Tsubaki let the water ran on the bowls in the sink. She had just eaten her lunch. The meals sent by Old Yuuzo were all meals prepared with herbs to strengthen one's body. Even though the taste was slightly strong due to the herbs but she still finished them all. Grandma sent them because she was thinking of her well-being, it'd be ungrateful of her if she didn't accept her well-intended wishes.
Once she was done washing the bowls, Tsubaki brought a pot of flower tea to the living room. She had been lazing around all day since Ren left for work, something she had not been doing for ages. A drama was airing on the TV screen. It was one of Grandma's current favorite dramas.
Tsubaki poured a cup of tea for herself. She leaned against the comfy cushion, her eyes watching the drama. The leads were arguing over their stance in their relationship. It was like this was the new conflict for the drama.
Ding!
Tsubaki glanced at her phone on the coffee table. A small smile bloomed on her face. She put the cup down on the saucer, immediately retrieving the phone.
As she had expected, it was a message from her husband.
Love the Red Camellia: I wanted to text you sooner but I didn't want to bother you. I ate my lunch as promised. And when I wanted to resume my work, I was suddenly reminded of a short poem I found on the Internet.
Camellia of the Spring: Hum~ What is it?
Love the Red Camellia: I love her for not the way she danced with my angels, but for the way the sound of her name silenced my demons.
Tsubaki giggled as she read the message. Her fingers quickly typed a reply.
Camellia of the Spring: I know that summer is approaching but you don't have to melt my heart at every opportunity! Hubby, from where did you get the poem?
His reply came instantly.
Love the Red Camellia: I think it was Christopher Poindexter. A bohemian poet. Do you like it?
Camellia of the Spring: Like it? I LOVE IT!
Love the Red Camellia: The quote really reminds me of you, sweetheart.
Camellia of the Spring: Awww~ You sure know how to keep stealing my heart 🥰 💗 Here's my kisses as a thank you 💋💋💋💋
Love the Red Camellia: I should claim them once I get back. What do you think?
Tsubaki gasped because of his sudden attack. She bit her lower lip as she typed.
Camellia of the Spring: What did you type, dear? I can't read anything. I think my screen malfunctioned a moment ago.
After she sent the latest text, Tsubaki swore she could hear his low and seductive laugh next to her ears. Her cheeks turned red. Why did she become so bold to reply to him like that?
But, I think my reply is quite decent. He's the one who thinks otherwise! Tsubaki harrumphed inwardly.
His reply came.
Love the Red Camellia: I'll help to fix your faulty screen. Okay?
Tsubaki threw her phone aside, she bent down as she covered her face with her hands. Suddenly she felt hot. She understood the meaning of her husband's really subtle words.
He was such a tease!
A few minutes went by after his last text. Tsubaki sighed in relief as he didn't make things hard for her by sending more texts. She continued watching the drama in a way to stop thinking about him. Grandma said the male lead was so handsome he made her old heart fluttered non-stop.
Tsubaki giggled as she remembered Grandma's words. Apparently Grandma had lost interest in the male lead from the previous drama.
Once the drama reached its end credits, Tsubaki stood up and did a couple of stretching. It was so rare for her to laze around, doing nothing. She should appreciate her quite time more.
Tsubaki walked over to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the vast garden surrounding Spring Garden residential complex. She smiled, feeling peace when she looked at the greenery below her. The lush garden was maintained by experienced gardeners hired by the management of the complex. A sea of flowers blooming around the garden. There was also a track for residents who wanted to dismiss the gym and went running outside for fresh air.
Growing up, Tsubaki never expected to be living in such a luxurious place. Her life changed 180 degrees once she met her husband. One could say she was a Cinderella in modern times.
But, she never set her eyes on his fortune. Along the way, she just wanted him to be beside her. He could be a farmer or a government servant, she would still accept him.
In the over two decades of her life, this was the first time she met someone who loved and appreciated her as much as Ren. His love for her knowing no bound. Losing her parents from a young age, Tsubaki learned to be independent in order to support Satsuki. She couldn't depend on her uncle. That man was too useless.
Being with him made her felt whole. He silently occupied the void space in her heart, filling it with the warmth of his love. Even though she was afraid of accepting him at the beginning of their relationship, he kept proving to her that returning his love was the greatest thing she had done in her life.
She could only love him.
"No matter what might resurface, I'll still love you," Tsubaki said silently against her reflection on the windows. She somehow could picture him smiling next to her.
Tsubaki understood the fear and anxiety Ren tried so hard hiding from her. She herself didn't have much recollection of what happened 5 years ago. When Ren said he was her husband, she was so shocked because if they were so much in love, how could an accident cost her his existence in her memory?
Something sinister might come to them.
Tsubaki shook her head. She didn't want to dwell on them. If they came, she would just face them head on.
Ding!
A notification chimed in. Tsubaki knew it was not her husband since she had already set up a different ringtone for him. She turned around, wanting to take the phone.
Once she saw the screen, it was an unfamiliar number requesting to befriend her in the messaging app. Tsubaki tapped on the icon of the requester with username Sweet Scent of the Dew, it was a woman smiling to a puppy in her arms.
It was Kanako!
Tsubaki immediately approved her request. It had been almost a week after Grandma's birthday celebration. So much had happened until she forgot that during the party, Kanako had to leave early because of her father. Once she approved the request, a new message popped into her Inbox.
Sweet Scent of the Dew: Tsubaki! I'm sorry for contacting you so late! (╯︵╰,)
Kanako's first message to her brought laughter to her lips. Tsubaki sat on the couch, folding her legs close to her chest.
Camellia of the Spring: I didn't know that dew has a scent? I thought it was just water?
Sweet Scent of the Dew: Don't laugh at my username! I just love the sound of it! Isn't it cool? ヽ( `д´*)ノ
Camellia of the Spring: Sometimes I really question your age. I can't believe you're older than me <(￣︶￣)>
Sweet Scent of the Dew: Don't talk about my age (╥﹏╥) I don't think you're so mean
Tsubaki laughed again, Kanako's responses were too funny. If one didn't know her, they would think she was an ice beauty. Who could expect that she had a childish side in her? She was so comfortable with her new friend as if they had been friends for years.
Camellia of the Spring: Okay, okay, I'm sorry ٩(◕‿◕)۶ Could I compensate you with a slice of my bestseller's cakes later?
Sweet Scent of the Dew: Make it three okay! ❤ (ɔˆз(ˆ⌣ˆc) I'm coming to your bakery tomorrow!
Ha?
Tsubaki read the message again. Kanako wanted to meet her tomorrow?