Chapter 1: A perfect plan for a perfect anniversary

Three months earlier.....

(Evelyn pov)

I couldn’t stop smiling.

Humming gently, I placed the new bouquet of roses in the crystal vase, fine-tuning each stem to reach perfection. The fragrant scent of lilies and roses permeated the air, mixing with the cozy scent of vanilla candles dancing on the dining table. Everything needed to be perfect, just as our love.

In two nights, Sebastian and I will be celebrating our anniversary. Our fifth year of celebration. Five years filled with love, joy, and common aspirations.

I ran my fingers along the exquisite silverware, imagining how his eyes would sparkle when he walked in, how his lips would turn into that unique, sincere smile, the one he saved just for me.

But that wasn’t all. This anniversary was going to be even more special.

I softly placed my hand on my abdomen, a warmth radiating within me.

Sebastian was about to become a father.

The mere idea flooded me with warmth, blending feelings of excitement and anxious anticipation in my chest. I bit my lip, unable to suppress the grin pulling at the edges of my lips. I discovered it a week ago, but I wanted to wait for the right moment to inform him. And what could be more ideal than our anniversary? A day already filled with love, memories, and promise, it seemed perfect.

I had dedicated the last few days to organizing every detail, hoping the unveiling would be as meaningful as the announcement itself. The present had been arranged, a stylish, engraved watch, thoughtfully selected to complement his taste. However, it was the note on the reverse that conveyed the true significance: Best Husband and soon to be Dad.

I imagined that moment countless times in my mind. The manner in which his eyebrows would crease subtly while he examined the inscription, then rise in understanding. The manner in which his eyes would deepen in color with feeling, perhaps even shimmer. He would look at me, really look at me, and in that moment, I understood I would witness it all: the affection, the happiness, the astonishment. And then, just like I imagined each time, his hands would gently hold my face, his lips meeting mine in a kiss so profound, so powerful, that I’d dissolve completely into him.

A laugh slipped from my mouth as I grabbed my phone, calling the one person who always knew how to make surprises even better

Vanessa.

My cousin and best friend. The person I trusted more than anyone.

The call barely rang before her voice chirped through the line.

“Eve! To what do I owe this honor?”

I laughed. “Hey, Nessa. What are you up to?”

“Oh, you know. Just dealing with life’s chaos. What about you?”

“I need your help with something special.”

Her interest piqued. “Special? Do tell.”

I took a deep breath, my excitement bubbling over. “Sebastian and I have our anniversary in two nights, and I want to plan the most perfect evening ever. A private dinner, candlelight, soft music, all his favorite dishes. And…” I hesitated for dramatic effect.

“And?” she prompted.

“I’m pregnant.”

A loud squeak erupted from the phone, causing me to chuckle.

“Are you for real?” Oh my goodness, Eve! This is incredible! "Has Sebastian found out yet?"

“No,” I said, grinning. “I want to tell him that night. I got him a watch with the message engraved on it.”

"That’s really cute!" He will be extremely happy.

I exhaled softly, already envisioning his response. "I wish for that."

"Are you joking?" Of course, he will be! Alright, we have to organize this properly. Where would you like to have dinner? "Home or a fancy restaurant?"

I chewed on my lip, debating. “I thought about a restaurant, but then I figured something more intimate would be better. Just us, in our home, where we started everything. No distractions, no outside noise, just me and him.”

Vanessa let out a delighted squeal. “That’s actually perfect! You can control everything, the setting, the food, the lighting. Plus, it’ll be cozy. He’ll love it.”

Relief washed over me, easing the tiny knots of doubt I hadn’t even realized were forming. “I was hoping you’d say that. I need help setting things up. Will you come over the night before?”

“Of course, babe. We’ll make it a night to remember. I’ll even bring wine, and we can celebrate early! Maybe do a little practice run, taste-test some of the food, go over the playlist, make sure everything’s just right.”

I laughed, warmth blooming in my chest. “That sounds perfect. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Lucky for you, you’ll never have to find out,” she teased. “Now, tell me, what’s on the menu? We need something delicious but also a little sexy.”

"You’re amazing, Nessa."

She chuckled. “I’m aware.” However, I genuinely feel pleased for you, Eve. "You merit every bit of joy that exists."

She laughed. “I know. But, seriously, I’m happy for you, Eve. You deserve all the happiness in the world.”

Her words filled my heart with joy. “Thanks, love. I just hope I can reach Sebastian soon to confirm his schedule.”

I glanced at the clock. He should be finishing work about now. I dialed his number, but it rang endlessly before his secretary picked up.

“Good evening, Mrs. Rodgers.”

“Hi, Lily. Is Sebastian free?”

There was a brief silence, and I could hear the soft tapping of a keyboard. “I apologize, but Mr. Rodgers is currently in a significant meeting.” He asked not to be interrupted.

I frowned, disappointment creeping in. “Oh… okay. Do you know when he’ll be free?”

“I’m uncertain, ma’am, but I can pass along a message for him.”

I forced a smile. “That would be great. Simply let him know I called.”

Just as I was ready to conclude the call, a sudden ping resonated in the air.

Vanessa’s phone.

I heard her shuffle, then a soft inhale. A pause. A hesitation.

“Nessa?” I asked, tilting my head. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah.” A little too fast. “Just a message from work.”

However, there was something in her tone that caused my stomach to churn. It was faint, perhaps a small pause, a bit too much strain to appear relaxed, but I knew her too well to miss it.

A moment later, she chuckled softly, the noise light and rehearsed. "Regardless, try not to worry excessively about Sebastian." You’re aware of how he acts when he’s occupied. Simply concentrate on the surprise. “It will be perfect, Eve.”

I paused, gripping my phone more tightly with my fingers. The discomfort remained, a slight murmur in my thoughts, yet I managed to smile. Perhaps I was overanalyzing the situation.

“You’re correct,” I replied, breathing out gently. "It will be perfect."