at their destination, and Noelle stared at Charles, bewildered. "Why are we at a mall?" They were not at just any mall, but one that oozed luxury.

Charles just chuckled and stepped out of the car, prompting Noelle to sigh and follow. "Hang tight. You'll see soon enough. No need to rush!"

Hand in hand, they made their way through the mall, making a beeline for the glittering jewelry section. Noelle's eyes lit up with realization. "Is this a New Year's surprise for me?"

He responded with only a grin, keeping the secret until they paused at the jewelry store's entrance. That's when Noelle guessed aloud, "You're getting me jewelry, aren't you?"

Just then, a dazzling woman came over with a bright smile. "Mr. Hoffman, welcome!"

and pulled Noelle inside.

items to be brought over. Her eyes lingered on Noelle, especially on their intertwined fingers, and she seemed to catch on. "I take it this is Mrs. Hoffman?" Noelle blinked in surprise and glanced at Charles, who seemed unfazed. She introduced herself with a

stunned by

just hold her own, but she even made

always been curious about the kind of woman who could capture Charles's heart. She had tried to imagine her countless

wife, Noelle!" Charles announced, guiding Noelle to a cozy spot in the lounge area. Janice tagged along. "Hi, I'm

her assistant approached with an elegant jewelry box in hand Janice, I've brought what you asked for!" The assistant handed it to

acknowledged it with

presented the box to Charles, who accepted it with a