nths ear

elyn

n't stop

ach perfection. The fragrant scent of lilies and roses permeated the air, mixing with the cozy scen

our anniversary. Our fifth year of celebration. Five

his eyes would sparkle when he walked in, how his lips would tur

is anniversary was going

d on my abdomen, a warm

s about to be

o suppress the grin pulling at the edges of my lips. I discovered it a week ago, but I wanted to wait for the right moment to infor

nouncement itself. The present had been arranged, a stylish, engraved watch, thoughtfully selected to complement his

eyes would deepen in color with feeling, perhaps even shimmer. He would look at me, really look at me, and in that moment, I understood I would witness it all: the affection, the happiness, th

d my phone, calling the one person who alw

nes

iend. The person I tru

before her voice chi

at do I owe

y, Nessa. What

dealing with life's c

help with some

piqued. "Spe

ry in two nights, and I want to plan the most perfect evening ever. A private dinner, c

she pr

preg

ed from the phone, c

ness, Eve! This is incredible!

tell him that night. I got him a wat

ute!" He will be

dy envisioning his respo

we have to organize this properly. Where would you

gured something more intimate would be better. Just us, in our home, where

perfect! You can control everything, the setting, the

even realized were forming. "I was hoping you'd say that. I ne

, and we can celebrate early! Maybe do a little practice run, taste-test s

chest. "That sounds perfect. I d

she teased. "Now, tell me, what's on the menu? We

amazing

genuinely feel pleased for you, Eve. "Y

ly, I'm happy for you, Eve. You des

Thanks, love. I just hope I can reach

g work about now. I dialed his number, but it

ning, Mrs.

. Is Sebas

ng of a keyboard. "I apologize, but Mr. Rodgers is currentl

reeping in. "Oh... okay. Do

m, but I can pass alo

t would be great. Simpl

nclude the call, a sudden

ssa's

then a soft inhale.

tilting my head.

too fast. "Just a

h to churn. It was faint, perhaps a small pause, a bit too much

, try not to worry excessively about Sebastian." You're aware of how he acts whe

e discomfort remained, a slight murmur in my thoughts, yet I

lied, breathing out gent