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."

this time," he

study to work while Noelle busied herself in

events of the day weighed on her mind. So many unexpected things had happened, leaving

ran far deeper than she ever

odd about what Clarisse had said, but she could not quite pinpoint what it was. Also, Clarisse's hostility toward her felt strangely out of place. The

found Nancy sitting in the living room. Noelle made

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

No, it's nothing, really," Noelle replied, shaking her head. However, after glancing toward the stairs and knowing Charles was still in the study

I ask you

Charlie? Or the Hoffmans?" Nancy asked, perceptive

She sat upright and said, "It's nothing major. It's just... Charlie's mother spoke to me today."