The Cherished Wife

Wife 53

After hanging up, Charles caught Noelle’s gaze on him. He lounged against the sofa, legs casually crossed, the picture of relaxation. “All done?”

Noelle nodded, stood up, and began to tidy up the dishes. Charles just observed, making no move to assist.

He watched her move about, the angled sunlight streaming through the window, bathing her in a glow that made her seem effortlessly at ease and content.

Charles had always reveled in the quiet of his life. Phoenix Tree Residence had stood empty for years as his own personal haven. Now, with another soul wandering its halls, it did not seem too bad.

He was not exactly put off by this woman’s arrival. Perhaps having her around would spice up his days. Then again…

A shadow flickered across Charles’s eyes, the hint of a smile giving way to something sharper, more guarded.

Ronald was on the ball, zipping back to the Phoenix Tree Residence in less than thirty minutes with company in tow. Charles swung the door open, and Ronald, standing tall, peeked inside. Noelle was lounging in the living room, lost in a TV show, her laughter ringing through the spacious house. It was oddly enchanting.

Charles’s brow quirked up, his gaze sliding coolly over Ronald, who quickly looked away. “Mr. Hoffman, your guest has arrived.” This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

“Come on in, then!”

Ronald ushered the newcomers inside with a, “Right this way, please!”

For them, it was their first time stepping into a place like this, especially the home of Mr. Hoffman, one of the famed Four Young Masters of Brookville. They had not expected the Phoenix Tree Residence to be so… different from the rumors. Its refined decor clashed with the icy vibe of the man himself.

“Mr. Hoffman, are you tying the knot with this missy?” one of the older onlookers asked, eyeing Charles and Noelle. They looked like the perfect match, a real power couple.

Charles squinted and gave a nod.

Noelle paused, shooting Charles a curious glance before surveying the other three in the living room.

Although she recognized Ronald, the other two were somewhat of a mystery, though she had pieced together bits from their earlier chat. What really threw her for a loop was that Charles had invited people over to his place, which was pretty out of character for him.

She eyed Charles, “We’re good even though I didn’t bring any proof of residence?”

“It’s no problem,” the staff member chuckled. “You two haven’t had your picture taken yet!” She thought to herself, ‘Who does this guy think he is? Oh right, he’s Mr. Hoffman of Brookville. He can probably get away with anything.”

Truth be told, with Charles’s clout, getting whatever he wanted had never been an issue.

The burning question on everyone’s mind was who this woman who had managed to snag the famously

aloof Charles was.

“Let’s get a photo of Mr. Hoffman and the lady here!”

In just a few minutes, they snapped the pictures, filled out the paperwork, and voilà, two marriage certificates were in their hands.

Charles shot Ronald a look, and Ronald snapped to attention, beaming at the staff members. “You’ve both made quite the trip. How about I treat you to a bite to eat?”

Ronald had just said goodbye to the last of the staff, and the sprawling Phoenix Tree Residence was suddenly quiet, with only Charles and Noelle left. Noelle clutched the marriage certificate, her palm tingling with a strange warmth. She stared at the little booklet, her eyes wide. “Did we really just get married?”