I met her at a conference. She piqued my interest when she bumped into me and quickly apologized. After that, we talked and I got to know a little about her.
She worked hard and earned a decent living. Her life was pretty simple. She owned a jewelry and flower store, had a decent number of friends, and one best friend.
I loved her aura, eloquence, and charisma. We started dating, and after a year, I proposed. If only I knew the mess I was getting myself into.
I returned my attention to the road once the light turned green and stepped on the accelerator. But instead of a straight drive, I turned down another road.
It was the road to a florist. After a couple more minutes, I arrived at the shop. I exited the car.
Peace. I needed to make peace until she regained her senses.
“Good day. I need a flower bouquet, and I want it with a note.”
After receiving my order of a bouquet of red roses and a small I love you note I entered my car and continued my journey home.
Pushing away the negative thoughts was a lot of work, but I did it. I arrived at the mansion with a thick breath.
The first thing I did was to see my one-year-old in her room. I knew she’d be in her room.
I had stayed in the office later than my closing hour. But it was just this once. I never failed to see Sophie in the morning and evening when I got back from work.
As expected, she was asleep. With a small smile, I gently removed a single rose from the bouquet. Then dropped it beside her cot.
“I love you,” I whispered. Then, carefully exited the room.
The next step was to see Olivia. I made my way to her room. When I got there, I stared at the door for a minute.
She had her room. She decided to move to the guest bedroom a couple of months ago.
After loosening the tie around my neck, I knocked. There was no response. I hit three more times before the door clicked open.
I was met with her familiar figure. Messy hair, singlet, and a mini skirt. I didn't have the strength to be turned on. All I wanted to do now was ensure peace.
“How are you?” I managed a smile at her.
She arched her brow, perhaps a bit surprised that I was here. “I don't know. As fine as I can be?”
“I feel a little better tonight. My comp—”
She interrupted with a scoff. “Of course you do.”
I watched her eyes scan my appearance when they landed on the bouquet. “And who is that for? Your side chick?”
Today, it was the side chick accusation. I would never have guessed since this subject was once in a while.
I took a deep breath. “No, Olivia. If it was, I wouldn’t have them here in our home.”
A strand of hair escaped her bun as she leaned against the side wall.
“So, you do have a side chick.”
“Olivia, please, not tonight.” I breathed again. “I've just won—”
“Oh. So now I’m the problem?” she straightened herself. “You know, this is what I hate about you. You do something and then make me feel like I'm the problematic one. I'm sick of this.”
I clenched the flowers tighter. I had hopes. I’d really hoped this would take a different turn, but now it seemed hopeless.
“Olivia, please just hear me out,” I begged.