Stolen Heart

Seline

"Hey babe. Are you going to come over? I have a little surprise for you.” Jude, my boyfriend, texts me.

We have been together, I mean dating, for two years now. And all I can say is, my relationship is doing so well. Every time I think of him, my heart does a little flutter. There’s something about Jude, the way he smiles, the way he looks at me, that makes me feel like I’m the luckiest woman alive.

I smile when I see his text. I love him so much. And I can't imagine my life without him. Without his love. Without him texting me. I will die if that ever happens.

"Yes, babe. I am coming over. Just wait for me.” I text him back.

I was a secretary, and I was at work right now. Only a few hours remained before we finally call it a day. My office was buzzing with the usual end-of-day activity, people rushing to meet deadlines, phones ringing non-stop, and printers whirring. But none of it could steal my thoughts from Jude.

* * * * * * * *

Today, it was my birthday. I was turning twenty-nine. I could honestly say I was a grown woman now, ready for the next chapter in life. And I wanted to start a family soon. I knew Jude was going to propose to me. Soon, I hoped. I knew we loved each other deeply. We just had to take the next step, and that step was marriage.

"I will be waiting for you, my love. Come sooner, I miss you." he texts.

His words made my heart skip a beat. Jude was not only thoughtful and caring, but he also had this charm that made everyone around him notice him. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with dark, wavy hair that fell perfectly over his forehead. His eyes, rich brown and sparkling with warmth, could melt away any worries. And his smile, oh, that smile could light up the darkest of rooms. Every little detail about him, from the gentle curve of his jaw to the way his voice softened when he spoke to me, made me fall in love all over again, every single day.

He wanted our love to be private. Just the two of us. I knew that was how he wanted to celebrate this birthday.

"Ok, my love. Take care,” I text him back.

I placed my phone down and returned to my work, though my mind kept wandering back to him. I had so much to do, and wasting another minute would be a disservice to myself. I typed away, filed documents, and answered calls, but my thoughts always drifted to Jude’s smile, his soft laughter, and the warmth of his embrace.

* * * * * * * * * *

This day moved so slowly, and I was glad when it finally ended. I grabbed my bag and headed out of the office. Other workmates had already left. I was the last one, staying behind to finish today’s tasks, making sure everything was in order.

I took a cab immediately and started heading to Jude's house. I knew he was probably waiting, growing slightly impatient, but he was always so understanding. That was part of what I loved about him, he never pressured me, never rushed me. He just let our love flow naturally.

But before we could reach his place, my phone rang. I pulled it out and saw it was Isabel, my long-time friend. We’d been friends for what felt like forever. I think since childhood, honestly. She was the one person who always knew how to make me laugh, no matter what. I smiled as I answered.

Me - Isabel, how are you?

I asked warmly. We hadn’t seen each other in about a week, she was busy with her own matters, and I had been tied down with work.

Isabel - I’m fine. Change of plans.

She said, her voice urgent, and I couldn’t figure out what she meant.

Me - Change of plans? How?

I ask, curiosity tingling in my chest.

Isabel - Don’t head to Jude’s house. Just come over to mine.

Me - Why?

Isabel - Don’t ask questions. Just come over, please.

And just like that, she hung up. I knew Isabel. She was always cheerful, always planning something fun. Maybe it was a surprise party, maybe something else. I couldn’t wait to find out.

I instructed the driver to change direction, and we started heading toward Isabel’s house. My mind raced with excitement and curiosity. What could she have planned? I wondered, half-smiling.

Even though I was turning twenty-nine, a part of me still felt like a young girl waiting for surprises. And today, with Jude waiting and Isabel calling me unexpectedly, it felt like my birthday was about to become unforgettable.