Chapter one Dining Meeting 

Eunice’ POV

"Congratulations, you are two weeks pregnant!" Doctor Miranda beamed as she passed my test results across the desk.

I couldn't contain my happiness. A wide smile spread across my face as I looked at Dr. Miranda, my heart swelling with joy.

"Thank you so much!" I said, my voice brimming with excitement.

My husband, Tyler, and I had been trying for two years—two long years of disappointment and heartbreak. Just when I had begun to lose hope, I was finally pregnant. The realization sent a wave of relief through me.

Eager to share the news, I headed straight to the mall to pick up fresh ingredients. I wanted to surprise Tyler over a well-prepared dinner—his favorite meal, paired with the best news of our lives.

I carefully selected everything I needed: filet mignon, vibrant asparagus, golden Yukon potatoes, and a basket of ripe strawberries. A bottle of red wine caught my eye, but after a brief hesitation, I opted for sparkling grape juice instead. Tonight was special, and I wanted everything to be perfect.

As I stepped out of the mall, I imagined how the meal would come together—a perfectly seared steak drizzled with garlic butter, roasted asparagus with Parmesan, and creamy mashed potatoes. For dessert, chocolate-covered strawberries, just the way he loved them.

But as soon as I entered the house, reality came crashing down.

My arms ached from carrying the grocery bags, yet the sight before me made me forget the strain. The unmistakable chaos of my mother-in-law’s presence greeted me—cluttered furniture, spilled tea on the table, and used tissues scattered like fallen leaves.

Diana, my mother-in-law, had been diagnosed with early-stage cancer. She had promised many times to keep things tidy, to at least try. But every time I stepped into the house, it was the same overwhelming sight.

I sighed, setting the grocery bags down in the kitchen without even unpacking them. The fresh vegetables, the choice cuts of meat—everything would have to wait. Right now, I had to deal with this mess.

Rolling up my sleeves, I grabbed a trash bag and started cleaning. I wasn’t just doing this for her—I was doing it for Tyler, for our home, for the loyalty I had to our family. No matter how exhausting it got, I refused to let our house become unlivable.

When I was done, I helped Diana with her medication. I had noticed a pattern—whenever she took her pills, exhaustion overtook her, and she would fall asleep almost instantly. As expected, her eyelids drooped with fatigue.

Gently guiding her to bed, I kissed her forehead. "You will be fine, Mother," I assured her softly.

She gave me a tired but grateful smile. "Thank you, dear. I appreciate everything you do for me and my son. We won’t take it for granted."

Her voice wavered, the pain evident beneath her words.

"It’s okay, Mum. Please rest now," I whispered, patting her shoulder gently. Within minutes, she was fast asleep.

Carefully, I rose from the bedside, making sure not to wake her. I tiptoed out of the room, my footsteps light against the floor, and made my way back to the kitchen.

It was already 4 PM. Tyler would be home by 7 PM. I smiled to myself—I still had just enough time to prepare our special dinner.

I busied myself in the kitchen, chopping, seasoning, and cooking with precision. By 6 PM, the air was filled with the rich aroma of perfectly seared steak and roasted asparagus. I set the dining table, making sure everything looked elegant. The sparkling juice gleamed in a crystal pitcher, adding a sophisticated touch.

Satisfied, I rushed upstairs to freshen up. Stepping into the shower, I let the warm water relax me. Afterward, I sprayed on my favorite body mist and perfume, wanting to smell irresistible for Tyler.

I knew what he liked—he loved seeing me in sexy, revealing outfits whenever he was home. With that in mind, I slipped into the perfect lingerie—the one he had bought me last Christmas, claiming he wanted it to be the sexiest and happiest Christmas ever.

I still smiled whenever I remembered how he had said it, the way he had kissed me on the lips as he handed it to me. That night, we had made love with so much passion, and now, I was carrying the result of that moment.

I sat at the dining table, excitement bubbling within me.

But as the minutes ticked by, my anticipation turned into concern.

By 7:30 PM, Tyler still hadn’t arrived. Frowning, I walked to the window, parting the curtain slightly. This was unusual—he was never late. He always arrived at exactly 7 PM.

Was he working late?

Trying not to overthink, I picked up my phone and dialed his number.

“The number you have called is currently switched off. Please try again later.”

A robotic auto-response echoed in my ears.

My heart skipped a beat. Tyler never switched off his phone.

Pushing away the unease creeping into my chest, I decided to wait a little longer. Maybe he was just caught up at work. But as time passed, my worry only grew.

At 10 PM, I was still sitting there, phone in hand. Every passing car outside made my heart leap, only for me to be disappointed when it wasn’t him.

By 11 PM, I finally heard it—the familiar honk of his car.

Relief flooded through me as I rushed to the entrance. He pulled into the driveway and stepped out, a warm smile on his face.

“Hi, babe! I got you flowers!” he said cheerfully, opening his arms to hug me.

For a moment, I was the happiest woman on earth. He was home. Whatever had caused his delay, I was sure he had a reasonable explanation.

I pouted playfully. “Where have you been? I’ve missed you.”

I stepped into his embrace, but the moment our bodies touched, something felt… off.

A strange scent clung to him—a perfume I didn’t recognize. A perfume scenting so feminine, so women like!

My heart clenched.

Had Tyler been with another woman?

Was this why he was late?

A sickening feeling settled in my stomach as doubt seeped into my mind.

Something wasn’t right.