The Cherished Wife by Chweety

Noelle could not help but giggle, swatting Charles's hand away. "You're such a charmer. But hey, it's getting late. Since we're skipping the movie, let's head on home."

Time had flown by, and they had been strolling by the river for almost an hour. The place was alive with people bustling about, and the streetlights had come to life, casting a warm glow on the water. There was something about the early winter evening that felt almost magical.

It had been ages since Noelle felt so calm and content. Her life used to be a whirlwind of travel, never staying put for long. Even with Xavier's support back then, she had often felt overwhelmed by the Shaw family. However, with Charles, his strength seemed to wash away her insecurities, making every awkward moment disappear. With him, she was sure she would never lose her way again.

"What's on your mind?"

Charles squeezed Noelle's hand, noticing her distant gaze.

Snapping back to the present, Noelle spotted a young couple on the bridge, walking arm in arm. The girl leaned against the boy, tugging at his coat in a playful, unsteady dance that made Noelle laugh. "What's so funny?"

"Just how wonderful the world can be!" Noelle replied. She watched as the boy crouched down, arms outstretched, ready for a piggyback ride. The girl, grinning with delight, backed up a few steps and then, hiking up her awkward dress, launched herself onto his back. She must have gone at it with a bit too much enthusiasm, nearly sending them both tumbling to the ground.

arms. His voice, a mix of scolding and relief, floated over. "You've got to watch where you're going! Lucky for you,

his shoulder a playful pat. "Come on,

resignation, the boy stood up, muttering, "What if I hadn't

would have fallen, but I'd make sure

"Oh, you!" he exclaimed.

to be in it together through thick

boy, then with the girl on his back, walked off into the distance, leaving Noelle shaking her head with

a playful glint. "Feeling tempted?" he asked. "Tempted? Tempted to do what?"

you back," Charles said, nodding toward the now-vanished couple, then turning back to Noelle with a challenging look. "How

off with her head held high. Charles