The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

"Everything's been ready for a while. I wanted to bring it over a few days back, but I ran into a few problems. I just got them sorted. When are you heading over?" The woman's voice was polite, and Noelle caught every word. "We'll be there shortly," Charles replied, then hung up. He glanced at Noelle's curious gaze and smiled slyly. You'll see soon enough."

They arrived at their destination, and Noelle stared at Charles, bewildered. "Why are we at a mall?" They were not at just any mall, but one that oozed luxury.

Charles just chuckled and stepped out of the car, prompting Noelle to sigh and follow. "Hang tight. You'll see soon enough. No need to rush!"

Hand in hand, they made their way through the mall, making a beeline for the glittering jewelry section. Noelle's eyes lit up with realization. "Is this a New Year's surprise for me?"

He responded with only a grin, keeping the secret until they paused at the jewelry store's entrance. That's when Noelle guessed aloud, "You're getting me jewelry, aren't you?"

Just then, a dazzling woman came over with a bright smile. "Mr. Hoffman, welcome!"

Charles nodded and pulled Noelle inside. "Everything set?"

"All ready for you, Mr. Hoffman!" The woman beamed, signaling for the items to be brought over. Her eyes lingered on Noelle, especially on their intertwined fingers, and she seemed to catch on. "I take it this is Mrs. Hoffman?" Noelle blinked in surprise and glanced at Charles, who seemed unfazed. She introduced herself with a nod, "Hi, I'm Noelle."

"Hello!" Janice was stunned by Noelle's incredible presence.

Charles was clearly a catch and regularly outshone everyone in the room with his presence. However, Noelle could rival his presence. She did not just hold her own, but she even made them look even better together. She had a serene and peaceful energy that was all her own.

Janice had always been curious about the kind of woman who could capture Charles's heart. She had tried to imagine her countless times but never quite nailed it-until today, when she saw Noelle.

"This is my wife, Noelle!" Charles

announced, guiding Noelle to a cozy spot in the lounge area. Janice tagged along. "Hi, I'm Janice, the

resident designer," she introduceret

herself As she finished, her assistant approached with an elegant jewelry box in hand Janice, I've brought what you asked for!" The assistant handed it to Janice,

who acknowledged it with a grateful nod.

"Mr. Hoffman, here's the piece you requested." Janice presented the box to Charles, who accepted it with a nod.

"Your hand, please."

Noelle, a bit confused, extended her hand. Charles took a ring from the box and, with solemn care, slid it onto Noelle's finger.

"It's a perfect fit!" Charles admired Noelle's hand, turning it this way and that, his face lighting up with approval. He met Noelle's gaze. "Do you like it? It's our wedding ring." Wedding ring?

A tremor ran through Noelle's heart, and the hand Charles held felt like it was on fire, Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes sparkled as she gazed at the simple ring. "Does this... are we

still considered newly nov