The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Today, Noelle was behind the wheel of the red Ferrari that Charles had gifted her when they tied the knot. The car was a real head-turner and seemed a bit at odds with her current outfit.

Once Brian was in the passenger seat, he was focused on his phone, apparently sorting something out. Noelle, driving alongside him, stole a glance his way. "Busy even after clocking out, Mr. Parker?"

"Oh, it was just an old buddy I hadn't caught up with in ages. It was just a quick catch-up!" Brian pocketed his phone and turned to Noelle with a curious grin. "You know, you're quite the odd one out. Everyone's on edge about the annual shindig, but you're cool as a cucumber." Noelle chuckled. "Should I be biting my nails?"

"Well, now that you mention it, I've been curious about you and Mr. Hoffman..." Brian waggled an eyebrow playfully. "This is off the record and just between us. Feel free to keep quiet."

"It's no big secret. Since you're in the loop, there's no point in playing coy. Charles and I haven't been hitched for long, and we've kept it under wraps. But yes, I got a leg up at Collosus Group thanks to Charles." Noelle glanced at Brian with a teasing look. "Seems to me you weren't exactly my fan when I first showed up."

Brian chuckled. "What, are we dredging up old water under the bridge?"

"Far from it!"

Their banter continued as they approached the grand entrance of The Majestic Lounge.

Today, the Collosus Group had taken over the joint for their big bash, so the usual crowd was nowhere to be seen-just the Collosus crew and the stars from Royal Star Entertainment.

Stepping out of the car, Noelle and Brian were met by a server ready to valet park. Noelle handed over the keys with a grateful smile. "Thanks!" and then she and Brian made their way inside together.

The crowd had gathered early,

buzzing with anticipation. Noelle and

Brian made their entrance, and the room took notice. It was not every day that the team could ditch their desks and catch up, so the air ripe with chatter and the clinking of glasses.

irwas

"Hey, isn't that Mr. Parker from the project department with Noelle?" one voice chimed in.

"Yeah, what's the deal with them showing up together?" another added, eyebrows raised.

"Ooh, I bet there's more to their story!" someone teased with a knowing look.

"Totally. They're both single, and they rock up here side by side? Smells like a secret romance," another concluded with a nod.

Arya was juggling a fruity drink and a pastry amidst the crowd. The rumors made her chuckle so hard she nearly did a spit-take.

Weaving through the crowd, Arya beelined for Noelle and Brian. "Mr. Parker," she greeted with a nod, then turned to Noelle with a more pressing tone. "Over here. We need to talk."

She pulled Noelle aside into a quiet

corner, giving her outfit the

once-over with a mix of concern and confusion. "Okay, you're late, but why show up in your everyday look?" Arya's eyes darted from Noelle's casualchic to her own glamorous gown, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She had at least dressed to the nines, but Noelle? She looked great, but it was hardly the outfit for a fancy shindig. "Don't you have a dress for occasions like this?"

"No worries, I'm good," Noelle said, catching Arya's drift. "So, what's the big deal about dragging me over here?"

"Didn't you catch their gossip? They were all about you and Mr. Parker. I'm just trying to have your back!" Arya shot a quick look back at Brian, then leaned in closer. "Hey, you and Mr. Rarker... Are you two, like a thing?"