The Cherished Wife

Wife 22

Noelle headed to Curio Corner. Sir Shaw did not have many hobbies, but he did enjoy collecting antiques, and the house was filled with various antique pieces of artwork. Rumor had it that he was an appraiser when he was younger but had given up that passion to inherit the family business.

When Noelle entered Curio Corner, an employee immediately approached her and asked, ” What are you looking for, Miss?”

Noelle was not particularly well–versed in this area. She merely wanted to butter up Sir Shaw. After all, he was the only person in the Shaw family who was still civil to her, and she did not want him to be upset because of her.

“I’ll just browse for a bit,” Noelle told the employee before looking around her. However, nothing stood out to her.

“Hello, Mr. Hoffman. We just received a shipment of items from the Renaissance a couple of days ago and have kept everything you requested reserved for you as per instructions.”

Noelle was still browsing when a trio of men entered the shop. The man taking the lead was none other than Charles Hoffman, whom she had not seen for a couple of days. He left the talking to the middle–aged man standing beside him and merely nodded from time to time.

After they entered, Charles‘ wandering gaze landed on Noelle almost immediately.

She happened to look up in his direction, and their eyes met unexpectedly. Noelle saw Charles. lips curve upward ever so slightly, a hint of a smile appearing in his good–looking eyes as well.

The middle–aged man was about to continue speaking when Ronald interrupted him and motioned for him to stop talking.

Charles waved a hand at them. Ronald and the middle–aged man headed into the lounge.

Charles spoke to himself under his breath as he strode toward Noelle, whose heart began racing uncontrollably.

The evening sun shone in through the windows, and the man walked toward her with his back against the light. He looked like he had been bathed in gold, and she felt dazzled.

Noelle had realized how attractive Charles was. He had features that made him look like a Greek statue, and one could only wonder just what sort of genetic combination was required for a man to be born looking so fine.

“Long time no see, Ms. Shaw!”

Noelle was still lost in her thoughts when Charles walked up to her. His long, slender fingers tugged at his suit jacket buttons slightly, an unreadable expression on his face.

Noelle jerked out of her reverie and blushed in embarrassment as she replied, “Long time no see, Mr. Hoffman!” Noelle chuckled. When she felt a slight awkwardness between them, she added. “Are you interested in antiques as well, Mr. Hoffman?”

“I dabble in them from time to time,” Charles said, a slight smile on his face.

Today, he wore a light grey suit that made his body seem extremely well–proportioned. His long legs folded over each other as he leaned against the pillar lazily, a far cry from his usual frosty self.

He had unbuttoned three of the buttons on the shirt he was wearing, using his slender, elegant looking fingers to pinch and rub it between his fingers as he said, “Are you interested in antiques, Ms. Shaw?”

Noelle narrowed her eyes and gazed at Charles. She had to admit the man had a massive advantage over everyone else. He was just moving his hands in a way any other person would, but the action seemed to take on a whole different meaning when he did it.

Noelle had to admit the man was a great flirt, even if she was not interested in him that way.

Noelle shook her head, “No, I’m not well–versed in them.” She frowned slightly before turning to look at Charles again, “I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor?”

“Oh?” Charles raised an eyebrow. “Tell me more”

Noelle pursed her lips. “Well, my grandfather’s birthday is in two days, and he’s interested in antiques. So…”

“Are you asking for my help in picking out gift, Ms. Shaw?”

D