"It was just on the way," Henry replied faintly, taking off his tie.
Yvonne swiftly put down the cake and hugged him from the back. "Henry, thank you. I'm very happy.”
She rested her face against his back and had her eyes closed, a sweet smile hanging on her face. So what if it was bought on the way? He had brought the cake back himself.
Moreover, he did promise to gift her a cake and he kept his promise. He remembered it and she was ecstatic.
Not expecting Yvonne to hug him, Henry froze slightly. "Let go!" i
He pressed his lips together before uttering the two words in a low tone.
Afraid of angering him, Yvonne reluctantly loosened her arms and took a step back to reinsert distance between them.
Henry glanced at her with an unnamed emotion flashing across his eyes before heading upstairs.
Looking at his back, Yvonne felt her face blushing. She did not know where she got the courage to throw herself on him just now either. What delighted her was that he did not push her away, i
"Madam." Sue came back from hanging the linen outside and was curious when she saw Yvonne wringing the hem of her clothes bashfully. "Madam, what are you doing?"
Yvonne snapped out of her reverie nervously and averted her gaze. "No-nothing."
"Nothing? Why are you all flushed then?" Sue stared at her face.
Yvonne's hands went to pat her cheeks. "Am I?"
"Of course. You’re crimson red. Are you having a fever?" Sue said and worriedly placed a palm on her forehead.
Yvonne peeled Sue's hand off. "No, Sue, I don't have a fever. Keep this in the fridge for me."
She placed the cake on the couch into Sue’s hands.
The latter looked at the item skeptically. "What’s this?"
"Lake," Yvonne answered.
Sue was even more skeptical. "We don't have cake at home. I didn’t manage to buy it in time. Did you buy it yourself, madam?"
"No, Henry gave it to me.” Yvonne pointed upstairs.
Sue followed her finger and was struck with realization before she smirked at her, "Sir is back huh? That’s why you were acting that way, madam. Sir must have done something to you and you blushed from being shy, yeah?"
With Sue bringing up what happened just now, Yvonne looked away weakly. "Nothing like that. Sue, g o refrigerate the cake now."
It was not what Henry did to her, but more like what she did to Henry.
"Okay, okay. I'll go do it now. It’s about time too. What would you like to have, madam? I'll go prepare it," Sue asked while checking the time.
Yvonne gave it a thought. "Sue, I'll prepare the meal today."
"You?" Sue was slightly astonished.
Yvonne nodded. "It's my birthday today. I want to cook personally and let Henry have a taste of it. We've been married for three years but I've never prepared a meal for him before."
Recovering from her astonishment, Sue smiled kindly. "Sure. I’ll help you prepare the ingredients."
"Okay. Go to the kitchen first, Sue. I'll ask Henry what h e wants to eat." Yvonne made her way upstairs.
Returning to the room and seeing that no one was inside, she headed for the study room.
"Henry." Yvonne knocked.
The man was going through some documents when h e heard Yvonne’s voice, replying without lifting his head, "Come in."
Granted entry, Yvonne asked, "Henry, what would you like to have today?" "Anything's fine," said man indifferently.
Yvonne thought about it. "I'll prepare a few of my best dishes then. I hope you don’t mind."
Henry, who had been twirling his pen, stopped his ministration. "You?"
"Yup." Yvonne nodded.
"Where's Sue?" Henry pressed his lips together.
"I wanted to cook. It's got nothing to do with Sue," Yvonne explained with a wave.
"How silly..." Henry murmured to himself, rubbing between his brows in fatigue.
Buzz! His phone on the table rang suddenly.
With his hand leaving his face, Henry picked up his phone and saw Jackie’s name blinking on the screen. He stared at it for a while before swiping the green answer icon.
"Henry, what took you so long to pick up?" Jacqueline grumbled.
Adjusting his seating position, Henry asked, "I was busy just now. What’s the matter?"
"What's the matter?" Jacqueline harrumphed, still upset. "Henry, you wouldn't have forgotten what day it is today, would you?"
"I know, it’s your birthday," Henry responded.
Jacqueline was instantly pleased. "So you remember. I thought you'd forgotten it."
I wont.
"Then why didn’t you call me or come to see me in the hospital?”
There was a flash of something in Henry’s gaze before he answered seriously, "Sorry, Jackie. I can’t go to you today."
"Why?" Jacqueline was taken aback. "Is something keeping you occupied?”
"No." Henry looked at the closed door of his study room. "It’s also Yvonne Frey’s birthday today. I’ve promised to spend the day with her, so I can't go to you for your birthday."
"What?" Jacqueline’s voice raised at once. "You’re spending time with her. Then what about me?"
"I've asked Joe to deliver your present. It should be reaching you soon," Henry said, checking his watch.
Biting her lips, Jacqueline was filled with resentment and jealousy but her tone came out soft and sorrowful. "I don't want a present, Henry. Don't you understand why I'm calling you? I want you to spend time with m e."
"I know, but I've promised Yvonne Frey. Sorry, Jackie!" Henry apologized. 2
Jacqueline got emotional, questioning him while she cried, "Is she more important than me?"
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