Mr. CEO, You Lost Me Too Late

Chapter One – Celebration Time

Aria’s POV

I had been at the dining table, arranging, rearranging everything for what felt like the tenth time, just to make sure everything was perfect.

The dinner I prepared wasn’t that much, I prepared my husband Alex's favorite dishes , and bought a cake with two candles standing at the center of it. I had spent every of my savings to make this happen 

I just hoped it would be enough, this time. I kept staring at it, hoping this could fix us and that he would be happy with me again. 

I was about to arrange the table the last time, when I heard the sound of keys at the door.

My heart beat so fast. I quickly switched off the light and stood there waiting.

The door opened, my husband step inside loosening his tie as he walked in.

“Happy birthday!” I said quickly, forcing brightness into my voice.

He frowned, but I kept my gaze on him waiting for his face to soften, but instead, guess what? His expression darkened more.

His eyes moved slowly around the room, from the candles to the food arranged carefully on the table.

“What is all this, Aria?”

The coldness in his voice made my smile disappear.

“Alex, it’s your birthday and I wanted to surprise … surprise you” I said, my voice shaking.

His laugh was short but there was no amusement in it.

“You what? You prepared a surprise?" 

I nodded, but I knew he wasn’t happy, he doesn’t like this.

“You know what would actually surprise me?”

I swallowed. “What?” I said, I was eager to hear.

“If I came home and saw a child running into my arms calling me Daddy.”

The words hit me so hard I forgot how to breathe.

“That,” he continued coldly, “would make me happy. Not this dinner. Not this cake.” His eyes settled on me without warmth. “Not you.”

Something inside me cracked, just like that.

This happiness I had been holding onto, this that I have prepared for him, even displeased him more. 

I stood, I was shocked and frozen, while the candlelight was still between us.

I wanted to ask him what changed, I wanted to ask him why he became this cruel? Why I am not enough anymore.

I wanted to remind him that there was a time he held me like I was the best thing in his life.

But the words refused to come out, I wouldn’t want to annoy him more 

“I’m sorry,” I said, with deep pain

He scoffed.

“You’ve been apologizing for years, Aria. Sorry won’t give me a child.” He said, . “Sorry won’t make me a father.”

My knees almost gave out , but I forced myself to stay standing.

I refused to cry in front of him.

Just then, my phone started ringing.

The sound of it cut through the silence between us.

I quickly set the knife down and reached for my phone. The moment I saw the caller ID, my stomach suddenly ache 

This is Mama, my mother-in-law.

Anytime her call appears, my heart began to ache because she and her daughter will always insulted blame and reminded me that I failed as a wife.

For a second, I thought of ignoring it.

But that would only make things worse later, so I answered.

“Good evening, Mama,” I said quietly.

To my surprise, her voice sounded calm, then I wonder what she’s about to say. 

“Aria, we’re having a birthday dinner for Alex tonight at Teniu hotel . Eight o’clock. Make sure you come.”

I blinked. There were no insults, no sharp comments in her words today, just an invitation.

“Yes, Mama,” I replied quickly.

The call ended. I stared at the phone in my hand, confused but still hopeful.

Maybe tonight would be different, maybe she’s starting to change, I thought things could still change.

I turned toward Alex carefully.

“Your mother just called. They’re planning a birthday dinner for you tonight at Teniu Hotel.” I tried to smile. “Everyone’s going to be there.”

Alex had already poured himself a drink.

He didn’t even look at me.

“I’m not interested and don’t think about going?”

“What? But it’s your birthday. Your family wants to celebrate with you—m…”

“I said I’m not going.”

His tone was so sharp that I knew I better not argue with him. 

“I have more important things to do.”

I bit down hard on my lower lip, but the tears still came.

Quickly, I turned away before he could see them.

“Alright,” I whispered.

I walked slowly into the bedroom and stopped in front of the mirror.

For a moment, I just stared at myself, my eyes looked too dull, my face looked pale, this wasn’t the woman I used to be, this wasn’t what I planned to become, but I wiped my tears away.

If Alex doesn’t want to go, then I would go alone

My face was pale and exhausted.

Maybe they would stop looking at me like I was the woman who ruined their son’s future.

I picked up somethings and went with my simple dress. 

And as I stepped out of the house, one thought kept echoing inside my head.

Tonight might change everything.