The Cherished Wife

Chapter 612

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Noelle could not help but giggle, swatting Charles's hand away. "You're such a charmer. But hey, it's getting late. Since we're skipping the movie, let's head on home."

Time had flown by, and they had been strolling by the river for almost an hour. The place was alive with people bustling about, and the streetlights had come to life, casting a warm glow on the water. There was something about the early winter evening that felt almost magical.

It had been ages since Noelle felt so calm and content. Her life used to be a whirlwind of travel, never staying put for long. Even with Xavier's support back then, she had often felt overwhelmed by the Shaw family. However, with Charles, his strength seemed to wash away her insecurities, making every awkward moment disappear. With him, she was sure she would never lose her way again.

"What's on your mind?"

Charles squeezed Noelle's hand, noticing her distant gaze.

Snapping back to the present, Noelle spotted a young couple on the bridge, walking arm in arm. The girl leaned against the boy, tugging at his coat in a playful, unsteady dance that made Noelle laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"Just how wonderful the world can be!" Noelle replied. She watched as the boy crouched down, arms outstretched, ready for a piggyback ride. The girl, grinning with delight, backed up a few steps and then, hiking up her awkward dress, launched herself onto his back.

She must have gone at it with a bit too much enthusiasm, nearly sending them both tumbling to the ground.

Noelle could not help but hear the boy's sharp intake of breath as he quickly caught the girl in his arms. His voice, a mix of scolding and relief, floated over. "You've got to watch where you're going! Lucky for you, I've got quick reflexes. What if I hadn't caught you? You're not a kid anymore."

The girl's laughter tinkled as she hugged the boy's neck and gave his shoulder a playful pat. "Come on, get up! You said you'd give me a piggyback ride."

With a sigh of mock resignation, the boy stood up, muttering, "What if I hadn't caught you?"

"Then I would have fallen, but I'd make sure to drag you down with me," she teased.

"Oh, you!" he exclaimed.

"That's what it means to be in it together through thick and thin."

The boy, then with the girl on his back, walked off into the distance, leaving Noelle shaking her head with a smile.

Charles, who had been standing by Noelle's side, noticed her amusement, and his eyes darkened with a playful glint. "Feeling tempted?" he asked. "Tempted? Tempted to do what?" Noelle responded, a bit confused.

"To have me carry you back," Charles said, nodding toward the now-vanished couple, then turning back to Noelle with a challenging look. "How about

it?"

Noelle shook her head. "Nah, that's just copying them. I'm not into that!" she declared, striding off with her head held high. Charles quirked an eyebrow and quickly closed the distance between them.

Before Noelle knew what was happening, he crouched down and scooped her up sideways in his arms.

Noelle let out a startled yelp, thinking she was about to take a tumble, and clung to Charles's arm for dear life. "What are you doing?" she demanded, her voice a mix of annoyance and embarrassment.

"Well, you didn't want a piggyback ride, so I guess I'll just have to carry you," Charles retorted with a grin.

"Charles, cut it out! Everyone's

watching us, it's not cool!" Noellez

whispered, her eyes darting around before she finally dove into Charles's embrace, hiding away from prying eyes. "I'm totally mortified.

By the time they got back to Phoenix Tree Residence, it was nearly ten o'clock. Henry and Nancy were lounging in the living room, glued to the TV, but they perked up when they heard the front door swing open and saw Charles and Noelle holding hands as they walked in.