Veronica had just arrived at a restaurant where she and Deasy had planned to meet up for dinner tonight. With the help of a waitress, Veronica was directed to enter the VIP area, which had a view of the bustling streets of Jakarta at night.
Veronica’s smile immediately lit up. From her eyes, she could see Deasy in a broken white dress waving her hand tonight. The curly-haired woman signaled for her to hurry over.
“Sorry I’m late,” Veronica whispered as she settled her petite body into the chair.
Deasy smiled and shook her head. The beautiful woman chuckled.
“No worries. When waiting for a princess like you, you have to stock up on patience.”
“Heiii… I was late because of traffic, Deasy. Not on purpose.”
Deasy laughed, amused by Veronica’s unacceptance.
“Sorry. Don’t be offended, dear. Anyway, go ahead and order the food. I’m hungry. I purposely didn’t eat so I could really enjoy eating here.”
Veronica laughed, then called the waiter to take note of the food menu she and Deasy wanted to order. After selecting a few dishes, they both chose to exchange stories while waiting.
“Is Sean really not coming? That’s unusual,” Deasy started the conversation.
Veronica nodded. She also regretted that her ex-boyfriend couldn’t make it to the dinner tonight. Despite everything, there was a small hope that on this special day, she could meet and celebrate her birthday with the guy she once loved so much.
“Earlier this afternoon, Sean called. He said Dad suddenly assigned him an urgent task. I could tell from his voice that he was reluctant.”
“Ah… poor guy,” Deasy sympathized. “I’m sure he had a gift prepared for you.”
“I don’t mind about the gift, Des. Just remembering my birthday is more than enough. And most importantly, being able to gather together like we used to.”
Deasy smiled emotionally, reaching for Veronica’s wrist and then holding it.
“Don’t be sad. Like in previous years, I’m here to accompany you.”
Veronica nodded, silently grateful. After forming a friendship with Deasy for so long, that woman had never missed celebrating her birthday together. Moreover, besides her father’s presence, Deasy’s role was more than enough to make her happy.
“By the way, did Darwin personally wish you a happy birthday? After all, he’s your husband, right?” Deasy inquired curiously. She was also wondering if the guy she disliked did something special for her friend.
“No,” Veronica shook her head. “Darwin actually doesn’t know that it’s my birthday today.”
“So, he didn’t wish you? Oh my goodness! What kind of husband is that?”
“Come on, let it go. I understand if he didn’t wish me. I didn’t mention or tell him at all. So, it’s totally normal if he doesn’t know.”
“But seriously, he’s not observant and doesn’t want to find out?”
Veronica grinned. She truly didn’t bother at all if Darwin genuinely didn’t realize that it was her birthday today.
“Chill out, Des. It’s not a big deal. Instead of thinking about Darwin, let’s just enjoy this dinner now. Let’s eat to our heart’s content. I’ll treat you until we’re full.”
Veronica and Deasy then savored the dinner moment by indulging in the various dishes they had ordered. While eating, the two of them engaged in enthusiastic conversation, discussing many things from personal matters to work.
Exactly at 9:30 PM, Veronica decided to head home. Although Darwin hadn’t set any curfew or nighttime rule, she needed to be mindful and not return too late.
However, upon arriving home, Veronica didn’t find Darwin’s car in the garage. When Renata opened the door, the house assistant also informed her that her husband was out.
Not wanting to dwell on it, Veronica decided to go straight to her room. She changed her clothes and got ready for bed.
At exactly 12 midnight, as she walked out of her room to get a drink in the dining area, Veronica was surprised by Darwin’s presence, which she believed had just returned. She could clearly see how her husband was walking a bit unsteadily toward the bedroom.
Concerned, Veronica hurried over. She reached out to Darwin’s body and guided him towards the bedroom.
“Oh my, Darwin! Are you drunk?” Veronica asked as she managed to guide her husband and get him to sit on the bed.
Darwin grimaced. For some reason, her question seemed funny, and instead of answering, he chuckled softly after hearing her scold.
“I’m not drunk, Veronica,” he mumbled.
The strong smell of alcohol wafted in the air, piercing Veronica’s sense of smell. There was no way he wasn’t drunk when he could barely walk straight.
“Don’t deny it, Win. I’m not blind.”
“Who’s accusing you of being blind, Veronica Honey?”
Veronica narrowed her eyes. Hearing Darwin’s unusual response, she became more convinced that her husband was really heavily intoxicated right now.
