"Hmmm, what else is needed?" I thought to myself, slightly tilted to the side, looking at the whole setting I had put together at our dining table. The room gleamed with red candles and balloons. A splash of rose petals was carefully layered on the floor from the entrance of the house, leading to the dining area. Everything smelled romantic like strawberry blossoms.
I had tried my best to decorate it to look like our first date.
"Perfect, now I can't wait for him to walk in. He'd be so happy," a wide smile curved on my face as I stood with my hands on my stomach, rubbing it like an expectant mother. My mind flashed back to the early days when we met. It has been passionate, sweet, and what I will call a perfect romantic union.
Well, the funky feeling I had when I woke up made me curious. I had buried myself in the bathroom with a test tube in my two hands. I had to do a check-up, and guess what? It came out positive. That's a double blessing in one day. I was so eager and couldn't wait to tell my husband.
Maurice has been a gentle man since I knew him. He loved and cared for me, and he always wanted to make sure I was comfortable. He even volunteered to do the laundry, even with his busy schedule. I dare not touch the laundry. He is just the perfect man for me.
"I can't wait to see the excitement in his eyes when he finds out," I murmured. Maurice and I have been expecting a baby for almost two years after our marriage. We've done a series of tests that prove we are both fit to conceive, but nothing happened. And now, our wishes have finally come to pass.
A few seconds later, the doorbell rang, and Maurice walked in. I watched him drag himself in with his bag and a rose bouquet in his hands. He looked exhausted.
"Aww, you look so tired," I giggled, and he nodded agreeably, but his face brightened the moment he saw the decoration lying pretty.
"Baby… you made all of this? For me?" He asked, and I nodded at him, smiling, as he walked towards me and handed me the rose bouquet before locking his lips with mine in a passionate kiss for a couple of minutes. I could swear I saw his shoulders buck up a little, like a proud father.
"Happy anniversary, my love. I'm happy to have you as my husband. You mean the world to me, and I love you so much." Oh, I can never get enough of His warm smile that's always seasoning my heart as he stared at me in amusement. "Hmm, I love you too, baby."
We both motioned towards the chair to sit while I served his dish. Maurice closed his eyes to relish the aroma of his best food, Alfredo pasta, he had told me he loved eating it since little, I mean, that's the least I can do to appreciate him for being such an amazing husband.
"Hum, baby, I have something important to tell you." I gazed at him for a bit, thinking of how to construct my words joyfully. "Hmm hmm, this food is delicious, what is it, my love?" He asked, taking one of my palms into his and placing a well-deserved kiss on it. I was going to start talking when his phone interrupted.
"Yes…, yes. Okay, I'll be on my way," I raised a curious eyebrow at him.
"Baby, I have to go now, it's a call from work again," he said,
"But honey, it's our anniversary, you're supposed to spend more time with me, can't you cancel?" I objected.
"I'm sorry, babe, I promise, I'll make it up to you with something you love. Remember the jewelry you picked up at the store the last time? I'll get it for you, is that okay?" He asked, and I sighed.
"Yeah," I replied, and he pressed a gentle kiss on my forehead and stormed out of the house. He didn't even listen to what I had to tell him. I sat at the table for a moment, feeling neglected, but I cheered up.
"At least he is making it up with something expensive." I packed up the food and went straight to bed.
The next morning, I got to my cozy office pretty early. Maurice hadn't come home since last night, but that wasn't a bother. I barely sat when my manager pushed the door open.
"Jasmine, what a pleasant morning to tell you this sweet information you'd be happy to hear." I grinned at him, expecting him to spill the beans. "Tell me," I answered
"I saw a marvelous opportunity yesterday, it's a study offer in culinary, and it's just for three years. You know, I immediately thought about you when I saw it. Isn't it perfect?" He shrugged and smiled
"It is," I answered and sighed, but I was hesitant as I touched my belly and remembered that I have a coming responsibility, I have to make time to take care of myself because of my baby. "I wish I could take this offer, it's been my dream. But I can't, I have a lot of things to take care of."
He immediately understood and nodded agreeably before storming out of my office.
After a hectic work hour in the kitchen, attending to clients' orders, rustling and buzzing of plates and utensils, perfecting sweet and savory dishes, I was done for the day. I cleaned my hands and walked back to my office to relax. I barely sat down when my office door flung open again.
"Chef, we have a little problem, a pregnant woman requests you, she said the food she ordered tastes bad." My eyes widened in shock, and I sighed
"I'll be with her in a minute," he walked out, and I followed behind him. The woman seemed to be in her 30s, pretty and of course heavily pregnant, she looked like she would put to bed anytime soon. I approached her with a soft smile on my face.
"Hello, Miss, how can I be of service to you?" I gestured. "What is this mess of food you served me? Hun? I asked for a very hot bolognese, not this twitch that tastes like dog food. "She looked furious as she said those words, and they pierced my soul, but I had to be professional.
"I'm sorry to hear that our food did not meet your needs, but this food was freshly cooked this morning. As a matter of fact, all our foods are freshly cooked with fresh ingredients," I replied calmly, trying to keep the situation at a peaceful pace.
"So, you're telling me that I'm lying, hun? This whole place is bullshit, your food, your service and you. All are bullshit but I won't make a scene now, just you wait until my husband comes back I'll make sure he gets you fired. He'll be here soon, nonsense." I silently stood looking at her for a few seconds before answering. "Sure, ma'am, I'll be in my office while we wait for your husband." I smiled at her glaring eyes that looked like they would swallow me alive.
Some minutes later, I was summoned to meet her husband. I quickly stepped out of my office and back to the restaurant, getting a few inches close to her table. My legs halted, and my mouth dropped in complete shock.
"Maurice, you are her husband?"