Chapter 31

Kathy unlocked the front door, the familiar click echoing softly as she entered with Sarah following close behind. The quiet of the house wrapped around them, gentle and welcoming. She slipped off her shoes, lining them neatly by the door, and motioned for Sarah to do the same. With a small, reassuring smile, Kathy made her way to the kitchen, setting a stack of papers onto the countertop. Sunlight filtered through the window, pooling on the floor as she busied herself filling the kettle, her movements purposeful yet unhurried. The gentle promise of tea hung in the air, a prelude to comfort and conversation as she invited Sarah to make herself at home.

“I never got your name?”

“It’s Sarah, Miss,”

“Beta Sarah, I like that,”

Kathy made them some tea and bring it over to the dining room table as Sarah came over and sit down so Kathy can get to know more about Sarah to gain that trust with her Beta female.

“Tell me about yourself Sarah,”

“Well, I have a marry to greatness husband, who always takes care of me. One day we hope to have children as right now we are going to wait. My parents love him and say he is the perfect husband. Alpha Anthony asks me to be your Beta female,”

“That is so sweet of him,”

Kathy was about to say something until the cellphone ring and she look at her ID, it was Anthony calling her so she answers the caller.

“Hi, my love, how is work?”

“Yes, I have a meeting in three mins. Did you meet your Beta female Sarah?”

“We are having tea; she is so nice I don’t see no violence in her. I will bring you lunch. I saw that you left your bank card on your nightstand,”

“I would love that. Oh yes, that is for you, you can buy whatever you want,”

“Anthony, I have my own money, I don’t want to spend your money,”

“Just take it, look my love I have to go the meet is about to start,”

“I love you,”

“I love you too,”

Kathy ended the call, a soft smile lingering on her lips before she turned her gaze to Sarah. There was a gentle sincerity in Sarah’s eyes, nothing fierce or threatening—just an open warmth that made Kathy feel at ease. She realized, perhaps for the first time, that her new Beta female was someone she could truly grow close to, a potential friend in this new chapter of her life.

Their conversation drifted easily as they sipped the last of their tea, laughter and stories filling the cozy kitchen. When their cups were empty, Sarah was the first to stand, her willingness to help to shine through as she gathered plates and tidied the table. Together, the two women moved through the house with a quiet harmony, picking up scattered cushions, folding throws, dusting shelves, and restoring order to each room they entered. With each task, Kathy felt the barriers between them dissolve, replaced by the simple joy of shared purpose.

By the time the sun reached its highest point, the house felt brighter, more welcoming, and Kathy’s heart was noticeably lighter. She glanced at the clock and realized it was nearly time to make lunch for Anthony. Wiping her hands on a dish towel, she thanked Sarah, grateful not just for the help but for the gentle companionship that made the morning feel so full. With a promise to continue their chores later—and perhaps share another cup of tea—Kathy set about preparing lunch, feeling unexpectedly content with this new rhythm of her days.

“Luna Kathy, I want to know can I make something for my mate too, he work at the same company as the Alpha,”

“Yes, sure you can I have a nice lunch container that you can use,”

“Thank you,”

As Sarah set about assembling a simple sandwich and fruit for her mate, humming softly as she worked, Kathy lingered by the pantry, her fingers tracing unfamiliar tins and jars. Today, she wanted to try something different for Anthony—a meal that would nourish him through the rest of his day, but wouldn’t weigh him down as he waded through meetings and paperwork.

Her gaze landed on a package of rice paper and, inspired, she decided to make fresh spring rolls: crisp vegetables, tender strips of chicken left over from last night’s roast, fragrant mint and basil, all wrapped tight and tidy. The rolls were light and bright, with a small container of tangy dipping sauce tucked in alongside. It was a departure from her usual hearty fare, but as she arranged them neatly in the lunchbox, she imagined Anthony’s pleased surprise at the change.

Sarah peeked over, admiring the colorful rolls. “Those look amazing, Luna. He’s going to love them.”

Kathy smiled, a sense of satisfaction bubbling up as the two women packed up their gifts of care. In the quiet kitchen, amid the gentle clatter of lunchboxes and the soft murmur of shared anticipation, the hum of domesticity felt anything but ordinary. It was the art of loving, woven into every careful bite. After the women had finished packing their husbands' lunches, Kathy went to a cabinet to get lunch bags, then gave one to Sarah for their use.

"I am fond of those lunch bags. From where did you get these lunch bags? Sarah asked.

