The Cherished Wife



"Not at all." Charles quickly realized Noelle had the wrong idea. He gently patted her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Just because I'm taking you to see a psychologist doesn't mean there's anything wrong." He flashed a smile and nodded toward Sean. "Could you get her, please?"

"Sure thing. You two can have a heart-to-heart," Sean said, quickly exiting the potential drama zone. Charles let out a wry smile. "You've been a bit out of sorts and wound up. Whatever happened last night must've stressed you out. I just thought the doctor could help you unwind. Don't worry, nobody thinks you're ill or anything."

Relieved, Noelle nodded. "Alright, I'll give it a shot. But honestly, I'm okay. It was just my first time dealing with something like that, and I was totally unprepared!"

"I get it, and I promise I won't leave you to face anything like that alone again," Charles vowed to Noelle.

Half an hour later, Charles and Noelle were on their way out of Sean's private hospital. Noelle caught Charles's look of relief and chuckled. "See, I told you I was okay but just a little shaken up. Don't worry. I'll be fine soon."

"Got it," Charles replied, securing Noelle's seatbelt before leaving the hospital.

By the time they returned to Phoenix Tree Residence, the afternoon sun was casting long shadows. Nancy sprang from the couch at the sound of the door. "Charles, Noelle, you're back at last." Worry was etched across her features. "You two didn't come home last night, and you didn't let us know you would be gone! Charles, your uncle and I were up half the night waiting for you. We didn't get a call until this morning!"

Noelle shot Charles a playful look of reproach. Charles grinned and said, "Oh, come on, Uncle must've been over the moon with us out of the house! How often do you two get the place to yourselves without us third wheeling?"

As he spoke, Charles fetched a pair of slippers for Noelle. "We realized it was way too late last night, and with the non-stop bustle at the office lately, we decided to take a breather and crash at a hotel."

Charles looked at Noelle, and she quickly nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we're really sorry for worrying you. Last night got so late, and we were tired, so..." Noelle trailed off, a touch of embarrassment in her voice. "I promise that if Charles and are out late or don't make it back again, we'll give you a call, okay?"

"Oh, you kids!" Nancy was not actually upset.

Truth be told, when Charles called that morning, Nancy had figured out that the two lovebirds had probably had enough of being cooped up and had snuck off for a little romantic getaway.

"All that matters is that you and

gane

Charles are okay. You must be exhausted Come, sit down." Nancy gestured and pulled Noelle into. seat beside her. "I just worry about you working so hard and not resting enough."

"I'm fine, really. Work keeps me buzzing!" Noelle grinned. "Aunt Nancy, have you had dinner?"

"I have!"

"And how about Uncle?" Charles came over with his easy stride in his house shoes. "Why are you sitting here all by yourself, Aunt?"This is from NôvelDrama.Org.

"Your uncle just got a call and had to step out for a bit," Nancy said with a smile. "Actually, we were thinking it's about time we headed back home."

"Headed back?" Noelle's smile wavered. "Aunt Nancy, you're leaving? Why? Haven't you enjoyed your stay here?"

"Of course. Everything's great!"

Nancy said, catching the look in

Noelle's eyes, She could tell Noelle was having a hard time with the

goodbye. "Your uncle and I have

I

made ourselves quite at home here, but this is just a vacation forms. This is your and Charles's place, after all. Our real home's back at the Hoffman family's old house."