The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles) novel Chapter 657

"Not at all." Charles quickly realized Noelle had the wrong idea. He gently patted her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Just because I'm taking you to see a psychologist doesn't mean there's anything wrong." He flashed a smile and nodded toward Sean. "Could you get her, please?"

"Sure thing. You two can have a heart-to-heart," Sean said, quickly exiting the potential drama zone. Charles let out a wry smile. "You've been a bit out of sorts and wound up. Whatever happened last night must've stressed you out. I just thought the doctor could help you unwind. Don't worry, nobody thinks you're ill or anything."

Relieved, Noelle nodded. "Alright, I'll give it a shot. But honestly, I'm okay. It was just my first time dealing with something like that, and I was totally unprepared!"

"I get it, and I promise I won't leave you to face anything like that alone again," Charles vowed to Noelle.

Half an hour later, Charles and Noelle were on their way out of Sean's private hospital. Noelle caught Charles's look of relief and chuckled. "See, I told you I was okay but just a little shaken up. Don't worry. I'll be fine soon."

"Got it," Charles replied, securing Noelle's seatbelt before leaving the hospital.

By the time they returned to Phoenix Tree Residence, the afternoon sun was casting long shadows. Nancy sprang from the couch at the sound of the door. "Charles, Noelle, you're back at last." Worry was etched across her features. "You two didn't come home last night, and you didn’t let us know you would be gone! Charles, your uncle and I were up half the night waiting for you. We didn't get a call until this morning!"

Noelle shot Charles a playful look of reproach. Charles grinned and said, "Oh, come on, Uncle must've been over the moon with us out of the house! How often do you two get the place to yourselves without us third wheeling?"

As he spoke, Charles fetched a pair of slippers for Noelle. "We realized it was way too late last night, and with the non-stop bustle at the office lately, we decided to take a breather and crash at a hotel."