The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 404

Charles was her pillow, and she was nestled securely in his arms. Noelle's arms were wrapped around Charles's waist, and when she woke up and looked up, she was greeted by the sight of his face. He looked even more radiant in the morning light than he did at night. Noelle nibbled on her lip, a twinge of jealousy sparking as she playfully poked Charles's face. Not quite content, she gave his cheek a gentle pinch for good measure.

However, Charles had been awake since the first flutter of Noelle's eyelids. His sleep was always feather-light, and the faintest sound was enough to rouse him. Today, he had decided to forgo tradition and sleep in a bit longer. He never anticipated his usually calm companion would turn into such a fidget, first prodding and now pinching his face.

In the midst of her mischief, Charles's eyes snapped open and his hand caught Noelle's mid-poke. He quirked an eyebrow. "What's up, my lady?"

Caught red-handed, Noelle's cheeks blazed with color. With her wrist in Charles's grip, she impulsively bit her lip and leaned in for a playful stare-down. "What's the big deal? Why can't I wake you up when you're snoozing the morning away? You're such a sleepyhead!" Charles squinted playfully, his eyebrow arching as he chuckled at Noelle's morning antics. "Oh? I'm a sleepyhead, am I?"

As Charles inched closer, Noelle's heart pounded with a frantic warning. She scrambled back, but it was no use. She could not outpace Charles.

In one smooth motion, Charles's strong arm reached out, pulling Noelle into a tight embrace. He gently lifted her chin, his voice teasing. "And what was my lady planning to do?"

"Hey! What are you doing? Let go of me!"

Noelle playfully smacked Charles's hand away, but he was quick to grab hers, gently cradling it and brushing her forehead with a soft touch. "The sun's barely up, Nelly. Just five more minutes," he murmured.

"No way, it's late!" Noelle protested,

trying to wriggle free from his grasp.

"I've got work today, and it's my f first day. I can't mess this up and give Mr. Parker a bad impression Rise

and shine, Charles!"

She pushed against him, but Charles had her in a gentle but firm hold, and she could not budge. With a pout, Noelle insisted, "Come on, Charles! Get up!"

He just lay there, a teasing smile

playing on his lips. His eyes sparkled

with mischief, and he did not move an inch. In a swift move, Noelle leaned in close, wrapping one arm around his neck and playfully tilting his chin up with her other hand. She pressed her lips to his in a bold move.

Charles's eyes flew open, a flash of surprise crossing his face. However, this moment of domination was fleeting. His hand found the back of her head, and he flipped the script, rolling over so Noelle was now beneath him. Pulling back from her kiss, his voice was a low rumble, breathless with a hint of warning. "Nelly, you're playing with fire."

Noelle bit her lip, defiant. "Well, maybe if someone hadn't trapped me here, I'd be up already!"

Charles arched an eyebrow, a playful challenge in his gaze as he gently caressed her lip with his thumb. His eyes smoldered with intensity as he whispered her name. "Nelly."