The Cherished Wife

Wife 12

Charles squinted, his gaze dropping to the slender hands pushing against his chest. Noelle looked like she was playing hard to get, but Charles knew better that she was not the type to send mixed signals. Right now, her hands were shaking slightly, the warmth of her touch making his eyebrows rise a little. His eyes lingered on Noelle’s overly made–up face.

Charles reached out with a frown and touched her cheek, his voice laced with

Lay off the heavy makeup next time. It’s not your style.” Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

annoyance.

Noelle’s temper flared instantly, and she shoved Charles back, “Back off! It’s my face, so I’ll do whatever I want with it. I’ll wear as much makeup as I want. Keep your opinions to yourself.

Noelle stood up with a huff. “I’m going to check on what Grandpa is up to!”

She made her way to Sebastian’s study, tapped lightly on the door, and called out, “Grandpa, can I come in?”

“Come in!”

Upon hearing Sebastian’s voice, Noelle swung the door open and found him by the bookshelf thumbing through a book filled with of modern–day musings.

Sebastian, spotting Noelle, beckoned, “Get over here, kiddo!”

Noelle strolled over and peered at what Sebastian was reading. It was full of diagrams and things she could not make heads or tails of, so she just shut the book in his hands. “Grandpa, I don’t get to

visit often. What am I greeted with when I come over for a rare visit? You invite random people over, then hide out here.”

Sebastian chuckled and playfully tapped her forehead as he gazed at Noelle’s familiar face, letting out a wistful sigh. “You do know who Charles is, right?”

“Of course, everyone in Brookville knows him. Grandpa, how come you’ve never mentioned you had a student like him?” Despite his fame, Grandpa had never mentioned him before. Noelle was practically raised by Sebastian and only later moved back in with the Shaws. She even tagged along to his classes when she was little, so she knew many of his students.

Sebastian’s eyes flickered with a shadow of concern before he broke into a smile. “How old were you back then? Charles was my star student, but he went overseas, so it’s no shock your haven’t met him. He tucked the notebook away and gently held Noelle’s hand. “So, what’s your take on Charles? I think he’s a catch, especially since I know his whole story. If you were

to…”

“Hold up.” Noelle’s brow crinkled, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation.” Grandpa, what am I to you? Do you think I’m that desperate?”

“Look, even if you’re not desperate, Charles is definitely a catch. I’ve picked out a real gem

for

you! And don’t think I don’t know about your little escapades just because you’ve been quiet. What did Julian have to say? And the Shaw family patriarch?”

Sebastian was upset that his precious granddaughter had faced such troubles. “I told you Xavier was no good, but you wouldn’t listen.”

“Grandpa!” Noelle’s eyes brimmed with tears, and she stomped her foot in frustration. “Stop it. I didn’t know at the time, okay? I’ve learned my lesson, and it won’t happen again.”

“Okay, okay, we won’t talk about that mistake. Let’s focus on Charles. Noelle, I’m getting on in years, and I worry about you. I don’t need you to be rich. I just want you to be safe and happy. Charles was my student, and I trust him completely.”

“Mr. Hoffman, why are you the only one here? Where is everyone else?” May’s voice echoed through the living room. Noelle and Sebastian shared a quick look before Charles chimed in, Seems like Ms. Shaw isn’t the biggest fan of me, huh?”

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