CHAPTER 41

She returned inside the mansion and went to her bedroom. The plastic bags were already on the bed. She removed them exposing the boxes inside. There was no note so she opened the first box and smiled.
There was a white gown with embroidery of golden flowers and leaves. It was somehow creative, who would have such a thought? The outer robe was emerald green just like her eyes. It seemed whoever sent this knew her pretty well.
The outer robe had matching golden flowers too just like the inner gown. She moved to the next box; the box contained her headdress. The headdress included several hairpins that formed a nice crown of flowers once pinned on the head.
The next box had a pair of nice emerald green heels; she could see some diamonds sewed on top. One would kill for the shoe she thought. The last box’s contents were a golden clutch and her name was printed on it.
Her name was like the design of the clutch and she felt very touched. If she could know who that person was at that moment she would hug and kiss her or him and even name her child after the person’s name.
As she was busy wiping the tears running down her cheeks there was a knock at her door and Jane appeared holding a huge bouquet of her favorite peony flowers. She smiled and walked towards her and accepted the flowers.
“They are very beautiful,” she said sniffing them.
“Indeed, they are. There is an envelope addressed to you,” Jane said and passed her the envelope.
Talia returned the flowers to Jane and told her, “put them in a vase and bring them back here.”
Jane left the room immediately and she opened the envelope. There was a birthday card side. She opened it and felt her tears stinging again.
“I know I never be the person you always wanted me to be. I haven’t been the best husband, the best companion but you had given me so much, shown me so much and I’m grateful that you were solely born into this world for me. Happy birthday t you my lovely wife and I wish that we will spend many more years together and never part. I love you, Neal.”
She froze after reading the card. For the first time after being with Neal he actually uttered those words. He might have written them but that was enough for her. He loved her; that was the greatest birthday present anyone would give her.
She looked for her phone since she rarely used it and saw many missed calls from her nanaba. She was going to call her back but for now she had a husband to look for.
She dialed his number and was anxious as it rang. He picked up at the second ring.
“Do you mean it?” that was the first thing she asked.
“Yes, I do. I love you Lia,” he told her and her heart just fluttered.
Neal used her pet name, something he had never done before.
“Can you come back home now?”
“Why? I still have something I need to finish.”
“That can wait. If you don’t come back home, I will…”
“I’m on my way,” he said and hung up the phone.
She began to dance to a song playing in her heart. Jane walked in and just shook her head.
“I can tell you received some good news,” she said as she put the vase on her bedside.
“He loves me Jane. He really does.”
“I’m happy for you but didn’t you know that already?”
“I didn’t. Wait, did you know?”
“Everyone knows it. It’s just that the Duke is a bit complicated and isn’t good with words.”
“That’s true, I guess I was stuck somewhere and couldn’t even see that.”
“It’s good that you are happy. The baby won’t be stressed and everyone will be happy.”
“That’s true. Tell the cook to make some snacks; my husband will be coming any time soon.”
“Okay, I will tell her now.”
Jane left her room and she took her phone and called her nanaba.
“Good morning nanaba.”
“Nana, how are you?”
“I’m good nanaba. How is your health?”
“I’m fine dear. Happy birthday.”
“Thank you, nanaba. You are coming to the dinner, right?”
“Yes I am. I won’t miss it for the world.”
“I’m happy. I have missed you so much. We will talk a lot when you come.”
“Indeed, we will, I have news I need to tell you direct.”
“Okay, it’s not bad news, right?”
“I wouldn’t spoil your day nana. I have something I’m doing now. I will call you later, just make sure your phone is close to you and if you can’t keep it with you, let one of those girls keep it for you,” she said and she laughed.
“I will do that nanaba. Love you.”
“Love you too nana.”