On a bright Saturday morning, breakfast had just ended. Lucas wiped his mouth with a napkin as Velia cleared her empty plate and started tidying up the dining table.
“It seems like we should get ready soon, Ve,” Lucas said.
Velia, who had intended to get up with her dirty plate, paused. “Get ready?” she asked before something crossed her mind. “Are you serious about accompanying me shopping?”
“Again and again,” Lucas sighed and shook his head. He finished a glass of water before continuing to speak. “Why do you often doubt my words, Ve? Have I ever done the opposite?”
“No,” Velia shook her head with a smile. “It’s just that I thought not many men like to accompany women while shopping.”
“You always have my exceptions.”
Velia was taken aback. Was there a blush on her cheeks? All she felt was warmth creeping there.
“T-then…”
Velia took a deep breath and stood up. This time, she would really tidy up the dining table.
“… this dirty plate can wait for Diana’s arrival.”
The right decision. As a result, Velia and Lucas both went to their rooms to get ready.
It did not take an hour. Velia and Lucas appeared neatly dressed shortly after. They were ready and about to leave when the doorbell rang.
Velia hurriedly approached the door. She opened it and was not surprised to see who came.
“Diana.”
Diana smiled. “Good morning, Miss. It seems like you’re about to leave?”
“Yes,” Velia nodded as her eyes wandered to an odd sight. Someone else had come with Diana. “Who is he, Bu?”
Diana turned around. There was a young man wearing a cap standing not far behind her. Briefly, he seemed to be looking down the corridor before approaching again.
“A plumber, Miss. It seems like the sink pipe at the back is a bit clogged. I reported it to the reception yesterday, and they sent him this morning.”
“Oh.”
Velia mumbled briefly, trying to catch a glimpse of the plumber’s face. Unfortunately, his cap blocked Velia’s view. Moreover, the man often looked down.
“What’s his name?”
Diana glanced briefly. “Neil, Miss. He just started working yesterday. He’s quite and shy. Please understand.”
“It’s okay.”
Velia gestured for Diana and Neil to come in. At the same time, Lucas arrived.
They crossed paths. Diana greeted Lucas while Neil remained silent. He did not say anything, just a fleeting glance from his eyes.
Lucas caught that glance. He stopped walking, and Velia approached instead.
“Are we leaving now, Luc?”
Lucas nodded as he handed Velia her bag. “Let’s go.”
A flashy-colored car was waiting for Velia and Lucas in the apartment’s parking area. Along with it was a driver who looked unfamiliar to Velia.
“This is not our usual car.”
Lucas glanced meaningfully when Velia commented on the four-wheeled vehicle that brought them. It was not just her comment that caught attention, but the sparkle in Velia’s eyes, above all.
“You like it, don’t you?” Lucas asked confidently. “You’ve always liked the color red.”
“Unfortunately, it’s not your favorite color.”
“I’ve already told you. You’re always an exception to me. Besides, I decided that we needed a different car so you wouldn’t get bored traveling with me.”
Velia could not find the words to say. She was too shocked to speak.
“So, how is it?”
Velia blinked while Lucas smiled meaningfully. The smile was subtle, indeed.
So subtle that people would not consider it an ordinary smile. However, Velia could capture that scene.
“You like it, don’t you?”
For that, Velia had only one word to answer.
“Yes.”
Their first destination was a renowned boutique. Regarding Velia’s upcoming return to work, formal shirts, skirts, and pants were the priority.
Lucas called a shop assistant. He briefly explained what Velia needed, and the shop assistant agreed.
“I’ll be back in a moment,” Velia said to Lucas. “It won’t take long.”
“Of course.”
Lucas let Velia follow the shop assistant with a hint of amusement in his mind. He was not sure if Velia would not take long. Despite that, Lucas would wait happily.
Another shop assistant came and asked what Lucas wanted while he waited. His choice fell on a cup of coffee.
Lucas sat calmly, enjoying his time, and occasionally smiling when he saw Velia looking confused while choosing.
A soft chime interrupted Lucas’ enjoyment. There was an incoming email, and he immediately opened it. The subject seemed striking, causing Lucas to furrow his brows: “Do you know about this?”
Lucas read it. Quickly, the furrow on his forehead turned into shock. His breath caught in his chest, and he could hardly believe the attached article.
*
It had been a long time since Velia could remember the last time she could smile freely. The constant stream of disasters had practically stripped her of the ability to smile. Even finding a moment of relief had become difficult.
But now, it was different. It seemed that smiling was no longer a difficult task for Velia. She knew exactly why.
Lucas stood beside Velia. They had returned to the apartment after spending hours shopping. Behind them, their driver named Carter carried their shopping bags.
Lucas opened the door, and Carter placed the bags inside before excusing himself.
“Did you enjoy today?” Lucas asked, noticing the sparkle in Velia’s eyes and her radiant face.
“I enjoyed it very much,” Velia replied, approaching Lucas. “Very much indeed.”
Lucas welcomed Velia into his embrace, and she responded in kind. Her arms circled his neck.
Lucas’s gaze was tender. “I hope you can enjoy your busy days ahead, but I don’t want you to neglect me.”
“Of course not. I will never neglect you. We have time together here. I will still come home, so you don’t have to worry.”
After saying that, Velia paused. It seemed that she had only realized what she said after the words had already left her mouth.
Velia cleared her throat, looking embarrassed, and averted her gaze. Coincidentally, she caught sight of the wall clock, which showed that it was already five in the evening.
“Ah, Luc. What do you want for dinner tonight?”
“Dinner? Um, would you mind preparing dinner for nine o’clock?”
Velia’s focus returned to Lucas. “Nine o’clock?”
“Yes,” Lucas nodded. “Actually, I have to leave soon.”
“Leave? Do you have work? On a Sunday evening?”
Lucas’s smile widened more than usual. “There are a few things I need to take care of. This particular client is a bit difficult to handle. You don’t mind, do you?”
“Mind?” Velia stumbled over her words and quickly shook her head. “Not at all. I know it must be important work. It’s just that nine o’clock is a bit late for a heavy meal.”
Additionally, Velia was certain of one thing. If Lucas was meeting with a client, they would most likely be having a meal together.
“In that case, you can make me some snacks, and don’t forget to eat yourself.”
Lucas’s hand reached up, tidying Velia’s hair, and leaning closer to her.
“But I want you to wait for me to come home,” Lucas whispered warmly in Velia’s ear. “I have something for you tonight.”
Velia held her breath. Lucas’s whisper was sealed with a gentle kiss. Reflexively, her fingers, which were initially resting on Lucas’s neck, rose to tangle in his hair.
“I’m leaving. You’ll be fine here.”
Velia released her hold on Lucas, but not completely. In fact, she held onto him for a moment longer. Then, she rested her head against his broad chest.
Lucas caressed her. “I’ll be back soon.”
Velia let go of Lucas, seeing him off. And when the door had closed, Lucas took out his phone from his pants pocket.
Lucas’s steps were steady and purposeful as he made his way forward, his gaze focused ahead as he answered the call.
“We can meet now. Before I go to my parents’s house.”
*