The Cherished Wife by Chweety

Charles's gaze deepened, his voice low and husky. "Yeah, it's time to eat." His eyes, however, stayed fixed on Noelle, sending her pulse racing out of control.

The hand Charles held felt warm, almost too warm, as if a feverish heat passed between them, leaving a sheen of sweat.

Despite the years they had been married, Noelle's heart still skipped a beat every time she saw that look in Charles's eyes. It was as if her heart was about to jump right out of her chest.

Noelle swallowed hard, only to catch Charles lowering his gaze, his lips inching closer. She instinctively closed her eyes, her lashes fluttering like the wings of a butterfly.

Charles narrowed his eyes affectionately and gently lifted Noelle's chin, leaning in for a kiss. However, just as their lips were about to meet, the shrill ring of a cellphone cut through the moment. They both froze, but Noelle was the first to snap out of it, pushing him away with cheeks as red as a cooked lobster.

Catching her breath, Noelle turned away. "You should take the call. I'll head down to lay out the silverware!"

The name on the screen brought a brief shadow across his face, but he pressed

"Charles, it's Mom."

was icy, putting a distance between

Noelle bustling about, his expression softened. He found himself walking down to her, reaching out to take her hand. Noelle gave him a puzzled look, but Charles just smiled and gently squeezed

a shadow over his spirits. Not knowing who was on the line but guessing they were no pushover, Noelle stayed quiet, her head bowed as she fiddled with Charles's fingers. Then, in

half-smile and gently stroked Noelle's hair before he spoke into the phone. "Mom,

"Charles." Clarisse's voice came

with urgency. She let out a sigh. "Tknow you've been holding grudge against me for years, but

have to. I'm not that three-year-old kid anymore, and frankly, I couldn't care less about what's going