The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 696

Noelle practically flew into his arms, dropping everything she was holding as she threw herself against Charles.

It was only when she felt his warm body that her racing heart finally settled. She clung to him like he was the most precious thing in the world, refusing to let go. She was afraid that if she did, he might vanish like a dream. Sensing her anxiety, Charles wrapped his arms around her, gently patting her back in a soothing rhythm. "It's okay, I'm here," he whispered.

"I'm not a dream. I'm right here by your side."

Hearing his words, Noelle tightened her hold even more. "I know... I know it's really you. I can feel your warmth. But Charlie, why did you come?"

She had assumed he was either asleep or busy with work at this hour. She never expected him to drive all the way from Phoenix Tree Residence in the middle of the night.

The drive from Phoenix Tree Residence to her place took at least an hour, which meant Charles had left a while ago. There was not even a hint of chill on his body, suggesting that he had waited downstairs for a long time until he had warmed up before coming up to her. Noelle clasped her arms around his waist, unwilling to let go. Charles sighed in resignation but indulged her, making no move to remove her hands.

Instead, he lightly stroked the back of her head. "What is it? Are you not happy that I came?"

"I'm happy," she admitted instantly. "Of course, I'm happy! But it's so late, and... didn't you say Janet had someone following me? What if they saw you coming here, then..."

"Don't worry," Charles reassured her, running his fingers through her hair. "There's no way they know I came."

He continued to hold her. "I'm not going anywhere. Now, can you let go of me?"

Noelle shook her head. "No." No matter what he said, she refused to loosen her grip.

"Coming here this late isn't right, you know..."

"Oh? Are you saying I should leave now-" Charles teased.

"No!" Noelle interrupted before he could finish, wrapping her arms and legs around his waist as if to keep him there. "This is my territory, and you don't get to come and go as you please," she declared while lifting her chin defiantly.

"From the moment you stepped into my domain, you became mine. Here, you'll do as I say!"

She poked his chest with her delicate finger. "Got it?"

"Got it." Charles chuckled, amusement lighting up his eyes. He loved seeing this feisty side of Noelle. He gently took her finger, kissing it tenderly. "Yes, my queen." Noelle raised her eyebrows, clearly satisfied with his obedient response. She nodded approvingly and finally loosened her hold a bit, only to quickly hug him again.

"Alright then, tell me what's your reason for sneaking over here in the dead of night? Speak the truth!"

"What do you think?" Charles raised an eyebrow. Watching Noelle act so childishly, he could not help but silently shake his head in fondness. However, he played along, taking her hand in his and circling his arm around her waist.

With a swift turn, he pinned her against the wall.

He raised her arm above her head, pressing it against the wall. As he leaned in close, his warm breath tickled her face and neck, making Noelle squirm uncomfortably. Her cheeks even burned bright red. Charles always had this ability to flip the situation and turn things in his favor. Moments ago, she had been the one in control.

Noelle glanced up at him as she

pouted and wriggled in his hold. However, Charles only moved closer, his dark eyes filled with intensity They shone with tiny flecks of Right, making him look incredibly captivating.