The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Noelle skipped along, her steps light and playful, which might have looked a bit silly to anyone watching. However, she was in her own little bubble of happiness. "Charles."

"Yeah?"

Charles made a sound of acknowledgment but did not turn around. "What's up?"

"Nothing. I just felt like saying your name." She was basking in the quiet moment. It was strange. Although she and Charles had only known each other for six months, it felt like they had known each other for much longer, almost like an old married couple. "Hey, what movie did Ronald end up booking for us?"

"I'm not sure. I told him to choose anything that fits our schedule!" Charles finally looked at her. "Or are you not in the mood for a movie?"

Noelle bit her lip thoughtfully. "To be honest, there doesn't seem to be anything great playing right now."

"Then let's skip it," Charles decided with ease. "Where would you like to go instead?"

"I've got no idea." Noelle shook her head, a little smile on her face. "We should just go to the movies. It'd be a shame to waste the tickets, especially since they cost a pretty penny."

"It's fine. If you're not into it, we won't go. How about we just take a walk?" Charles gave Noelle's hand a gentle squeeze. "Why are your hands still so cold?"

He had been holding her hand for quite a while, but it was still chilly to the touch.

"It's always been like this for me,

cold hands in winter, no big deal et

Noelle reassured him, playfully moving her hand within his grasp. "There, isn't that better?"

"Next time, make sure to dress warmer when you head out," he said with a hint of concern, eyeing her coat. "Don't wear something so light again, okay?"

"No way! I'm totally bundled up,"

Noelle said, swatting Charles's hand away and gesturing to her thick overcoat and the sweater peeking out from underneath. "Look at me, I'm dressed for an arctic expedition. And you're tossing your coat aside

like it's nothing. Aren't you freezing in just that shirt?"

"It got dirty!" Charles protested with a grin. "Besides, I don't get cold when you're around."

Noelle rolled her eyes but could not suppress a shiver, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. "Oh, stop it. I'm not a walking heater, you know."

However, deep down, Noelle's heart fluttered at his words.

"To me, you're cozier than any heater could ever be!"

"Charles, has anyone ever told you that your sweet talk is criminally smooth?" She marveled at how she had never noticed that charming side of him before. His lips quirked up in a sly smile. "Nope. Because I've only ever had eyes for you. My sweet words are yours alone-past, present, and future."

Hearing that, Noelle's heart swelled

with joy. She reached out, caressing Charles's cheek tenderly and then giving it a playful pinch. "What am going to do with you? I just love it when you talk like that!" After all, she was a romantic at heart, and who did not love a bit of sweet talk?

Charles's eyes crinkled as he caught her hand, gently pressing it to his cheek. "Then I guess I'll have to keep it up every single day!"