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VIVIAN hummed softly, the melody drifting through the kitchen as she moved around with a gentle, rhythmic sway, her growing baby bump leading her steps. She carefully chopped the vegetables, stirring sauces and tasting them, adjusting seasoning with a delicate touch. The aroma of freshly sautéed onions and garlic filled the air. She placed a casserole dish into the oven, then set a pan on the stove to simmer, glancing occasionally at the clock on the wall.
Her short, comfy dress clung lightly to her form, emphasizing the gentle curve of her belly. She moved with ease, though occasionally pressing a hand to her stomach to feel the life growing within. A laugh escaped her lips as she spoke softly to the baby.
“Almost time, little one… soon we will eat together as a family.”
Finally, she pulled the last dish from the oven and carried it to the dining table, carefully arranging the plates, cutlery, and glasses. She stepped back to admire her work and glanced at the wall clock. 7:50. She giggled.
“Almost… my baby will be here soon,” she whispered to herself, adjusting the placemats and ensuring everything was perfect.
Satisfied, she headed into the bedroom briefly, freshening up and smoothing her hair. Minutes later, she emerged, settling on the couch, hands folded over her stomach, anticipation in her eyes. 8:30 came, and still, Adrian wasn’t home. She shrugged lightly, trying to mask the disappointment.
“Maybe work ran late,” she murmured to herself.
Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that her effort hadn’t left her any food yet. She got up, served herself, and ate quietly, savoring the food she had prepared so carefully. Once finished, she returned to the living room, curling up on the couch. The warmth of the kitchen and the lingering aroma of dinner made her drowsy, and soon, she drifted off into a light sleep.
The creaking of the front door stirred her awake. Blinking away sleep, she sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes.
“Adrian?” she called softly.
He walked toward her, his expression unreadable.
“Don’t tell me you slept here?” he asked.
“Of course I did,” she said, her voice tinged with innocence and slight hurt. “I was waiting up for you.”
Adrian let out a long sigh, shaking his head.
“Oh! You shouldn’t have.”
“What do you mean?” she asked, confused, her brows knitting slightly.
“I made dinner as usual, so I was expecting you home on time, so we could eat together,” she explained softly.
He frowned, clearly frustrated.
“Don’t wait up next time, unless I tell you otherwise.”
Vivian’s eyes widened, her chest tightening in shock.
“What?”
“Yes. Don’t. Now, get up and go in. You shouldn’t be sleeping here,” he said, already beginning to walk away,
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leaving her stunned in the living room.
She scrambled to her feet, panic and disbelief washing over her.
“Adrian? Adrian?” she called after him.
“What is it?” he asked, turning slightly, his patience wearing thin.
“I took my time… my precious time to make dinner for you, and this is all you have to say?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly but growing firmer.
“If I wanted dinner, Vivian, I would have told you. Please, don’t make mountains out of a molehill,” he replied, avoiding her eyes.
Vivian’s lips parted, a sad smile forming.
“Oh! Now I’m making a mountain out of a molehill, right?”
He said nothing, continuing to walk toward the bedroom. She followed closely, her footsteps quick, determined not to let him dismiss her efforts so easily.
“Adrian, I made dinner for us to eat, just as we always do! You didn’t return on time for it, and instead of giving me a reasonable explanation, you are saying this?” she demanded, her voice rising slightly with frustration and hurt.
Still, he remained silent, his gaze forward, walking steadily. Vivian matched his pace, keeping her voice steady but firm, ranting softly yet persistently as they approached the bedroom.
“You could at least appreciate the thought, the time, the effort! I wanted this to be our moment together… and now?” she added, her hands fluttering slightly as she spoke, pressing a hand against her stomach unconsciously.
He paused briefly at the door, finally glancing at her. His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn’t answer, only continued into the room. Vivian, feeling both defiance and exhaustion, followed, standing by the doorway, her heart racing, both from the argument and the anxiety of carrying a life within her.
***
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the wide windows of the mansion, falling gently on the pristine white tiles of the kitchen. Vivian moved about with a quiet determination, her baby bump swaying lightly as she prepared breakfast. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mingled with sizzling eggs and toasted bread, filling the air with a warm, comforting aroma. She hummed softly to herself, carefully arranging a plate with an omelette, slices of fruit, and a glass of juice, placing everything neatly on the tray.
Just as she was finishing, the sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase. Adrian appeared at the kitchen entrance, impeccably dressed, briefcase in hand, ready for the office. Vivian froze for a moment, then stepped forward, gently holding out her hand to stop him.
“Babe… wait,” she said softly.
Adrian paused, raising an eyebrow in mild curiosity, but said nothing.
Vivian’s lips quivered slightly as she began, “I… I’m sorry for last night. Truly. I… I didn’t mean to explode on you like that. I was just… overwhelmed. I shouldn’t have let my frustration get the better of me.”
Adrian’s gaze softened slightly, and he ran a hand through his hair, contemplating her words.
“I know I could have handled it better, too,” he said finally.
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“I… I just want you to know I respect you, Adrian. I respect what you do, everything you do for us… and I’m grateful. I just…” Her voice faltered, emotions welling up in her chest. “…I just got carried away. Please forgive me.”
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