The Cherished Wife

“Really? What did you write in that note?” Charles asked with a light laugh, teasing her because he was in a good mood. “Tell me!”

“Uh, do I have to say it?” Noelle’s cheeks turned pink as she thought about the name she had written down. It was one thing for her to look at it, but the

idea of Charles seeing it made her squirm.

“If you won’t say it, then you didn’t write anything!” Charles said, sounding let down. “You don’t even want

to lie to me now?”

“I…” Noelle felt like crying, but no tears came. She had not expected Charles to be so difficult. “I really did write something down. Oh, please, can we drop this? Don’t you have work to do? And… just because you’re the boss, it doesn’t mean you can slack off! How are you supposed to be a good role model for your employees like this?”

Charles laughed. He could almost picture Noelle’s flustered face, but he knew she got embarrassed easily, so he decided to let it go. “Okay, we won’t talk about that anymore.”

Noelle let out a relieved breath when Charles moved on from the topic. “So, did you need me for something?”

“Yeah.” Charles nodded. “What do you feel like eating tonight?”

Noelle was surprised and bit her lip. “You called just to ask me about dinner? That’s not a good use of your time!” She did not know what to do with Charles sometimes. “We could’ve talked about this after

work.”

“Uh, I’ve got some free time right now, and…” he paused. “I’ve been thinking about you.”

Noelle’s heart started racing, and her cheeks turned a little pink. She held her cheek with one hand. You’re so… Well, I–I really want pumpkin pie tonight!”

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Charles’s eyes twinkled with laughter. “Okay, we’ll make pumpkin pie tonight. What else would you like?”

“Meatloaf.”

“And?”

“Mashed potatoes.”

“Anything else?”

“Barbecue ribs!”

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Charles paused and laughed softly. “You’re in the mood for some pretty rich food today, huh? Are you sure you don’t want some steamed veggies?”

“I just love a hearty meal. What’s wrong with that? Do you have a problem with it?” Noelle, remembering how Charles had been teasing her, boldly teased him back. “Or is it that you can’t afford it?”

“Alright, we’ll get whatever you’d like to eat,” Charles said, shaking his head with a smile. “If you’re craving something bold and flavorful, it’s only right for me to make it happen.”

“You’re so silly!” Noelle said with a sigh. “Okay, I’ve got to get back to work. You might be the boss with no Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

one to answer to, but I’m not!”

Noelle felt that if she kept talking to Charles, she would be completely embarrassed,

She quickly hung up the phone, her cheeks still warm. She felt more and more unlike herself lately. She was growing closer to Charles, and their playful banter…

Noelle blushed just thinking about it. She had never talked to a boy like that before, not even Xavier. They had only ever shared simple meals, never whispering sweet words to each other.

“Ah, stop thinking about it, Noelle! Keep it together!” she told herself, giving her cheeks a quick slap. “Just focus on your work. Forget everything else!”