The Cherished Wife

Wife 72

Charles led Noelle to his home, the Phoenix Tree Residence.

Noelle had visited this place before, so it was not entirely new to her. Nevertheless, as they pulled into the driveway, she could not resist taking in her surroundings with wide eyes.

She remembered hearing ages ago how the prices in this neighborhood had shot through the roof, and someone later went all out and bought a huge chunk of it. Back then, Noelle had been in awe, wondering who could afford such a splurge–it turned out to be Charles.

After Charles had parked in the garage, Noelle stepped out and was immediately struck by the sight.” Wow! Look at all these cars!” It was like stepping into an auto show.

Charles caught her comment and paused, a grin spreading across his face, “You’ve got a driver’s license, right?”

She nodded. “Got it back in college with some friends!” It had been more of a spur–of–the–moment thing. Although she had her license, she hardly ever got behind the wheel.

Ever since she graduated and started job hunting, the Shaw family had not given her cash for a car, and her savings were nowhere near enough to buy one herself, so Noelle never got around to it.

Charles gestured nonchalantly toward a Ferrari tucked in the corner. “I won that beauty last year in a bet with Sean. I hardly ever drive it, so feel free to take it for a spin!”

Noelle blinked at the shiny red Ferrari and then shook her head. “That’s okay, really. I can just grab a cab!”

“It’s just a car, and it’s just gathering dust here,” Charles said casually, pulling her luggage from the trunk, Plus, this place is pretty out of the way. You’d have to trek miles to find a bus stop, and getting to work would be a hassle.”

Charles laid down the facts: his place was tucked away from the world. It was chosen for its solitude and the absence of any interruptions. He was not one for the hustle and bustle, which explained the lack of staff around the house. Everything that needed doing, he did himself. “I don’t keep any staff around. They only come by to clean on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so I’m on my own when it comes to meals.”

Noelle helped with the luggage. Upon hearing Charles’s words, she let out a relieved chuckle. “No worries. I can handle the cooking, though I’m not exactly a chef. You just tried my food.” She grinned, giving her head a self–conscious scratch. “I’m not too keen on having strangers around either.” © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“In the house?”

Charles’s smile broadened, pleased with how Noelle had phrased it. “Looks like we’re on the same page.”

“Huh?” Noelle gave him a puzzled look. “On the same page about what?”

Charles just shook his head, a hint of mischief in his smile. “Never mind. Let’s head out!”

He programmed Noelle’s fingerprint into the front door lock. “Now you’ll have no trouble getting in and out. The passcode’s my birthday.”

Noelle pulled back her hand, glanced at her fingertips, and nodded. “Got it, thanks!” A moment later, curiosity got the better of her. “Wait, when’s your birthday?”

Charles turned with a playful squint, his gaze lingering on Noelle. He teased her with a lifted tone, “You

+15 BONUS

don’t know?”

Caught off guard, Noelle’s eyes widened as she gazed at Charles, her heart skipping beats in a wild rhythm, especially when he drew out that last word. It sent a shiver through her. “How could I? You haven’t told me yet.”

Darkness flickered in Charles’s deep black eyes, a hint of danger in his gaze. Noelle licked her

lips subconsciously. “Maybe you could just tell me?”

“April 5th!”

“Huh?” Noelle blinked in surprise. “That’s my birthday.” She was momentarily lost in thought, and then it clicked. “How do you know my birthday? Is it the same day as yours?”

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