"I'm George; Mr. Garcia's personal chef," a man Aurora met in the kitchen introduced. She closed earlier than usual from work, so she got bored doing nothing in her room.
"Nice meeting you," she smiled.
"What can I offer you, please?" he asked, polite.
"Well, nothing. Tell me, how long have you been working for Adrian?"
"Over three years, ma'am," he replied.
"Aurora."
He shrugged. "If you insist, then okay."
"Do you spend time with your close relatives or even friends? I mean, you work here everyday."
"I like my job and my life depends on it. I have a family of three. Me, my wife and my daughter."
"Then I could grant you the rest of the day off."
He smiled, perhaps buying her idea. "Really? Thank you, Aurora. It will mean a lot to me."
"Hmm, why is that?"
"Today is a very special day. It's my daughter's sixteenth birthday and I wasn't sure I could make it home tonight."
"Interesting. But you'll go on one condition."
"Anything at all."
"You'll teach me your best recipes, including his favourite dish. Then I will cook dinner for Adrian tonight."
"I'm sorry, but Mr Garcia restricted everyone else from using the kitchen."
"A small lie won't harm, will it? I will tell him you cooked dinner and left."
"Fine."
"What time does he return home?"
"Past seven. You can't possibly learn all my recipes in less than an hour."
"True. Another time, I guess. So, what's his favorite dish?"
"Uh… H-he doesn't have any."
"No lying, George. Come on, tell me."
"I'm sorry but I can't say. You can ask him, ma'am. He's right behind you."
Her heart was racing as she turned around, rapid breathing.
"Oh, you're back already. Welcome home," she said.
"Good evening, sir."
Adrian ignored his greeting and turned to her. "Blondie, meet me upstairs; in our bedroom."
"Gush. I sense another quarrel ahead," she murmured, dragging her feet behind him.
…
"What was the meaning of that? Bribing my employee?" he asked, sounding furious.
"No, no. I was only offering to assist him," she lied.
"Just stay away from me. Do not touch anything I eat or drink, okay? There are lots of things for you to do, rather than trying to impress me."
"Yes, I know you're still angry and you want to vent it all on me. Your life is a mess because of me. No, it's you. Your drunken state. You wanted me to stay, then things went out of control and all you do is blame me now. I didn't force you to marry me. You brought the whole fucking idea. I asked why you were doing it, but you said it shouldn't bother me. Was this just all a joke to you? Now, I know the truth. You did it for a stupid revenge but your plans backfired and you lost her to someone else. I was ready to sacrifice a whole lot for you both to live a happy life. If you had asked me to leave with Stacey, I'd have done it. But you didn't. You didn't push me away, but your heart did. I accepted my fate and tried loving you, but you proved not worth it. I wanted to say that there was still hope, but sometimes things just don't go your way. Just tell me that you don't want to see my face ever again and I will walk away, back to being strangers," tears stung her eyes as she spoke.
He reached out for her hands, but she flinched at his touch.
"Do not touch me or act like you care. Just tell me exactly what you want, Adrian!" she yelled, sniffing her tears.
"I swear, I'm trying–"
Did he just say trying?
How? When?
If he actually was, why wasn't she feeling it?
"Was that the best you could?" she snapped.
"No, blondie. You won't understand. My life has been hell and I'm tired of being broken and left out. I've lost everyone I love. I don't want to hurt myself again or anyone else. I'm scared of losing myself, that's why I push you away each time we get close. You love me, don't you? I wish I could feel the same way for you. I wish I could say back those three words and prove it to you, but I'm messed up. Emotionally. Mentally. Physically. I'm almost giving up on love. At the last minute, things always get ruined and I keep starting over. I understand how it feels to be pushed away by someone you love and I can't keep you waiting forever–"
"Then I will wait until forever comes. Our love story might be different, exceptional. I want you to give us a chance. I promise, I will make things right and give you the happiness you deserve," her eyes held sincerity.
"Literally what everyone said."
"So? I am Aurora Garcia, not everyone. Let's not dwell in our past, but dig into the future."
"I'm willing to put your love to test and give us a trial," Adrian said with seriousness.
"This means a lot. Thank you so much," she said, hugging him. He reciprocated the hug.
"I exist too. I need a hug, somebody!" Anastatia screamed, barging into their room. They both turned to the door, chuckling at how cute she sounded.
"Sorry, princess," they apologized simultaneously.
Adrian lifted her in his arms and planted a kiss on her cheek.
"A family hug?" he asked.
Stacey nodded. "Sure, daddy."
"Wait a minute. I want to get the camera ready," Aurora said, walking across the room to grab her cellphone.
He smacked his head. "You never cease to amaze me."
"Shh," she replied, holding out her selfie stick. "Everyone, three… two… one."
They struck a hugging pose and she clicked a photo.
"Perfect. I will frame this and hang it in our room."
"You never told us you were an amazing photographer," Adrian said.
"It was obvious. I did picture a future of us together," she winked, leaving him and Stacey a lone time to bond stronger.