Chapter 4 Breakfast with Love

The morning sun filtered through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow over Jaden and Rita as they stood side by side. The aroma of fresh coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of baking. It was a cosy scene, filled with laughter and anticipation.

Rita looked at Jaden, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "So, what are you making for us this morning for breakfast?" Jaden asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Rita pondered for a moment, pretending to contemplate her options. "What would you love to eat?" she questioned, her voice teasing.

Jaden leaned in closer, a playful glimmer in his eyes. "Anything that could make me not forget the taste of your food in my taste buds," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of mischief.

Rita laughed, a melodic sound that filled the kitchen with joy. "Hmm… Okay, as your lordship pleases," she said, her tone matching his playful banter. "You know your wish is my command."

Jaden's smile widened, and he moved even closer, gently placing his hands on her waist. Rita continued to stir the flour and sugar mixture, her movements fluid and graceful. The soft touch of his hands sent a shiver down her spine, but she remained focused on the task at hand.

As they stood there, lost in their playful exchange, the room filled with the comforting aroma of vanilla and cinnamon. The batter took shape under Rita's expert hands, transforming into a smooth and silky consistency.

Jaden watched her with admiration, his eyes fixed on her every move. He marvelled at the effortless grace she possessed, both in the kitchen and in life. To him, Rita was a symphony of warmth and love, her presence bringing a sense of completeness to his world.

As Rita finished stirring the batter, she turned to Jaden, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Now it's time for the secret ingredient," she said, reaching for a small bottle on the countertop.

Jaden raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Secret ingredient? What could that be?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Rita smiled mysteriously as she unscrewed the bottle cap, revealing a tiny vial filled with a golden liquid. "It's love," she said, her voice soft and filled with affection. "The secret ingredient that makes every dish taste even better."

Jaden's heart swelled with warmth as he watched Rita carefully pour a few drops of the golden elixir into the batter. The aroma intensified, filling the room with an enchanting fragrance.

With a final stir, Rita declared the batter ready. She poured it onto a sizzling griddle, creating perfect rounds of pancake batter that slowly cooked to golden perfection.

As the pancakes sizzled and browned, Jaden wrapped his arms around Rita, pulling her close. They stood there, basking in the warmth of the kitchen, their hearts intertwined in a dance of love and companionship.

Finally, the pancakes were ready, andas they were about to dish it out and get ready to devour the filled plate of pancakes the door bell rang.

“Hey! Jaden, are you expecting anyone?" She asked before reaching out to the door.

“Of course not, I'm not expecting anyone.”

“Okay! Let me go check who is at the door.”

Rita walked briskly towards the front door, her curiosity piqued by the unexpected interruption. As she opened the door, a familiar face greeted her with a wide smile. It was Percy, she found Percy standing there with a cheerful smile on her face.

"Good morning, Rita!" Percy greeted her warmly. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."

Rita returned the smile, shaking her head. "Not at all, Percy. Come on in."

Percy stepped inside, and Jaden, who had already gotten dressed for the day, joined them in the living room. Percy wasted no time in getting to the purpose of her visit.

"Rita, Jaden," Percy began, "I wanted to let you know that Jaden's grandma is celebrating her birthday soon. You know how much she adores Jaden, so he's always been the one to invite her."

Jaden nodded, his eyes shining with fondness for his beloved grandmother. "That's true. I wouldn't miss her birthday for the world. We always try to find a special gift for her."

Rita's curiosity piqued. "So, what kind of gift are you planning this time?"

Percy grinned mischievously. "Well, we thought it would be nice to give her a custom-made piece of jewellery. We're going to visit a renowned jeweller this morning to pick something unique."

Rita's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That sounds like a wonderful gift! I'm sure she'll cherish it."

As they prepared to leave, Rita couldn't help but notice the familiarity and comfort between Percy and Jaden.

And then, much to her surprise, Percy leaned over and kissed Jaden's cheek right in front of her. A sudden pang of jealousy pricked at Rita's heart, but she quickly brushed it aside, reminding herself that is going to be all over soon.

With the birthday gift plans settled, Rita went back to the kitchen to gather a tray with a freshly prepared breakfast for Jaden. As she walked back into the living room, she saw Percy's surprised expression.

"Percy, what's the matter?" Rita asked, puzzled by her reaction.

