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,"

study to work while

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

already tragic enough. However, the Hoffman family's secrets ran far deeper than she ever imagined. It was hard to comprehend how Charles had grown up in

what Clarisse had said, but she could not quite pinpoint what it was. Also, Clarisse's hostility toward her felt

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

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

However, after glancing toward the stairs

can I

about Charlie? Or the Hoffmans?" Nancy asked, perceptive

"It's nothing major. It's just... Charlie's mother spoke