The Cherished Wife by Chweety

A playful glint danced in Charles's deep eyes. "Well, aren't you going to choose one?" he teased, strolling over to a display case to survey the array of rings. Noelle trailed behind him, casting only a brief glance at the collection before she hesitated. Charles caught her hand gently. "Not to your liking?"

She shook her head. "It's not that. It's just that wearing something so lavish to work doesn't sit right with me." Noelle was mindful that her colleagues were unaware of her true status, and after the previous night's events, their perceptions of her had likely shifted. She had no desire to be treated differently in the workplace.

Charles looked at her thoughtfully and gave a small nod. "What kind of ring are you thinking of, then?"

"Something understated and minimalist," Noelle mused, moving on to another display. She beckoned Charles over with a wave. "Hey, Charles, check this one out. What do you think?" She pointed to a ring that was the epitome of simplicity-no diamonds, no engravings, just a sleek band with a subtle, unique shape.

Charles narrowed his eyes, intrigued. "Could we take a closer look at this one, please?"

The moment the sales assistant spotted Noelle picking out a simple, budget-friendly ring, her smile turned frosty. She sized up Charles and Noelle, convinced their polished appearance was all show and that they were not the big spenders she had hoped for. "Sir, are you sure you wouldn't like to see something else? This ring..."

"Just bring it here!" Charles cut her off with an impatient wave. "What's the problem? You're open for business, right? Can't you fulfill a simple customer request?"

The assistant's face soured, but

a lucrative sale today, but it looked like she had misjudged

patrons began browsing the jewelry, the assistant quickly excused herself to cater to the other potential

held the ring up to Noelle's hand. "Want to try

disdain bother her. She extended her hand, and Charles slipped the ring on. It fit perfectly and looked anything but out of place.

do you think? Does

the

smiled, sliding off the ring. "Could you wrap this up

milling around, but they all hung back, reluctant to step in since Charles and his group were already being helped by someone else. That someone, however,

buy some

belonged to Gerald