At exactly two minutes past nine in the morning, I heard a knock at the door.
I paused, mid-way through arranging the files on my table, and looked up.
Richard Craig stood there, smiling with that charming demeanor that always made me feel complete.
Before I could say a word, he pulled me into his arms and whispered as usual, that he had missed me.
Richard always sought comfort in my arms when he was having a hard time at work, and I always wished I could take his pain away every single moment.
I quickly sat him down and brought out the food I had brought from home for both of us.
Watching him eat hungrily, I realized he hadn't eaten anything all day.
As I observed him closely, he suddenly went down on one knee with a mysterious grin.
It took me a moment to grasp that he was holding out a ring, proposing to me right then and there.
It was the most unexpected moment of my life.
Tears filled his eyes as he looked into mine. "Catarina Johnson, will you marry me?" he asked.
Who wouldn't want to marry someone like Richard?
In our two years together, we had never argued; he always strived for peace.
Even when I was frustrated and raised my voice, he would silently hold my hand.
I felt a sense of tranquility whenever we were together.
Everyone in Bower Bound organization loved him because he prioritized others over himself.
He was everything I needed.
With immense joy in my heart, I screamed, "I will be your wife, Richard Craig!" We kissed and hugged each other as if our lives depended on it.
***
Richard chose Christ Bridgerton Palace as the venue for our church wedding.
The place was so packed with guests that many had to stand.
Most of them were there because of Richard.
He was the kind of person for whom you would cross the River Nile.
He sacrificed everything for everyone, and they felt compelled to do the same for him.
After the ceremony, we walked to our new home—a two-bedroom apartment that Richard's dad had given us as a wedding gift.
Though it wasn't the first time I had been with Richard, I felt like a virgin on our wedding night.
Maybe it was because I was so excited to be officially his wife.
With tears in my eyes, we kissed, and he made love to me with a tenderness that made every moment feel precious.
***
The next morning, I woke up at exactly four minutes past four to make his favorite dish, yam porridge with vegetables.
He was excited when he joined me in the dining room, and I watched him eat with a satisfied look on his face, which made me feel completely content.
After breakfast, I prepared his bathing water and ironed his clothes.
It felt wonderful to perform my wifely duties for a husband like Richard, who made me feel so good about myself and so loved.
We dressed for work, and he drove us in my car, a birthday gift from my father the previous year.
Even during our relationship, Richard had always driven my car.
Now that we were married, I planned to transfer the ownership to him so he wouldn't feel bad about not having a car while I did.
I was determined to show him that I was ready to fully submit to him as his wife, no matter the circumstance.
***
Our colleagues welcomed us excitedly when we arrived at work.
We immediately went upstairs to announce our arrival to our boss, who then credited Richard's bank account.
"I can give you time off for your honeymoon so you can enjoy yourselves," he offered.
"No need, sir. We don't want to inconvenience you in any way. We're committed to following through on our promises to this organization," Richard assured him with his usual, people-pleasing smile.
We then dispersed to our respective offices to complete the day's tasks.
Just as I was wrapping up the company's records for the weekend, someone knocked on my door.
It was my ex-best friend, Juliet.
I had cut off ties with Juliet after Richard complained that he didn't like her, sensing that she disapproved of him.
He believed she was envious of me, and although I didn't entirely believe him, it was enough for me to distance myself from anyone who didn't like my husband.
Juliet had often recommended other men to me when I was unmarried, hoping I would break up with Richard.
She had attended our wedding, but I didn't make her my bridesmaid because I wanted to satisfy Richard.
She sat down and watched me closely."Are you still going to keep ignoring your childhood friend, whom you knew before you started your period?" she asked.
I grimaced. "Of all things to classify our time together, why menstrual cycle?"
She shrugged. "Because you'll soon stop seeing it anytime now," she said mischievously and i knew she was looking forward to my getting pregnant with Richard's baby.
I burst into laughter. "Richard and I have agreed to enjoy each other for a year before having children."
She rolled her eyes. "But you've already enjoyed each other for two years before marriage."
I chuckled. "Marriage is different. No matter how long we dated, we never lived together."
"So, how does it feel after one day?"
"The best two days of my life!"
She nodded thoughtfully. "I'm happy for you, then. I hope it will always be like that."
"Amen."
"So, are we friends again?"
"We can only be friends if you help my husband understand that you don't despise him," I said firmly.
Juliet rolled her eyes. "Why is Richard so bothered if people don't like him? Not everyone is meant to like you."
"He has a wonderful heart, and that affects him a lot."
"What about you? Why is it always about him? You are a wonderful person, and he didn't do you any favors by marrying you."
"I never said he did..."
"You show it in your actions. You always cater to what he wants and don't give him a chance to show you his love."
"What do you mean?"
"Why is he holding your car keys just two days after marrying you?"
"He is my husband! And if you can't deal with that, get out of my office!"
"Me? Are you serious?"
I fumed at her. "No wonder people say married women shouldn't keep close friends because they'll end up ruining their homes!"
Richard barged in. "What is happening?"
Juliet glared at him. "Why are you feigning ignorance? Weren't you the one who told her to stay away from me?"
"That's not true. I just told her to be careful while holding you close." He stuttered, meeting my eyes with a glare.
"You shouldn't treat your friend that way. Apologize to her." He snarled at me.
I was surprised by his sudden change.
Juliet stormed out of my office.
Richard sighed deeply. "You told her what I said and mentioned my name so she would see me as a bad person? That was unfair."
"I didn't mean it that way. But what if she thought I was acting awkward for no reason?"
"Are you so scared to be seen as a bad person that you'd rather badmouth your husband to your friend? She might tell everyone, and I'd never feel comfortable."
"What are you insinuating? That I should stay friends with her?"
"No! But don't involve me."
I grimaced. "Are you that much of a coward?"
"Don't ever call me a coward, Catarina."
"But you just acted like one."
He angrily left my office.
As expected, he came to pick me up during closing hours, driving in silence.
"I'm sorry for calling you a coward earlier," I said, watching him.
He nodded. "Promise me that if I ever tell you to stay clear of someone, you won't mention my name, making them hate me?"
"I promise I won't."
We held hands, our grip tightening.
Was this our first test of love?