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.

sound of the engine." "Hey, Aunt Nancy," Charles greeted her and offered his arm to support her. Nancy smiled warmly. "You know, it's sweet of you to take me along shopping with Noelle. I hope you don't mind being dragged into a ladies'

at home. I imagine she's probably getting tired of

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

smile. "Watch your step on the

Noelle sat waiting 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!

not forgotten that Noelle and Charles' relationship was still a secret, especially within the Hoffman residence, where

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

me: Your Uncle Henry has been so busy lately. I was thinking of visiting Phoenix Tree Residence soon. Would