I had no idea how Raymond ended up on national television or why he was even there, but as I watched him, I could tell his face was tense, as though he was about to do something he might regret. I stood frozen in shock, hoping he wouldn't say anything that would make things worse. I called him several times, trying to stop him, but he didn't answer. Bela, sensing my distress, suggested we head to the broadcast site and stop him in person. But just as I was about to start the car, he began speaking.
"I am Raymond, an employee of Lemont Medical Hospital. The rumors circulating about our CEO are lies. Mrs. Jasmine is a good woman, a humble person who respects her employees and would never stoop so low as to force anyone into anything. I am her boyfriend, and she never forced me into doing anything. I love her genuinely, and there is no shame in loving my boss. Whoever posted these lies, thinking they could bring her down, should watch how we rise above this and make it to the top," he said, with an unwavering voice.
Hearing those words brought tears to my eyes. I knew he was brave, but this was a level of courage I had never expected. I rushed to the broadcast site, shoving past reporters, and when I finally reached him, I pulled him into a tight embrace, crying freely. The cameras and eyes of the press were all around us, but I didn't care. All I could see was Raymond, smiling at me, and in that moment, I felt like everything would be okay.
"Can we leave now? You two have been hugging for over ten minutes," Bela interrupted, a teasing tone in her voice. "Let's go before the reporters make it about your romance."
She said it in such a funny way, but I appreciated the lightness she brought to the moment. We headed home, and I decided to surprise Raymond by cooking his favorite meal. As he ate, I couldn't help but ask him how he ended up on national television and what had inspired him to speak out.
He looked at me with so much love in his eyes and said, "I love that you handle me so passionately with care, it's no surprise you are the most amazing person I have ever met. You remind me every day that our love was no coincidence, that it was orchestrated even before we were born. I'm just glad your parents met, it is the little things you know how you can tell that I am feeling overwhelmed before I am ready to admit it. How you've mastered my love language never questioned my place in your life. I am going to love you for a very long time in so many different ways, I just hope you are excited for the ride."
I didn't know why, but my eyes filled with tears as his words hit me hard. They were so genuine, so beautiful.
Later, I invited him into my room for a surprise gift. As he entered, he saw me lying on the bed, giving him a flirtatious look. He froze for a moment, looking shy, which I found adorable. But I didn't want to ruin the moment, so I took the lead and pulled him closer.
The next morning, I woke up early to make breakfast for everyone. Bela immediately noticed the smiles on our faces as we ate together. We couldn't stop glancing at each other, our legs playfully brushing beneath the table like a pair of lovesick teenagers. Bela, clearly annoyed by our antics, yelled at us and took her food outside to eat alone.
Raymond knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy. He would face criticism and judgment, but I told him to ignore it all and stay strong. Deep down, though, I knew that his first day after going public would be difficult.
Later, I called for a board meeting to address the concerns of the investors and continue the hospital project. One name that came up was Nicolas, but without hesitation, I refused to consider him.
"How was work today?" I asked Raymond later that evening.
"Not bad," he replied with a small smile.
"I have something to tell you. I think I'm pregnant," I said, my heart racing as I waited for his response.
Raymond's reaction was pure joy. He jumped up, dancing around me as though he'd won a huge prize. I hadn't expected such an enthusiastic response, but his excitement was contagious. Bela came out to see what was going on, and Raymond shouted with glee, "I'm going to be a father in just a few months!"
Bela, however, didn't take the news as well. She took it to the next level, pulling me aside and massaging my shoulders, acting strangely affectionate. I needed a moment to breathe, so I stepped outside for some fresh air. But when I saw them coming towards me, smiling ear to ear, I couldn't help but shout, "My baby and I need some peace!"
The next morning, I woke up to a surprising scene: Raymond was dressed like a chef, holding napkins and bowing as he gestured to the stairs. "My queen, your table is served," he said with a grin.
I smiled, walking downstairs, but the surprise didn't end there Bela was also dressed like a cook, waiting for me at the table. It was sweet and funny, and if I'd known pregnancy was his niche, I would have considered getting pregnant even sooner. After breakfast, I jokingly told them both they would be fired if they didn't show up to work.
Later that day, I visited their departments. First, I stopped by Bela's, where I overheard her speaking rudely to an employee. I left quickly, knowing that if she was acting that way, the person must have deserved it. Next, I visited Raymond's department, and what I saw there disturbed me. I wanted to step in, but I knew it would be difficult for him, so I held back.
When he came home later that evening, he was in high spirits, bringing gifts for the unborn child. I could tell he had been trying hard to hide the stress from work, but I decided to spend some quiet time with him. Later that night, I asked for his company in bed, sensing that he needed to unwind. As we lay together, he looked at me with such intensity, I couldn't help but wonder what was on his mind.
"Life without you would be difficult, Jasmine," he said softly. "I don't want our child to be born out of wedlock. Will you do me the honor of being by my side as my wife, until the end of our days?"
I looked down at my finger, and there, shining brightly, was a ring.