014

VIVIAN fumbled with the lock of her door, her keys jingling impatiently in her hand. With a sharp twist, the door finally gave way, and she stepped inside, her arms weighed down by two oversized shopping bags. She nudged the door shut with her hip, sighing in relief as she dropped the bags onto the floor with a heavy thud.

Just then, her phone buzzed loudly from inside her pocket.

“Shit,” she muttered under her breath, pulling it out. The screen flashed *Fiona*. With a resigned groan, she swiped to answer and pressed the phone to her ear as she made her way toward the kitchen.

“Hey girl, you didn’t even let me get home,” she said with a half-smile, already anticipating her best friend’s voice.

“What’s up? Where have you been to? And why aren’t you in school today, huh?” Fiona’s voice came through sharp and familiar, the background filled with the loud chatter of students and the occasional shuffle of footsteps.

Vivian tugged open the refrigerator and grabbed a chilled bottle of water. She twisted the cap open, leaning against the counter.

“I went shopping,” she replied casually.

“Shopping? For what? We had a term paper today, you know that!” Fiona’s tone was incredulous, and Vivian rolled her eyes dramatically even though her friend couldn’t see her.

“Fuck that! I needed to get some very important stuff,” she said, tipping her head back as she gulped down water. The cool liquid rushed down her throat, refreshing but urgent, like she hadn’t had a sip all day.

“You and your ‘important stuff,’” Fiona muttered.

“Stop by the house after lectures,” Vivian continued, ignoring the jab. “I want you to see what I bought.”

They went back and forth for a few more minutes, with Vivian brushing off Fiona’s lectures, Fiona teasing her about her reckless priorities before Vivian finally hung up, tossing the phone onto the counter with a satisfied grin.

Her eyes darted back to the bags by the door. A secret thrill flickered in her chest.

***

The loving couple lay sprawled across their bed, heads resting where their feet were meant to be, feet dangling where their pillows should have been. It was the weekend, no rush, no hurry, just them and the quietness of the house. Hazel wasn’t around; she had gone for a short holiday at Grandma’s, leaving the couple with rare time alone.

Adrian scrolled lazily through his phone, while Amelia sat upright, her tablet in hand, reading out the week’s expenses.

“Alright,” she began, eyes fixed on the glowing screen. “Hazel’s school uniforms… we need a fresh set. That is one. Then there is the levy for her excursion coming up next month, the PTA contribution, and the after-school music lessons she begged me to register her for.”

Adrian hummed without looking up, his thumb sliding across his phone.

“That is not all,” Amelia continued, her voice steady but tinged with weight. “The kitchen needs a refill, groceries, fruits, meat, and Hazel’s favorite snacks. Then, utilities, water, light, gas. Oh, and the house help’s pay; she came to me yesterday reminding me.”

“Mm,” Adrian finally said, the corner of his lips curving into a small smile. “Quite overwhelming.”

Amelia lowered the tablet and sighed. 

“It always is baby.”

He chuckled lightly, eyes still glued to the screen. 

“Raising a child is like investing in a billion-dollar project. The bills never end, but the returns are priceless.”

She tilted her head, a faint smile playing on her lips, but her shoulders rose in a small shrug. 

“True. Though sometimes it feels like the investment is heavier than we bargained for.”

Adrian tapped a few times on his phone screen. Seconds later, Amelia’s tablet pinged with a notification. She blinked, quickly swiping down.

He turned to her, watching her reaction. 

“I just sent you five million. Use it and take care of the house, my woman.”

Amelia’s expression softened immediately. The look she gave him wasn’t surprise, no, she was used to his generosity, but it was gratitude, deep and sincere.

“Thank you, babe,” she said warmly. “You are doing a lot already.”

Adrian placed his phone aside and turned fully to her, his eyes meeting hers. 

“And thank you, too, for the amazing work you do. Taking care of Hazel, taking care of me, keeping this house together, and still managing your business. That is one hell of a job. Come on, Amelia, you deserve the world.”

She smiled at his words, her heart swelling, and leaned forward to kiss him. Their lips met in a sweet, tender kiss.

“Well, babe,” she said softly when they pulled apart.

“Yeah?” he replied, brushing his thumb across her cheek.

“I want to talk to you about something.”

He raised a brow, curious now, setting his phone aside completely. 

“What is that?”

She lowered her gaze, hesitated a moment, then looked back into his eyes.

“It is about Leonard, your friend.”