Today’s the day we first met
When Dora opened her eyes, the bed beside her was empty and cold. Austin had been gone for a while. She sat up slowly, her mind racing as she tried to piece together how she had ended up back in his apartment. The memories of the previous day came flooding back, Austin’s stubborn insistence, his calm but firm demeanor, and the way he had practically carried her into his home. She sighed, running a hand through her tangled hair. There was no escaping him now.
This was her reality, at least for the next three months. She had two choices: endure his presence for a short time or risk being tied to him indefinitely, especially once the baby arrived. The thought of being stuck with him for longer than necessary made her stomach twist.
“Just three months,” she told herself, taking a deep breath. She needed to stay strong, to not let him manipulate her emotions or take advantage of her fragile state.
“It shouldn’t be that hard,” she murmured as she stepped into the shower. “The worst is over. He said he wouldn’t touch me.”
But as she turned off the water and reached for a towel, a new problem hit her. Her clothes.
She hadn’t planned on ending up in the hospital, let alone being brought to Austin’s apartment afterward. In her rush to mentally prepare herself for the day, she hadn’t thought about what she would wear.
“Why didn’t I check before taking a shower?” she muttered, wrapping the towel tightly around herself.
Anxiously, she tried to think of a solution. The best option seemed to be borrowing something from Austin’s closet, at least until she could get to her own place and pack her things. She wasn’t about to use his men’s shower gel that smelled like aftershave, but clothes would have to do for now.
She opened his closet and started searching, but as she reached for a shirt, something fell from the top shelf. She caught it instinctively, but her heart skipped a beat when she realized what it was.
It was a small, velvety cardboard box. Dora knew exactly what was inside. How could she forget?
Flashback:
“Mrs. Austin, close your eyes,” Austin said, his tone a mix of annoyance and amusement.
“How am I supposed to finish this expensive dinner with my eyes closed?” Dora shot back, equally annoyed.
“It’s a surprise dinner. If you didn’t know, surprises are supposed to be, well, surprising,” he replied, rolling his eyes.
“Did you even think before planning this? It’s going to cost us half a month’s grocery budget,” Dora whispered, leaning closer so the neighboring tables wouldn’t hear.
“Are you closing your eyes or not?” Austin asked, his patience wearing thin.
“Austin, your restaurant is still growing. We can’t spend money like this,” Dora said, placing her hand over his.
“I’ll count to three. If you don’t close your eyes, I’ll make you,” he warned.
“Why do women always think about saving money instead of living in the moment?” he muttered under his breath.
“Three… two… one. That’s it!”
He threw his napkin on the table and stood up, taking a step toward Dora. Before she could react, he leaned down and kissed her. His hand cradled the back of her neck as he deepened the kiss. Dora, startled by the sudden public display of affection, closed her eyes, torn between embarrassment and the warmth of his touch.
When he finally pulled away, the restaurant erupted in applause. Dora blinked, confused, as the staff brought out a three-tier cake.
“What’s the occasion?” she whispered, her cheeks flushed.
Austin kissed her cheek. “Today’s the day we first met,” he said softly. “And the day I fell in love with you.”
After cutting the cake and accepting congratulations from the other diners, Austin took her hand and slid a sleek black watch onto her wrist. Dora’s eyes widened when she saw the initials engraved on it.
“Rado?” she whispered, stunned.
“Yes, it’s a couple’s set,” he said, showing her his matching watch still in the box.
“How did you know I was saving up to buy this?” she asked, her voice trembling. She had never told him about her plans to gift it to him on their anniversary.
“You’re my wife. I notice things,” he said, his gaze steady. “Like how you started walking to the bus stop instead of taking a cab to save money.”
“I… I don’t know what to say,” Dora stammered, lowering her head to avoid his intense stare.
“How about putting the watch on my wrist?” he suggested, changing the subject.
When she slid the watch onto his wrist and hugged him, he whispered, “What about a return gift when we get home?”
“Of course, you deserve one,” Dora said, pulling back slightly. “But you’ll have to give me at least an hour.”
Austin agreed, but as soon as they got home, he began pacing the living room, glancing at the clock every few minutes.
“Why does she need an hour? I like her just the way she is,” he muttered, growing impatient.
Before the hour was up, he was already at their bedroom door. He frowned when he saw Dora still in the same dress she had worn to dinner, her hands hidden behind her back.
“Time’s up,” he announced, striding toward her like a man on a mission.
Present:
Dora stared at the box in her hands, the memories flooding back. She opened it carefully, revealing the Rado watch Austin had given her that night. It was a symbol of a time when things were simpler, when she had believed in their love.
Now, everything felt so complicated. She placed the box back on the shelf and quickly grabbed one of Austin’s shirts to wear. As she buttoned it up, she reminded herself of her mission: survive the next three months without letting him break her resolve.
She stepped out of the bedroom, her heart pounding. Austin was in the kitchen, his back to her as he prepared breakfast. For a moment, she allowed herself to watch him, to remember the man she had once loved so deeply.
But then she shook her head, pushing those thoughts aside. She couldn’t afford to let her guard down. Not now. Not ever again.
“Good morning,” Austin said, turning to face her. His eyes softened as he took in her appearance, but Dora kept her expression neutral.
“Morning,” she replied, her voice steady.
She sat down at the table, determined to get through the day, and the next three months, without letting him see how much he still affected her.
The road ahead would be tough, but Dora was ready to fight for herself and her baby. No matter what it took.
As she picked up her fork, she couldn’t help but wonder: Could she really survive three months with Austin without losing herself? Or would his charm and persistence break down the walls she had built around her heart?
Only time would tell. But one thing was certain, Dora wasn’t going down without a fight.
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