The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Noelle was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter. She patted the steering wheel and turned to look at the man behind her. "I hadn't thought of that. If that's the case, then you'd have to call Brian your mentor too!" Charles frowned, closing the file in his hands. "You seem quite pleased with yourself."

Noelle bit her lip, trying hard to suppress her laughter. Her shoulders shook as she struggled to keep a straight face, but she shook her head vigorously. "No. Not at all!"

Charles narrowed his eyes, his dark orbs glinting mischievously in the dimly lit car. Noelle felt a flutter in her chest and swallowed nervously, but in her anxiety, she accidentally kicked the car door, wincing in pain. "What's wrong?" Charles heard her sharp intake of breath and frowned, leaning over to check on her. "Where did you hurt yourself?"

He quickly exited the car, opened the driver's side door, and saw Noelle cradling her foot.

He gently lifted it and noticed that her ankle was swollen and the back of her heel was blistered. His frown deepened.

He lightly prodded her ankle with his finger. "Does it hurt?"

"No, it doesn't hurt." Noelle shook her head even though she did feel the pain. Seeing the worry and seriousness on Charles' face, she did not have the heart to admit it. "Really, it's fine. I just bumped it a little." "It doesn't hurt?" Charles raised an eyebrow and pressed on her ankle again, this time with more force.

Noelle gasped, pulling her foot back. However, Charles' firm grip held her in place.

"Are you still gonna say it doesn't hurt?" He shot her a stern look. "Why did you wear such high heels when going out?" His tone was firm, but the concern was evident.

Feeling a bit wronged, Noelle

lowered her head and fiddled with the hem of her clothes without saying a word. Charles' gaze grew colder. "Don't think staying quiet will solve the problem. You didn't think to change shoes before going out with Brian? And he didn't notice you were hurt?"

"It's not his fault. It's mine!" Noelle felt embarrassed that Charles was making a big deal out of something so small even bringing Brian into it. "It was my first day at work. I didn't know he'd take me to West City. If I had known, I wouldn't have worn

such high heels!"

She placed her hand on the back of Charles', her fingers playing with his as she spoke softly, her tone full of apology. "I was wrong. I promise I'll be more careful next time and won't let myself get hurt again." "There's going to be a next time?" Charles' tone rose slightly. "I think you're just not taking this seriously."

"Of course not!" Noelle protested, a little annoyed. "I already said today was an accident. Plus, I'm a woman, and women love to look good. Wearing high heels is normal. It's not

like

up!

be going to West City every

day right? Usually, I'm just sitting in the office!"

She muttered under her breath, sounding like she was reciting a mantra.

Charles rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Seeing her unrepentant attitude, he could only shake his head in resignation.

"It's okay. I'll put some cream on it when we get home. It's not that serious. You're overreacting, Charlie!" Noelle said, but when Charles shot her a sideways glance, she quickly fell silent.

He gently squeezed her ankle. "Does it still hurt?"