The beginning of it all.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

The scent of the dinner wafted through the room, as I focused on my husband, Jared. His dark hair falling just right, framing his straight nose and sharp jawline. Even in his casual clothes, the man had an undeniable presence-broad shoulders, a sculpted chest. He

could've walked right out of a magazine, yet here he was, with me.

It was our anniversary, and in commemoration of that, I had suggested that we had an indoor dinner- just the two of us.

Despite his usual aloof self, Jared had created time from his usual busy work schedule, and that was a gesture I considered lovely. Especially when he looked up at me with those smoldering eyes, it was hard to stay upset.

I had chosen to sit across from him instead of our usual dinning position-beside him because I wanted to see all of his reactions when I finally broke the good news to him.

You see, I just discovered that I am pregnant yesterday from our family doctor, and I stalled the news, so I could break it to Jared during the anniversary dinner.

Whatever way would have been better? Celebrating an anniversary, and the conception of a baby. Sounds like a double party to me.

"This meal is delicious, Arielle," Jared commented, interrupting my line of thoughts. "I don't understand why I'm always awed by your culinary skill. You are a chef after all."

I flashed him the most beautiful smile I could muster, feeling flustered by his compliment. "Thank you, Jared. That means a lot coming from you."

He smiled back, but his was not as wide and bright as mine. "You didn't have to make so many dishes, though. Two or three would have been just enough. It's only the two of us after all."

I clicked my tongue, there he went again. I was just about to reply to him, to tell him that it was our anniversary and I wanted to make it special, when his phone rang, the shrill sound disrupting the calm atmosphere.

Jared's face fell when he looked at the screen, and then his expression turned apologetic. "Excuse me, Arielle. I have to take this. It's work," he said and rose to his feet.

as

said, my voice

new jewelry, whatever you want," he called out as he

frustrated and disappointed. It's 9 o'clock. Who leaves their home at this time for work? It's our special

that gifts are not always the key to a woman's heart;

anniversary dinner, ruined by a work call. Then I proceeded to cover the food. While at it, I decided that I will wait for Jared in the sitting room while entertaining myself with my favorite

I fell asleep and woke up with a start hours later. My

painful realization dawned on me; our anniversary was over. Anger and disappointment enveloped me as I realized that Jared wasn't home yet. I had been excited to share my news with him, but

the remnants of our anniversary dinner still laid out on the table. Fine, guess this was the karma for me, a star chef, taking a two-day leave and not cooking for my appreciative guests but cooking for my husband. Sighing in resignation, I cleared the table and sent some

at the restaurant, the familiar chaos of the kitchen greeted me like an old friend, and so did

I thought you were taking a two-day

feeling the pain of my ruined anniversary

imposing man with a kind smile, approached me as I was glancing

a few minutes to

looking up from

lasting three years. It's a great opportunity to improve and take your culinary skills to the next level. Are you

I got

long time to be away, especially with a baby on the way. But the idea tugged at something deep inside me a chance to step out of Jared's shadow and prove myself as a chef on my own terms. I'd always relied on his support, and as much as I

your time, my dear. Think about it and discuss it with your partner. This is a lifetime decision, and I want

with thoughts again. I tried to weigh the odds. Would Jared be okay with raising our child on his own if I eventually give birth? What about our marriage? Would he

mind as I returned to work,

waitress rushed into the kitchen, a distressed look on her face. "Ma, there's

the problem?" I

responded. "She says she wants to see the chef

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