The Cherished Wife

"What are you standing there for?" Noelle walked over, handing Charles the coat. "Here, put it on! Sure, you're healthy, but it's cold out there. You'd better bundle up. Getting sick over the festive season wouldn't be good."

For some reason, Noelle seemed especially chatty today. Her soft, steady voice buzzed in Charles' ears like a little magpie chirping away. Yet, instead of finding it annoying, Charles found it soothing. Seeing Charles standing frozen in place, Noelle laughed softly. She then draped the coat over his shoulders.

Charles reached out, grasping her hands. His eyes were filled with warmth as he gave her hand a gentle pat and smiled. "Nelly, don't we look like we're wearing matching outfits?" Matching outfits?

Noelle blinked, then glanced down at her own coat before looking back at his. A chuckle escaped her. "It does look like it, doesn't it?"

"Let's go." Charles's voice softened as he gave her hand a gentle squeeze. He then led her out the door.

The two made their way to the Hoffman residence to pick Nancy up. Without Janet around, the place had become noticeably quieter. Noelle waited in the car while Charles went inside to meet Nancy.

out of the house and met Charles at the entrance. "I knew it was you from the sound of the engine." "Hey, Aunt Nancy," Charles greeted her and offered his arm

been having some free time lately, so I'm just keeping Nelly company at home. I imagine she's probably getting tired of me, so she thought it'd be nice to invite you out for a bit."

shook her head with amusement. "Still such a smooth talker! But I know better.

"Watch your step on the stairs, Aunt

in the car, casually chatting with Teresa and Rowena in their group chat. Soon enough, she saw Charles and Nancy walking over and quickly opened the door.

Noelle, dear!

forgotten that Noelle and Charles' relationship was still a secret, especially within the

cheerful grin as she slipped back into the car. "Aunt Nancy, I hope I'm not inconveniencing you by dragging

you invited me: Your Uncle Henry has been so busy lately. I