Not wanting to deal with it, Veronica chose to help Darwin take off his shoes. She stood for a moment, and then went to the closet. She found a sleepwear set and took the initiative to replace the clothes Darwin was wearing.
“Change your pants yourself, okay? I shouldn’t have to do that for you.”
Darwin laughed softly. Looking at Veronica with a melancholic expression, he started rambling again.
“So reluctant. As a wife, you should be thorough when helping.”
“Come on!” Veronica countered. “If you’re not drunk, then it shouldn’t be a problem changing your own pants.”
This time, Darwin sighed. As Veronica was about to stand up and leave, he intentionally grabbed her wrist, causing her to sit back down on the edge of the bed.
“What do you want now? What do you need?” Veronica immediately asked in confusion.
“Why were you in such a hurry to leave? Can’t wait to have a phone call with Sean?” Darwin retorted.
Veronica’s eyebrows furrowed in bewilderment.
“Sean? Who wants to call Sean? Besides, it’s already midnight. I’m tired, it’s time to sleep, Win.”
“Excuses. You must be lying, right? Weren’t you satisfied having dinner with your ex-boyfriend?”
Veronica huffed irritably. Just because he was drunk, her husband was accusing her without any reason.
“Who had dinner with Sean? You’re confused, seriously. Accusing randomly.”
Darwin sighed. He continued to stare at Veronica, not wanting to back down.
“Don’t lie, Veronica. I even heard it myself the other day when you and Deasy were planning a dinner to celebrate your birthday. And you were going to invite Sean, right?”
Veronica chuckled softly, letting Darwin continue his rambling.
“Such a know-it-all. You must have misheard.”
“I’m sure I didn’t mishear. I even intentionally eavesdropped on your conversation back then.”
Struggling to hold back her laughter, Veronica managed to confirm that her husband was indeed heavily drunk. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so honest and upfront.
“So, you eavesdropped on my conversation with Deasy?”
Darwin nodded.
“Just so you know. I was really annoyed hearing you and Deasy planning a dinner and including Sean. What’s so great about him, anyway? I’m even better looking than your ex.”
“Well, what can I do? I just wanted to invite you to dinner. But it’s impossible, right? I’m sure you’d decline,” Veronica teased. She intentionally provoked to see what other comments Darwin would come up with.
“Who said I wouldn’t want to?”
“So, if I invite you to dinner, you’d come?”
Darwin nodded repeatedly.
“Of course I would. What’s so hard about keeping you company for dinner? But it’s pointless. You haven’t mentioned or talked about your birthday at all. Even though I prepared a special gift for you.”
Veronica perked up her ears to make sure of what Darwin had just said. She was pretty convinced her husband was serious about his statement.
“You prepared a gift for me?”
“Yeah. I bought something special for you,” Darwin pointed towards the sofa. Veronica could see a very large gift box wrapped in pink gift paper and ribbon.
“Just so you know,” Darwin continued. “I even went as far as calling your Dad to ask what thing in this world you like the most.”
“And what did my Dad say?”
“He said, Veronica likes a dark brown teddy bear, and she likes it big.”
“So, you bought me a teddy bear?”
Darwin immediately nodded.
“I got you the best one, the most expensive so Sean can’t compete.”
Once again, Veronica giggled with amusement. In the middle of the night, she found herself entertained by Darwin’s funny behavior, probably still under the influence of alcohol.
“Well then, thanks for the gift. Thanks for going through the trouble of finding and buying it for me.”
With a melancholic look in her eyes, Veronica saw Darwin chuckle softly. Leaning closer, he whispered.
“Just a thank you? Nothing else?”
“How should I respond?” Veronica asked, curious.
Unexpectedly, Darwin bravely reached for Veronica’s face and then pressed his lips against hers. He kissed, nibbled, and even gently sucked on her lips.
This, of course, left Veronica utterly surprised. She never expected Darwin to do something so bold.
“You should say thank you and give me a kiss, Ve,” Darwin whispered after breaking the kiss. Veronica remained stunned, shocked by the sudden kiss from her husband.
“Win, this isn’t right. I think I should leave before things escalate.”
Darwin shook his head. Instead of letting Veronica go, he blocked her path again. With a meaningful smile, he whispered again.
“It’s not a big deal if both of us go beyond just kissing, right?”
“What do you mean?”
Darwin nodded briefly before speaking softly once more.
“Don’t you want to try making love with your husband?”
Veronica’s eyes widened instantly. Even though Darwin was drunk, his words sent shivers down her spine. So, should she accept her husband’s offer?