The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

Eight o'clock PM marked the start of the night's revelry. The Majestic Lounge, usually alive with music and laughter, was buzzing more than ever tonight, all because Steven had shown up. The crowd was not just the usual Brookville's Elite Four. Gerald from the Rogers Empire was there, along with Sean's cousin Bob, Yoel, and even Jennifer had made an appearance. The vibe was electric. Noelle and Charles strolled in last, having hit a snag on their way over and running a little late.

Sean spotted them, quickly grabbed two glasses of wine, and teased, "Mr. Fischer graces us with his rare presence, and Charles, you're late? Alright, both Charles and his lovely lady owe us a drink!"

At that, the room fell silent, and all eyes turned to the woman by Charles' side. The term "lovely lady" caught everyone off guard, especially since Sean had hinted she was practically family.

'Whoa, hold up, is that Charles Hoffman? As in, one of the legendary Four Young Masters of Brookville?" The buzz around the room was electric. He's married? Since when does something this huge happen in Brookville without it becoming the talk of the town?' The crowd could not peel their eyes away from the woman beside Charles.

Noelle, with all eyes on her, felt a wave of unease but managed a shy smile. She grabbed two glasses of wine from Sean and offered one to Charles. "Sorry for making us late, everyone. I guess Charles and I owe you a drink for that!"

Her voice cut through the chatter,

not because was loud, but because her words were like a

over

bombshell to the unsuspecting guests, Only a few, like Sean, Peter, and Steven, knew about the

wedding, and the rest were buzzing with curiosity.

Noelle glanced around the room, then at Charles, who gave her a reassuring nod. With a light laugh, she downed her wine in one smooth motion. The crowd was visibly impressed by her cool demeanor. Sean was the first to recover. "Just one drink for being late? Come on, that's hardly a penalty! Right, folks?"

"Yeah!" Gerald chimed in, stirring up the excitement. "When did Mr. Hoffman tie the knot? How did we all miss the memo?" He turned back to Noelle with a curious grin. "And who might you be?" "Hi there, I'm Noelle," Noelle said with an open smile. "Charles's better half!"

Charles gave a sly grin and downed a glass. "Let's make it three glasses. I'll take the other two for Noelle!" His words were a clear show of support. The drink was a must, especially since it was part of introducing Noelle, making it all the more important to partake.

However, Charles made it clear that the drink was not for Noelle to worry about. Everyone got the message: Noelle was off-limits for any teasing, and her place by Charles's side was not to be questioned. "Considering today is Mr. Fischer's turf, Charles, don't you think you're hogging the limelight a bit much?" Peter squinted, his eyes lingering on Noelle. "Am I right, folks?"

"Peter has a point. Let's skip the drink. Next time, Charles and I will treat everyone," Noelle chimed in, giving Charles's shoulder a friendly pat and taking the empty glass from him. Let's grab a seat over there!"

QUMS