At the market we liked, they had great lunch bags. I would purchase a pair for my mom, to carry her lunch or dinner to work.

“I didn’t see your mom. Where is she?”

My mother passed away, and her ashes are kept in the urn above the fireplace. Perhaps someday I'll scatter her ashes in the sea, granting her freedom.

“I am sorry for your lost,”

“She was a great mom, even with her flaws, I still loved her,”

“Well, let go, I will be driving us there,”

The ladies walked toward Sarah’s car, each clutching a lunch bag lovingly packed for their husbands. Kathy slung her bag over her shoulder, and Sarah did the same, exchanging a quick smile as they stepped out into the cool morning air. They loaded the lunches into the back seat and slid into their places, ready for the ride ahead.

Sarah drove off the patch of land behind the house, steering carefully down the bumpy, dirt road leading into town. As the scenery shifted from familiar fields to bustling storefronts, Kathy gazed out the window, her mind drifting to ideas for future shopping trips—perhaps a little something special for their spouses next time. The conversation between the women was easy and meandering, touching on everything and anything, their voices filling the car with warmth. Once out of town, Kathy commented that the drive to Phoenix Family Medical would take about an hour and a half, giving them plenty of time to chat and enjoy each other’s company.

Before hitting the highway, Sarah suggested they stop at a cozy café for a quick snack and something to drink. Inside, they ordered coffee and pastries, taking a few minutes to enjoy the inviting atmosphere before getting back on the road. Once they arrived at the company, Sarah found a perfect spot in the crowded parking lot, carefully choosing one where she hoped no one would swing a car door into hers. Relieved, they gathered their lunch bags, locked the car, and walked toward the entrance. The automatic doors slid open with a quiet hum, welcoming them into the start of a busy day. Kathy approached the counter, where a female receptionist and a male coworker were deep in conversation, ignoring Kathy and Sarah who were standing right there.

“Hello, it rude not to greet guess,” said Kathy

“Can I help you miss?” said male receptionist

“I would lose that tone if I were you,” said Kathy

“What happens if I don’t you can’t fire us?” said female receptionist

Kathy pulled out her cellphone and texted Anthony, what is going on then she closed her phone them smile at the two receptionists behind the desk smiling on their faces.

“My husband will be right now to handle you two,” said Kathy

“What is your husband's name?” asked the male receptionist

“It’s Anthony Thompson, he owns this company,”

“Yeah right, Mr. Thompson doesn’t have a wife and if he did, we never see her before. Therefore, you could be lying,”

Sarah got a text on her phone, pulled Kathy back enough so the two receptionists wouldn’t hear them as she whispers in her ear.

“Miles texted me saying just come up by taking the elevator up,”

Kathy simply nodded and kept walking past the desk; the receptionist saw Kathy and Sarah heading to the elevator, their footsteps echoing in the hallway, and immediately ran after them, calling for the guard. The elevator doors were about to close when both receptionists jumped in with them. Without observing anyone, they left the desk empty. Sarah presses the button to select the floor. Sarah tugged Kathy behind her in a protective manner.

“You two think you can get away with this,”

“Back off!” said Sarah, baring her canine at them make them back up.

On the fourth floor, Anthony and Miles leaned against the wall as Sarah and Kathy exited the elevator, followed by two receptionists. Anthony and Miles approached them.

“What is going on here,” said Anthony

“Mr. Thompson those ladies came into the building without stopping at the desk to check in. They told us that they are looking for their husband who worked there,” said the male receptionist.

Kathy went to Anthony and grab hold of his suit, acting all innocent in front of the two receptionists, this made female receptionist angry of what Kathy was doing. Sarah went to Miles' side and grab his hand.

“These ladies are our wives; I told them to come upstairs. Who is watching the desk?” asked Anthony angrily

Kathy and Sarah show them their wedding ring to the receptionist as the guards from the elevator to see his boss and bow.

“Listen here, you two receptionist you are fired, guards if you want to keep your job I want you to kick those two out of my build,”

“Yes, boss,”

Kathy smiled wickedly as the guards escorted them away, while the men took Kathy and Sarah to the office for lunch. The men had a couple more meeting they had to before coming home for the day.

After spending some time together, Anthony and Miles made sure their wives were comfortable before heading back to work. Outside, the building now had new receptionist at the front desk. Sarah and Kathy headed toward Sarah’s car, ready to go shopping and then head home. Kathy was already thinking about preparing a special meal for Anthony, knowing he would be exhausted after such a long day.