The Cherished Wife



"Do you like it?"

Noelle caught Charles's eye. He was as silent as a statue, which made her heart race a little. She glanced down at her outfit, feeling out of place. She had never worn anything like this before, and she was pretty sure she had never seen these clothes in any period drama before. However, the intense spark in Charles's gaze immediately washed away her worries.

She gave a small, hopeful smile. "How do I look?"

"You look amazing!" Charles whispered, his voice low but filled with warmth. He chuckled and reached out to straighten her outfit. "Head on out. I'll be right behind you!"

"Got it!"

Stepping out, Noelle spotted Sean and Peter, already decked out in their new gear. They looked like they had stepped out of a different era. They looked so cool that Noelle nearly forgot Sean's usual goofball antics.

Blinking in surprise, Noelle greeted them with a bright, "Hey Peter, Mr. Smith!"

Peter gave a slight nod, but Sean was not having it. "Hold up, Noelle. You're on a first-name basis with Peter, yet I get the 'Mr. Smith' treatment? That's cold. We've known each other way longer!"

"Should I just call you Sean, then?" Noelle laughed, caught off guard by his reaction.

Sean's frown smoothed out as he finally felt content with the situation. However, his smirk faded quickly as he teased, "Noelle couldn't take her eyes off us just now. If Charles saw that, he'd be green with envy!"

"Who's envious?" Charles appeared, his gaze briefly flicking over Sean. "Are you sure she's even looking at you?" he said, the dig at Sean barely veiled.

Sean bristled. "What's that supposed to mean, Charles? Am I not cool or popular enough? Even if Noelle isn't into me, what about Peter? He's every bit your equal!"

Peter, overhearing the jab, raised an

eyebrow at Sean. "Sean, you're really asking for it:" His cool, crisp voice starkly contrasted Charles's brooding tone. Noelle glanced Peter, sensing there was more to him than met the eye.

Charles took Noelle's hand, leading her away. "Ignore them. They're always like this. How about we go choose a horse?"

As they walked away, Noelle trailed behind Charles, her hand in his. She could not help but steal glances at him. She was right-he looked amazing. His attire clung to him perfectly, making him look downright dashing.

Charles was tall, not overly muscular but with a physique that made everything he wore look effortlessly stylish. He could make any outfit look good.

Charles eased his steps and shot a quick look at Noelle. Her eyes were brimming with unshed tears, and he could not help but let a small, warm smile play across his lips. With a flutter of her eyelashes, Noelle caught that smile and blurted out, "Charles, you're so good-looking.

You're the most handsome man I've

ever seen."

"Is that so?" He gently squeezed her soft hand, his grin widening. Their exchange warmed the mild chill of early winter.

Off in the distance, Sean's eyes

sparkled with mischief. He glanced back at Peter only to find him looking away unhappily. Sean bit his lip, watching Peter's retreating figure then soon followed suit. Charles being a bit selfish, ditching us to go horseback riding with his girl? What are we even doing here?" Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.