The Cherished Wife

Noelle suddenly understood. "So, it was the bodyguards you secretly sent who told you? But you arrived way too quickly!" She blinked in disbelief.

"I had barely sat down with Clarisse, and you were already busting in. Did you fly here or something?"

Charles chuckled softly. "That's right. I couldn't stand the thought of you getting hurt, not even a little. So I made sure to get to you as quickly as possible."

"Charlie, you're amazing," Noelle murmured, leaning against his shoulder and rubbing her cheek against his chest. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of myself too. No matter who it is, I won't let anyone push me around."

Charles teased with a smile, "Really? I find that hard to believe. Every since I've been with you, have you ever given me a moment's peace?"

Noelle blushed with embarrassment. "You don't need to bring up the past! That was before. I mean from now on, nobody will be able to bully me."

believe you this time,"

into his study to work while Noelle busied herself

the day weighed on her mind.

deeper than she ever imagined. It was hard to comprehend

she could not quite pinpoint what it was. Also, Clarisse's hostility toward her felt strangely out of place. The more Noelle thought about it, the more her

emerged from the kitchen, she found Nancy sitting in the living room. Noelle made her

her to sit. "What's the matter, Noelle? You've seemed distracted ever since you and Charlie came back.

shaking her head. However, after glancing toward

I

the

a bit embarrassed. She sat upright and said, "It's nothing major. It's just... Charlie's mother