The Cherished Wife

When Noelle heard the click of the seatbelt, she snapped back to reality and pointed at herself. "You want me to race?" she exclaimed. "No, no! I can't! I may have a driver's license, but I'm a rookie. Just driving safely is already an achievement for me. Racing? No way! And this isn't even a professional race car!"

"Nelly, don't be afraid. I believe in you!" Charles squeezed Noelle's hand, encouraging her. "You never know your limits until you try. I didn't know how to race before either." His calm voice acted like a spell, guiding Noelle.

Noelle blinked, looking uncertainly at Charles. "But I don't know how..."

"When I'm in a bad mood, I like to race. Pushing myself to the limit helps me forget everything. Try it out, okay?"

"Fine!"

Noelle took a deep breath, opened the car door, and switched places with Charles.

Then, she took another deep breath with her eyes fixed on Charles. "I can do this."

"Yes. I believe in you. I'm putting myself in your hands!" Charles buckled his seatbelt and gently touched Noelle's still pale face. "Everything will be fine. Drive!"

Feeling encouraged, Noelle stepped on the gas pedal and accelerated steadily, pushing her limits.

She kept her eyes focused on the road as she gripped the steering wheel tightly. Charles sat beside her, providing an invisible strength that pushed her forward fearlessly.

The speed increased. The quiet night road was wide open.

Noelle's car sped along the road. Although it was different from racing, her speed was still astonishing. Fortunately, it was late, and there were few other cars on the road.

Noelle felt the thrill of the speed. For the first time, she realized she could be this wild. She gripped the steering wheel tightly. "Charles, I feel like I'm flying, like I'm one with the car."

"Yes!" Charles sat calmly beside her, watching Noelle's excitement grow with the increasing speed. His lips curved into a slight smile.

He then pressed a button that lowered the windows, allowing the strong and cold to rush in.

The icy wind stung her face, but Noelle felt exhilarated. "Charles, racing really can lift your spirits!"

"Exactly!" Charles nodded, seeing Noelle's improved mood. "Go faster!" he urged.

Noelle accelerated further.

A car suddenly sped past Noelle's, too fast to identify. Noelle excitedly pressed the gas pedal harder to catch up. Soon, more cars zoomed by, seemingly challenging Noelle.

Noelle grew anxious and looked at Charles. "What do I do, Charles?"

Charles raised an eyebrow,

surprised by their luck at

encountering an actual race. The

other cars' speed had clearlyConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

l

triggered Noelle's competitive spirit, something Charles was pleased to

see. "Do you want to win?"

Noelle nodded vigorously. "Yes! This is the first time in my life I really want to win. I don't want to give up so easily."

She recalled her childhood, when

she and Winter each had a toy. She loved her doll, but Winter wanted it too. Their father had bought Winter one, but she still wanted Noelle's.

Hence, their father told Noelle to give hers to her sister and trade.