I wrapped an arm around her instinctively. The moment she settled against my side, I felt something warm spread through my chest. It was the first time I had ever held my wife like this, and it felt beautiful.
Holding her, I realized how much I wanted this—my wife in my arms. For the first time since our marriage began, it felt like we were exactly where we were supposed to be.
I woke before the sun, which had been happening more often lately. The house was quiet in that particular way; it was only in the early mornings, as if the world were taking a breath before everything began again.
I lay still, listening to faint clatter from downstairs. Maria was already here. That wasn’t surprising. She ran the household with efficiency that made my life easier.
I glanced to my left, my heart fluttering at the sight of Vani curled up beside me. Her lashes kissed her cheek, her steady breathing calming me more than anything else could. Knowing I couldn't watch her sleep all morning, I rolled out of bed and headed downstairs.
The smell of coffee hit me first, then bacon and fresh bread. Maria stood at the stove, humming quietly to herself while she flipped something in a pan. The kitchen lights cast a warm glow across the marble counters.
“Morning, Maria,” I said, grabbing a mug from the cabinet.
She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “Good morning, Mr. Sterling. Coffee is ready for you.”
“You're the best.”
She laughed softly as I poured myself a cup and sat at the island. For a few peaceful minutes, it was just the sound ofcooking and the low hum of the coffee machine. I had barely taken my second sip when I heard the unmistakable sound of slow footsteps on the stairs.
Vani appeared in the doorway, looking like she had been personally victimized by the concept of mornings.
Her hair was a complete mess, dark strands sticking out in several directions like they had declared independence from the rest of her head. Her eyes were half closed, and she yawned so loudly it echoed in the kitchen.
And somehow… she was still the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.
She trudged forward, each step a clear battle with gravity, then collapsed into the stool beside me with a weary huff.
“Good morning,” I said.
She blinked at me like she had only just noticed I existed. Then she gave me the sleepiest smile I’d ever seen. “Morning,” she mumbled.
Maria turned from the stove. “Good morning, Mrs. Sterling.”
Vani gave her a small wave that seemed to require an incredible amount of energy. Maria slid a plate in front of her. “You’ll want to eat,” she said kindly. “You have a busy day.”
Vani squinted down at the plate like it had personally offended her. “Busy how?” she asked suspiciously.
Maria wiped her hands on a towel. “Well,” she said casually, “there’s the dinner tonight, and your publicist will be here at two o’clock to help you prepare.”
Vani’s eyes snapped open. It was like watching someone get struck by lightning. “What dinner?” she demanded.
I nearly choked on my coffee.
Maria blinked in surprise. “A birthday dinner for one of Mr. Sterling's biggest investors.”
Vani slowly turned toward me, her eyes widening and her face draining of color as realization dawned. “That's tonight?” she squeaked, panic sharp in her voice.
“Yes,” I said calmly.
She shot upright on the stool like she’d just remembered an exam she hadn’t studied for. “I totally forgot about that,” she groaned.
Then she looked down at herself—at the surprisingly alluring dress she’d slept in, her tangled hair, the general chaos of her existence. “I’m not ready for this,” she whispered.
I leaned back in my chair, watching her with amusement. “Vani,” I said gently, “we’ve already gone over everything. Remember?”
She peeked at me through her fingers. Maria hid a smile as she returned to the stove. Vani still hadn't moved, so I nudged the plate closer to her. “Relax,” I said. “This dinner is just the warm-up for the ball.”
The panic drained out of her face immediately. “Oh.” She picked up her fork and finally took a bite of her breakfast. “That’s not so bad then.”
