Chapter 112
+15 BONUS
Noelle nodded, then hesitated and shook her head, which made Charles’s eyes twinkle with amusement. Well, what’s on your mind?”
Noelle fidgeted. “The friend I met today is called Rowena.”
Charles took the history book from Noelle. He was a bit surprised by her nervousness, and his fingers stopped for a second. He looked at her and grinned. “She must be a really good friend!”
Noelle nodded again. “We went to college together, but she moved to Afron for some stuff a few years back.” Noelle paused for a moment. “She just got back. We haven’t seen each other in so long, so…”
Charles nodded, showing he understood. “Why didn’t you guys talk more?”
“Wasn’t I supposed to bring you dinner? Uh, have you eaten yet?”
Charles paused, his long fingers wrapped around the book. He pressed his lips together and was quiet for a while.
Noelle saw his look, and her brow furrowed. “You didn’t eat, did you?”
Charles gave a small nod. “I’m not hungry.”
“How can you not be hungry?” Noelle scolded Charles with a mix of worry and annoyance. “You’ve got to take care of yourself. When I was little, I was super picky and skipped a lot of meals. I almost ended up with a stomach problem because I was so hungry all the time. It was awful.”
As she talked, Noelle grabbed the book from Charles’s hands and put it back on the shelf. “Didn’t you say you were going to the Hoffman family’s old house? Why didn’t you eat anything? Did you miss dinner?”
Noelle’s voice was usually too loud for the quiet Five Elements Residence, but today it made the place feel alive.
Charles massaged his forehead, trying to hide a smile. “It’s not a big deal,” he said.
Noelle was not having it. “The food I packed for you is in the fridge. I’ll warm it up,” she insisted, heading downstairs. Charles caught her wrist to stop her.
Noelle turned to him, confused. “What’s up?”
“Don’t bother. It’s too much trouble,” he said. Skipping one meal was not the end of the world!
“It’s no trouble at all. Just wait!”
Charles watched Noelle walk away, feeling a warm glow in his heart.
The Hoffman family!
He had completely forgotten about not eating until Noelle mentioned it.
He touched his stomach gently, and the usual sharp look in his eyes softened.
Noelle and Rowena had been enjoying a barbecue meal, but Noelle thought it would be rude to give Charles the bits and pieces left over. Thus, she ordered a few extra dishes. By the time she was heading back, Charles had unexpectedly gone to visit the old family home.
1/2
+15 BONUS
When Noelle got back, she put the food in the fridge. Now, it just needed a quick warm–up.
Noelle walked out with a plate and saw Charles casually leaning on the doorframe, looking effortlessly composed and a bit lackadaisical.
He smiled when he saw Noelle and stood up. “What’s that?”
“Some leftovers I got from dinner. I’m not sure if you’ll like them. Did you
wash your hands?”
Charles nodded and took the plate from Noelle. “Ready to eat?”
Noelle shook her head. “No thanks. I’m stuffed!” However, she sat down across from Charles anyway, watching him eat. He was a fast eater, but she could still see his natural grace and poise.
Noelle sighed to herself. She felt a little rough around the edges next to this distinguished man.
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