A week had gone by since the party and Zunnie was once again very busy with three new patients. She had been keeping herself busy to not feel lonely, but it did not seem to be working.
Alex had left for a business trip in Milan the day before and wouldn't be back till Tuesday of the following week. Zunnie stared at the calendar on her desk as if to bore a hole on the date he was returning.
'Two more days!' She groaned internally.
She hurriedly packed up her bag and left the office. Today she had planned on visiting her favorite Thai restaurant. The old lady had sent her some fruits and vegetable earlier during the week and she wanted to thank her.
Since Alex was not home Zunnie took the opportunity to visit her and eat from her favorite place.
The drive had been a quiet one even though she listened to music. When she arrived, it was four in the evening, so the sun had not set.
Zunnie walked into the restaurant and was greeted by the patient she had previously treated; Mamo's granddaughter. Her face lit up when she saw Zunnie.
"Dr. Bai, I had no idea you were coming today. Let me get grandma." The young girl said ecstatically and rushed into the kitchen.
She came back with her grandmother following behind her.
"Miss Bai, you're here. Come sit down." The older madam pointed to an empty booth.
"Good afternoon Auntie Mamo, I wanted to thank you in person for the food you sent. They were tasty."
"Good, I will send you again. Cathleen's mother said we should send you some. The farmer gave us too much and they were starting to spoil."
"Thank you, I loved them!"
"Ahh, you alone today." She said noticing Zunnie came alone.
Zunnie blushed and replied that she would be dining alone.
A few minutes later, five delicious dishes were placed before her. She ate to her heart's content and was stunned she had eaten everything they had served her.
Before heading back to Una City, Zunnie chatted with her patient and asked her about high school.
"My grades are much better, and I've made three really good friends. I don't get bullied and I don't want to die anymore. Plus, my friends always stand up for me. Dr. Bai thank you for helping me build my self-confidence. My mom and dad are thankful as well, they don't fight as much, and my dad finally got a great job. Next time I'm in the city I will come to visit you at work."
Listening to the young girl sitting next to her Zunnie's heart filled with joy. She loved hearing that her patients were doing great. She smiled and patted Cathleen's shoulder and said;
"Cathleen, I'm happy to hear that you're figuring it out. If you ever want to talk, come see me, okay."
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On the drive back, she thought of the time she had visited with Alex. She missed him. Zunnie longed to see him but the only thing she could do was wait. She called him, but he did not pick up.
When she was closer to Lake-view Condos, her phone rang. It was Alex.
"Darling, when are you coming back I miss you."
"I'm never coming back." Alex joked.
"Did you find someone better than me?"
"Yeah, as a matter of fact, I did. I'm waiting for her to come back. Where are you?"
"Why do you care?" Zunnie pouted.
"Because I'm your husband and I need to know what you do when I'm not around."
"I'm almost home. I went to Thai Eats because I was lonely. Don't keep the person who's better than me waiting. Will see you when you get back. Don't let her touch you humph."
"Ha-ha, are you jealous? Don't worry honey, only you can touch me. See you soon."
"I am jealous, so what? I love you, Mr. Zi. See you in two days." She blushed as she said it.
"Alex… umm darling, are you still there?" Her heart throbbed when he didn't reply.
"And I love you, Mrs. Zi."
Zunnie cheeks turned pink, "So you did hear me. Thought you hadn't. I'm about to take the elevator. Eat properly and drink plenty of water. See you soon."
"Mhm"
Zunnie ended the call and stepped into the elevator. She really missed Alex and two days seemed like forever. When the elevator stopped on the third floor, she did not go to her apartment. Instead to walked to Alex's door, entered the passcode and walked in.
His familiar scent filled her nostrils. It felt like he had just walked in before her. Her heart skipped a beat as she rushed in hoping to see him inside. To her disappointment, he was not there. She sighed feeling foolish that she was expecting him to be there.
After entering every room to ensure Alex had not returned, Zunnie left the condo and walked back to hers. She had a solemn look when she stepped inside.
The lavender scent which usually welcomed her had been replaced by the fresh scent of yellow roses. Zunnie's heart started racing as she slowly walked to the dining room. A huge bouquet of yellow roses with a card attached, a box of white chocolate she always bought and a bottle of her favorite wine was on the table. She looked around to room for a face, but there was none.
She smiled, picked up the card then read it.
Honey,
I Love You Always.
_Alex
The surprise overwhelmed Zunnie and she couldn't contain her excitement. She immediately called Alex.
The moment he answered she said;
"Darling you never cease to amaze me, I love you too. Hurry and safely come back to me."
"Did something happen?"
"The surprise you left on the table. The roses and chocolates…" She attempted to explain.
"I'm glad you liked it. Don't stay up late. Sleep well."
"Mhm, bye."