It Should Have Been Like This (The Revised Version)

Chapter 80: Dinner and Presents

I gazed out the window, watching the scene unfold below. Serenity danced gracefully in the pool, her movements captured by Zyaire's camera. Savia sat nearby, her laptop open as she stole glances at the pair, a pensive look on her face. Zayne, lost in his own world, brushed paint across a canvas, immortalizing the moment.

I sighed heavily, tearing my gaze from the lively scene. Lifting my eyes to the bright, cloudless sky, I felt the weight of the day's boredom press down upon me. Thoughts, unwelcome but persistent, began to ease their way into my mind. I fought to push them back, but the deepest ones refused to be silenced.

My mind raced, grappling with the question of how I would move forward from this point. Returning to work under Rominic was no longer an option. Though I knew I had done nothing wrong, the thought of facing the inevitable stares and whispers from my colleagues filled me with dread. Even if they dared not speak out of fear of their boss, my husband, I couldn't bear the risk.

A sense of helplessness and vulnerability consumed me as I contemplated my future. Should I simply become a housewife? Rominic's wealth could more than provide for me, and the idea of retreating from the world and its judgments was tempting. But the thought of idly sitting still, a prospect so foreign to my nature, filled me with unease.

Even before meeting Rominic, my father had instilled in me the value of hard work for the sake of family. After years of struggling to support five children and myself, the idea of a leisurely life held little appeal. No, I craved the fulfillment that came with meaningful labor, even if it was in a small capacity.

I mulled over the idea of getting another job, perhaps as a waitress, but quickly dismissed it as ridiculous. The wife of Rominic Verlice, working as a common server? The very thought was enough to make me cringe. It would be an embarrassment to him, his family, and most of all, myself. Such a notion was beyond stupid.

So then, what was I to do? The weight of that question hung heavily in the air, dragging me down as I grappled with the uncertainty of my future.

"You're worrying again," Rominic's calm, yet accusing voice cut through my thoughts, jolting me from my reverie. I turned to face him, taking in his impeccable appearance.

He was dressed to the nines, his baby blue shirt tailored to perfection, the delicate fabric stretching across his muscular frame with each subtle movement. Paired with crisp gray chinos, pristine white canvas shoes, and a gleaming Rolex, he exuded an air of effortless sophistication.

I couldn't help but chuckle as I noticed his hair, neatly straightened and slicked back, a testament to the time he must have spent taming his stubborn locks with gel. I had been so lost in my own thoughts that I had failed to notice him leave his study, ready to venture out into the world.

"You look quite dashing. Where are you off to?" I asked, my tone calm as I folded my arms gently beneath my breasts, fixing him with a stern gaze. "I do hope it's not work, as we agreed you'd work from home on Sundays and only for four hours."

Rominic's hand moved from the buttons to the sleeve of his shirt, and he responded, "It's not where I'm going, but where we are going," he rolled up the sleeve with practiced ease. "I'm taking you out, my dear, so go and get yourself ready. I'll wait, but you have ninety minutes."

I stared at him, utterly bewildered. This was not part of our planned agenda for the day, and I couldn't help but express my confusion. "Don't look at me like that," he chided gently, rolling up the other sleeve. "Just go and get ready. I'll be here waiting."

Gathering my wits, I rose from my seat, brow furrowed. "But wait, why are we suddenly leaving the house? You didn't mention this when I asked about your plans for today." I watched as he adjusted his belt, anticipation burning in my chest. "And where, exactly, are we going?"