The next morning, after they had breakfast together at the dining table, Elio made an important decision.
"Vera, I'm going to request time off for next week."
He said with a smile.
Vera looked at her husband with excitement.
"Really, Elio? Are we going on vacation?"
Elio nodded.
"Yes, I think we need to celebrate this pregnancy in a special way. We're going out of town."
Vera's face lit up with joy.
"I'm so happy to hear that, Elio. Thank you, darling."
"I've already called the travel agency to reserve a hotel located in the mountain area, a quiet and beautiful place. You'll love it."
Said Elio.
"Really, darling?"
Vera's face was full of excitement.
"I've also booked a hotel for us to stay there. This hotel is known for its stunning natural views and complete facilities."
Explained Elio, showing Vera the hotel brochure.
"I'm sure we'll have an unforgettable time there."
Vera smiled widely as she looked at the beautiful hotel photos.
"Wow.. I can't wait to go, Elio. Thank you for planning everything so well, darling."
After checking his watch and realizing it was time to go to work, Elio quickly stood up from the dining table.
"Sorry, Vera, I have to go to the office now."
Said Elio as he grabbed his bag.
Vera smiled understandingly.
"It's okay, Elio. I also have to prepare some things at home."
Elio approached Vera and gently kissed her cheek.
"As soon as I arrive at the office, I'll request time off for next week."
Vera nodded with a gentle smile.
"I hope so, darling. I hope everything goes smoothly at the office."
"Hopefully, darling."
Elio smiled and turned to leave the house. But before he left, he paused for a moment and turned to face Vera.
"Oh, Vera."
He said, his voice warm.
"Don't forget to invite Emma to join us on vacation. I think her presence will be very helpful for us, especially to help you not to get too tired when you need her."
Vera nodded in agreement.
"Alright, Elio. I'll invite her to join us. Thank you for your consideration, darling."
With a warm smile, Elio finally left their house and hurried to the office.
In the front parking lot of their house, there was a shiny red car parked. The private driver was already waiting inside the car patiently, ensuring everything was ready. The morning sun illuminated the car, creating a sparkle on its clean body.
Elio walked towards the car with quick steps, his work bag casually hanging on his shoulder. As he opened the car door, the pleasant scent of the car greeted him. He hurriedly got in and sat in the back, adjusting his seat to be comfortable.
"Petrus, please hurry! I need to arrive early to request time off."
Elio requested to his private driver, Petrus, a bit rushed but with a friendly tone.
"Of course, Sir."
Petrus replied politely, looking at Elio through the rearview mirror, trust and dedication reflected in his eyes.
***
Vera stepped into her maid Emma's room, wearing a warm smile on her face. The room was filled with tranquility, occupied by the presence of a small baby being gently breastfed by Emma. The seven-month-old baby looked so peaceful, wrapped in the warmth of her mother's embrace.
Without wanting to disturb the beautiful moment, Vera sat down gently beside Emma. She observed the baby, whose skin color matched her mother's, being breastfed with care, smiling at the innocence and gentleness radiating from the little one.
"Your baby is so beautiful."
Vera said softly, praising the beauty of the infant.
Emma smiled widely, her eyes shining with pride.
"Thank you, Ma'am. She's the greatest blessing in my life."
Vera smiled warmly.
"Emma, I want to tell you something. Elio and I are planning to go on vacation next week, and we want you to come with us."
Emma was surprised to hear that, but her smile never left her face.
"Really, Ma'am? I'm so happy to join Mr. Elio's family. Thank you so much."
Vera nodded, her expression filled with warmth.
"Of course, Emma. You've become a part of our family, and we want you to celebrate this special moment together with us, while also helping us with anything needed."
Emma smiled happily.
"Thank you very much, Ma'am. Is my husband also coming?"
"Of course, Emma. Petrus will definitely come with us since he's his driver. We'll be traveling by car."
Vera replied with a smile.
"Thank you, Ma'am."
Said Emma, full of gratitude.
Vera then turned her gaze back to the baby still being breastfed by Emma. Her hand gently touched the baby's smooth skin. Her eyes were filled with admiration as she looked at the small face that was so peaceful in her mother's embrace. Every movement of the baby, every expression, felt so magical to Vera, who was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her own baby.
Vera smiled warmly, her eyes sliding to her own two-month-pregnant belly.
"Watching you breastfeed Mia, I can't wait to have my own baby. Every day, I feel closer to that dream."
Emma, still breastfeeding her baby, named Mia, nodded understandingly.
"I'm sure Mrs. Vera and Mr. Elio will be amazing parents. Because Mr. Elio and Mrs. Vera are very kind people. Surely their child will also be a good one."
Vera felt the warmth in Emma's words.
"Thank you, Emma. I hope one day I can also feel the same happiness you feel now."
Emma smiled softly.
"I'm sure it will happen, Ma'am. Everything will go well. And Mia, soon, will have a friend."
Vera smiled satisfactorily upon hearing the good news.
"Amen. I'm glad to hear that. Hopefully, Mia will be a good friend to my child."
Emma smiled gratefully, her eyes shining with emotion.
"Amen. Thank you, Mrs. Vera, for everything. Petrus and I are very grateful to work here and have a comfortable place to live for us and Mia."
Emma continued,
"Mr. Elio and Mrs. also want to employ me and provide accommodation for my husband, Petrus, as a private driver, even though we have a baby. Initially, my husband and I were worried that the presence of the baby might disturb Mr. Elio and Mrs. Vera's comfort."
Vera replied,
"We are not at all disturbed by the presence of your baby. Mia is an adorable baby, we couldn't possibly be disturbed."