The Cherished Wife

Charles curled his lips. "That's it? Two words? Just a simple thank you?"

"I said thank you very much. That's four words," Noelle replied before smiling. "Well, what else do you want?"Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Charles raised an eyebrow. "It's no wonder you can't compete with her." He walked briskly to Noelle's side, took the bag from her hand, and quickly held her hand with his other.

Noelle was stunned. Her face was flushing as she said, "What are you doing? There are so many people watching. Let go of me!" She struggled but could not break free. She looked genuinely worried as she glanced around nervously.

Charles glanced at Noelle. Seeing her reaction, he lifted his eyebrows slightly. "Am I so embarrassing to be seen with?" Many women would love to walk with him, but this woman seemed to despise the idea.

Noelle laughed awkwardly. "It's not that. I'm just worried Winter hasn't gone far. If she finds out about our relationship, I'm afraid..."

"Afraid of what?"

Charles snorted lightly. "I didn't think you were so afraid of your sister. She's just a paper tiger!" Charles did not regard Winter as a threat, so he could not understand Noelle's fears.

Noelle was slightly taken aback, her lips pressing together as her eyes dimmed. "I've been Winter's sister for over 20 years. I know her well. Whatever I like, she'll take it away from me. It used to be dolls and toys, then boyfriends and even parental love. I don't know what's next..."

"Are you afraid she'll take me from you?" Charles' cool voice carried a hint of amusement.

Noelle paused, clearly stunned for a moment. "No, why would you think that?"

She instinctively denied it. However, seeing Charles' slightly darkened expression, she realized she might have said the wrong thing.

Noelle forced a laugh and quickly clarified, "I didn't mean it like that. I know Winter could never take you from me. I know what kind of person you are."

She continued, "You don't

understand my family. They always

exceed my worst expectations. If

Winter finds out about us, our marriage won't stay a secret If she

can't have the best, she'll destroy it."

"Do you think she can destroy me?" Charles laughed softly but seemed slightly cheered by Noelle's words. "Don't worry, your man isn't that easily destroyed."

Noelle acknowledged it, saying, "She certainly doesn't have that power but shell harass you endlessly until you're fed up. If my father finds out about us, what do you think he'll do?"

Noelle shook her head with a bitter smile. "He'd do anything for money, as you should have witnessed by now."

After getting into the car and fastening her seatbelt, Noelle noticed Charles staring at her. She felt a bit uneasy. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Charles shook his head and gently patted her head.

There was so much in Charles' eyes,

so much that Noelle could not tell if it was real or an illusion. She pressed her lips together and then noticed Charles' right hand reaching over to hold hers.

His palm was warm and large as it rested on the back of her hand, giving a comforting sense of security.