The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Arya was petrified, too scared to utter a word. Brian just scoffed and breezed right past her.

Noelle made her way down to the underground garage and spotted Charles waiting. She hurried over, breathless. "Sorry. Did I keep you waiting?"

"Not a bit!" Charles smiled, taking her bag with a smooth gesture. "Weren't you supposed to be down here before me?"

"I got a little sidetracked, but we're all set now!"

"How about barbecue? Ronald told me about this new place downtown. Does that sound good?" Charles suggested, just as Ronald's voice came through on the phone. "Mr. Hoffman, all set for tonight." He paused, then added, "I ran into a bit of trouble at the project department earlier. Someone was hassling Noelle."

Charles's eyes took on a sharp glint. "Got it."

He ended the call and turned to Noelle, who was grinning at him. "What's with the stare?"

"Barbecue, huh?" Charles noticed Noelle had not buckled up properly, so he leaned in to click the seatbelt into place. Noelle's cheeks turned a soft pink as she glanced down at the back of Charles's head. They had been married for ages and were very close, but she still got all fuzzy inside from his little acts of care.

"Yeah, barbecue sounds awesome, especially on a cold day like this. We need something hearty." Noelle's eyes sparkled. "Did you get the movie tickets already?"

"Yep!" Charles let go of the seatbelt. "Ran into any drama at the office today?"

Noelle blinked in surprise, then chuckled. "Wow, word travels fast to you! It's nothing big, so don't worry."

"Really?" Charles quirked an eyebrow. "Remember, if you need help, just ask. I'm here for you."

"No, no, it's all good. It's fine. I can't be coming to you for every little thing, right? Trust me, I've got this!" Noelle gestured for him to back off. "But seriously, I'm starving, Charles!" "Okay, okay," Charles laughed, a bit resigned. "We'll be there quickly. Ronald got us a table."

They went to town on the barbecue at the restaurant, though it was mostly Noelle who was chowing down. She had been a fan of the cuisine since her college days and just could not say no to the smoky goodness. Charles did not eat much. He spent most of the time grilling slices of meat for Noelle with the lion's share ending up happily in her belly.

Noelle could not help but blush as she playfully offered bite after bite to Charles, who happily accepted each one. The movie theater was just upstairs from the barbecue joint, and with their bellies full, it was just about time for the show to start. Remembering the last time they went to the movies, Charles was quick to grab the tickets and lead Noelle inside.

The evening show was packed, as it was a favorite time for the young crowd to watch a movie. Charles, hand in hand with Noelle, weaved through the sea of people to their favorite spot in the theater. Their striking looks drew glances from the audience along the way, with a few women even speculating in whispers if Charles was some kind of celebrity.

No sooner had Noelle settled into her seat when she overheard a couple of girls openly gossiping about Charles. She let out a snort of laughter. Charles, taking his seat, shot her a playful look and passed her the popcorn and soda. "Here, have some!"