The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)
Chapter 504

Grappling with this new insight, Noelle quickly looked away, her cheeks burning as she sneaked a peek at Brian. Sure enough, he was watching her, a wry smile playing on his lips. She shot him a desperate look, silently begging him to keep her secret. Brian tapped the table to catch Arya's attention, his face serious. "We can't just blab about Mr. Hoffman's secrets, can we? Come on, it's getting late. Let's wrap up dinner and get back to work!"

Arya playfully stuck her tongue out at Noelle and dropped the subject. Meanwhile, Noelle could not help but wonder about Janet. Was it possible she actually had a crush on Charles?

That question nagged at Noelle all the way to quitting time. She and Arya had been leaving work together lately. Like clockwork, Charles would call just before they clocked out, telling Noelle to head down early and wait for him. Today was no different. On the call, Charles asked what Noelle was in the mood to eat tonight, a conversation they seemed to have every day after work. It had become such a routine that Noelle felt like they were an old married couple.

As Noelle was about to leave, Arya caught her by the arm. "Hey Noelle, got plans tonight?"

Noelle paused. "What's up?"

"Well, it's nothing much. We're colleagues, right? And since you've joined Collosus Group, we've never really hung out or grabbed a bite together. How about dinner?"

"Now?" Noelle bit her lip, unsure.

UT

"Today's not good for me!" She had just promised Charles she would be home for dinner, which meant she still had to hit the grocery store, Glancing at Arya, Noelle felt a twinge of guilt. Arya had never asked her out for dinner before. "Is there any chance we could do this another day? I've already made plans with my family."

"Oh, I see!" Arya's face fell. "It's just that... Well, you know how it is. I'm not getting any younger, and my parents won't stop nagging me about getting married. And now, my mom's gone and set me up with someone, insisting I meet the guy. It feels so awkward going by myself, you know?"

Arya's frustration was clear. "I mean, I'm not that old yet, and I'm in no rush. But my mom acts like I'm doomed to be single forever unless I tie the knot immediately!"

Noelle gave a half-smile. "You know how parents are, always looking out for us." She gave Arya a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Go check him out, and if he's not Mr. Right, just bail. I really can't today, and I'm so sorry about that."

"It's fine, I'll go meet him," Arya said, rubbing her temple in vexation. "You head on back. I've got to get myself together; looks like I'm heading out."

"Okay, catch you tomorrow!" Noelle waved goodbye to Arya and headed for Charles's exclusive parking lot. She had barely stepped foot inside when a striking female voice reached her ears. "Charles, I didn't bring my car today. Could you give me a lift home?"

Noelle narrowed her eyes just a tad

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when she caught sight of Janet. She whipped around and ducked behind a column, exhaling quietly before Janet's voice floated over. "Charles, why the silent treatment? I came here this morning without a car. I'm a total stranger in Brookville. Charles, you've gotta drive me back!"