Percy pointed at the tray in her hands, her eyes widening. "I can't believe it! Jaden, do you still have the same preferences for breakfast as Rita?"

Jaden chuckled, taking a seat on the couch. "Yes, I do. Rita's cooking has become an integral part of my mornings. Her food has a taste I can't resist."

Rita blushed at his words, a mixture of pride and warmth filling her heart. She placed the tray on the coffee table and gestured for Jaden to begin. As Jaden took a bite of the breakfast that Rita had prepared with love, his face lit up with delight. The flavours danced on his taste buds, and he couldn't help but express his satisfaction.

"Percy, you have no idea what you're missing out on," Jaden said between mouthfuls, his eyes twinkling. "Rita's cooking is simply extraordinary. Each bite is like a burst of happiness in my mouth."

Percy watched with curiosity, her gaze shifting between Jaden and Rita. A mixture of surprise and admiration washed over her face.

"You two have something truly special," Percy remarked, a hint of wistfulness in his voice. "The way you complement each other, both in and out of the kitchen, is truly remarkable."

“I guess I'll get used to them when I and Jaden becomes officially wedded, right Jaden?”

“Of… Of… co..urse Yes, why not Percy?"

“Why are you not confident with your response, why the stammer?" she asked.

“I just felt so excited, nothing else.”

Rita couldn't stand what was happening between her eyes, so she summoned up the courage to excuse herself.

Jaden knew that she was hurt, so he followed her lead and told Percy to wait for them outside.

Rita stood frozen in the doorway, her mind spinning with a mix of emotions. The sweetness of the moment with the early morning rose, now felt bitter in her heart. She couldn't escape the realization that Jaden's feelings for her were not as deep as she had hoped.

As she processed her thoughts, a wave of nausea swept over Rita, causing her to rush to the bathroom. The combination of emotions and the sudden physical discomfort overwhelmed her. She found herself leaning over the toilet bowl, emptying the contents of her stomach.

Jaden, concerned and anxious, followed her into the bathroom. Seeing her pale and weak, he knelt beside her and gently rubbed her back. "Rita, are you okay? Should I take you to the hospital?"

Rita's voice was tinged with a mixture of frustration and resignation. "No, Jaden, I just ate something that didn't agree with me. I don't need to go to the hospital."

Jaden's concern remained unwavering. He knew Rita's strong-willed nature, but he also knew that her well-being was of utmost importance. "Rita, it's better to be safe. Let me take you to the hospital to make sure everything is okay."

Rita's eyes locked with his, her voice cold and distant. "You don't need to do this, Jaden. I can take care of myself. You have other priorities."

Jaden's brows furrowed in confusion, his eyes reflecting genuine concern. "Rita, I don't understand. What do you mean by other priorities?"

Rita couldn't hold back her bitterness any longer. "You and Percy, Jaden. Your heart has never wavered. I thought spending this year together would change something, but I see now that I was only fooling myself."

Jaden's face paled, his voice filled with a mix of guilt and desperation. "Rita, please, let me explain. I care about you, and I never wanted to hurt you. But Percy and I... It's complicated." Rita interrupted him, her tone laced with indifference. "Save your explanations, Jaden. I've heard enough. I won't mistake your guilt for love."

As Rita turned to leave the bathroom, Jaden grabbed her arm gently, his voice pleading. "Rita, please, let me take you to the hospital. Our personal issues can wait. Your health is important, and I want to be there for you."

Rita pulled her arm away, her eyes devoid of any warmth. "I appreciate your concern, but I can handle this on my own. You've made your priorities clear."

Without giving Jaden a chance to respond, Rita walked past him and headed towards the car where Jaden had already gone. She saw Percy waiting there, concern etched on herface. Rita's indifference remained, and she climbed into the car without acknowledging Percy's presence.

As they drove towards the hospital, an uncomfortable silence filled the car. Rita's thoughts were consumed by a mix of disappointment, heartache, and the realisation of her own vulnerability. She tried to push away the emotions, focusing instead on the growing life within her.

Deep down, she knew that regardless of her complicated relationship with Jaden, she needed to prioritise her own well-being and the well-being of their unborn child.

And as they arrived at the hospital, Rita steeled herself for the journey ahead, uncertain of what the future held but determined to face it on her own terms.