Chapter 28
“How was it?” he asked, falling into step beside me.
“It was remarkable,” I said without hesitation, then paused. “Honestly, I’m not used to being waited on. It always feels a bit strange. But the massage was amazing. Thank you.”
His smile softened, and he gently knocked his cheek against mine. I could still feel the lingering warmth from the massage, a pleasant heat that seemed to surround us.
“I know my wife is kind and not used to people serving her,” he said with a teasing grin. “I’ll learn how to do it myself–how about that? Think Wendy could teach me? I’d love to give you a massage.”
I chuckled, feeling my face flush slightly. “I’m afraid Wendy might only take talented students. If she does agree to teach you, I guess I’d have to try it out. ‘Mr. Smith’s VIP service‘? That’s not something everyone can buy.”
Jared leaned closer, his voice low. “Anytime, my love. For you, I’d do anything.”
“Well, let’s head back to our suite, get dressed, and then we’ll grab lunch downstairs.”
Jared offered his arm with a knowing smile, and I took it, and we strolled back to our room. After changing into suitable attire, we made our way to the restaurant.
The restaurant was elegant, just like every part of the hotel. The aroma of delicious cuisine hung in the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.
Jared held out a seat for me, and I sat down, feeling like a Queen. Once we were seated, Jared pressed a button on the table, and a smartly dressed waiter appeared.
“Good day, Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Welcome to J&S restaurant. May I present our menu?” he said, with a slight bow.
The menu was handed to us and I scanned through mine, lost on what choice to make from the array of options. “I’ll have the grilled salmon, please,” I said finally.
“Great choice,” the waiter replied. “And for you, sir?”
“I’ll have the same as my wife, and please bring one of your most expensive wines,” Jared
said, smiling at me.
The waiter nodded and disappeared, leaving me to gaze at Jared in admiration. He can be sweet that one can forget how aloof and withdrawn he can be at times.
“You’re the perfect gentleman, you know that?” I said, smiling.
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Chapter 28
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Jared chuckled. “I try my best.”
There was a momentary silence, as we waited for our order to arrive. Jared broke it with an unnerving question. “Are you alright, Arielle?”
I froze, as I never expected the question. “Of course, I’m fine,” I said, and gave a small laugh. ” Why would you ask such a question?”
“I don’t know, I have noticed a few negligible changes in you. For instance, You don’t eat Salmon, remember? So how come you ordered it? And you sleep a lot lately. Look, I’m your husband, and if you don’t feel too well you can tell me, and we will book a doctor’s appointment. I can’t –‘
“That’s enough, Jared. I’m fine, really. People change, and so do their preferences. I decided to try Salmon, there’s no harm in that, is there?”
“No, but-”
“Let’s not ruin this beautiful moment. Oh, look, the waiter is here with our order.”
Jared shrugged, looking unimpressed, but I could not afford to let him pry further. He was smart, and if he’s keen on finding out what’s wrong with me, he was bound to. I do not want him finding out about the pregnancy himself, if he has to, then it has to be from me.
“Shall we?” Jared asked, gesturing to the food set on the table.
“Sure,” I flashed him a smile.
The salmon tasted heavenly, and I couldn’t believe that prior to my pregnancy, this was what I had been missing.
From the look on Jared’s face, he seemed to be enjoying the meal too. Why wouldn’t he? Salmon was one of his favorite seafoods, after all.
Barely a few minutes into the meal, Jared’s phone beeped. He paused and took it out of his pocket. I also paused to watch him, curious on what the beep was about. He tapped on the phone, and his face fell.
“What’s the matter?” I asked, already having a bad feeling.
“Excuse me,” he said, avoiding eye contact with me as he stood up and walked off.
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