♥ CHAPTER 20 ♥
Anthony Cooper.
One Week Later.
After what happened that day at Hilary's parents' house, she became so much calmer and more peaceful; her family was really disturbing her peace. '' Five days ago, while we were working at the office, her father came to demand money from her, claiming she had a duty to give him some as her father. All she did was laugh in his face, and the security kicked him out. I’m really happy she got rid of the things that were making her miserable. The problem now is if I can also get rid of my own baggage.
Anyway, I decided to make a dinner for her tonight because I want to propose to her. I had to ask Dylan for help; I asked him to buy an engagement ring because tonight I plan to propose. We have work today, but I came up with an excuse saying I wasn’t feeling well. She wanted to stay home to take care of me, but I told her I’d sleep all afternoon and that she didn’t need to stay with me. '' She gave me that look that seemed to see into my soul, but she agreed and went to work, saying to call her if anything happened.
Now we need to get things ready.
09:00 '' Hilary's House. '' New York '' USA.
'' Damn, I’ll have to go shopping. Well, it’s a good thing; I also need to buy some flowers for her.
I started to notice what was missing for the dinner tonight. I also added some heart-shaped balloons to decorate the house.
'' Perfect.
She had left some money for me in case I wanted to order food if I couldn’t cook. '' I left the house and walked to a nearby market. I’m so happy that my life is finally moving forward.
I hope she likes this surprise I’m preparing. For her, we’re already engaged, but I would like to propose formally. It was so difficult to get the ring from Dylan because she was jealous of me spending too much time with him. So, when he called me and said he would pick up the things, I managed to get the ring by lying that I was getting coffee for us both. I did get the coffee, of course, but I also got the ring.
I sighed and entered the market, grabbing a cart and heading to the aisles to get what I needed.
11:30 '' Hilary's House. '' New York. '' USA.
Arriving home, I carried the items to the kitchen, started putting the things I would use on the counter, and stored the items I wouldn’t use in the cabinet.
'' I’ll make spaghetti carbonara, maybe some rustic potatoes, a strawberry pie she likes, and a small chocolate cake. I think it would be perfect. '' I said to myself.
I hope tonight is as perfect as possible.
'' Time to get cooking, Anthony.
15:30 '' Hilary's House. '' New York. '' USA.
I placed the dishes on the counter, everything ready, and sighed a little but smiled right away.
With Hilary, I feel complete. I feel like I don’t need to worry about anything else. I love this woman so much and would do anything for her.
I was brought out of my thoughts by my phone ringing on the counter. I dried my hands and saw it was her calling.
'' So worried. '' I smiled at that.
I answered the call.
'' Hi, my love.
I said softly.
'' Hi, my life. How are you?
She asked.
'' I’m a little better.
I said, feeling a bit bad for lying to her.
'' I... need to talk to you when I get home.
I frowned at that.
'' Is it something serious?
I asked, worried.
'' I don’t know if it’s serious.
'' Hilary, you’re making me worried.
She sighed.
'' I need to hang up. I’ll be home by six, I love you.
‘’Hilary...
She had hung up, and I sighed.
What do I do now? Do I continue with the surprise or discard everything?
I ran my hand through my hair, frustrated with it all.
I'll continue with it; she said it wasn't something serious, so I'll keep going.
I went to the living room to inflate the heart-shaped balloons to decorate the house. I also bought flowers for her, but the worry still lingered in my heart.
I really hope it’s nothing serious.
Is she going to break up with me?
'' Stop thinking about these things, Anthony. '' I shook my head to dispel these negative thoughts.
But the doubt remained in my heart and will only disappear when she tells me the reason for that call.
***
17:55 '' Hilary's House. '' New York '' USA.
The house is all decorated with the heart-shaped balloons. The dining room is set up with the food neatly arranged. I'm waiting for her to arrive with the flowers in my hand, wearing a dark gray suit. I'm so nervous about what will happen when she arrives.
I heard the sound of the car and my heart began to race with anxiety, nervousness, and worry.
Breathe, Anthony, breathe; everything will be fine.
The door was opened by her.
'' Surprise! '' I said, and she stared at me in shock.
'' What is this? '' She asked with a small smile.
'' I'm sorry for lying and saying I was unwell; I wanted to surprise you. '' I said, approaching her and handing her the flowers.
'' Thank you. '' She took them and smelled them. '' They smell wonderful.
'' Come, I made dinner for us. '' I gently guided her to the dining room. '' Here.
I opened the door and she was enchanted.
'' How beautiful, love. '' She said, observing the table. '' Everything is perfect. Oh, and there’s chocolate cake and strawberry pie. '' She said happily.
'' Yes, because I know you like them, so I made them with all my love.
I guided her to the table.
'' You must be hungry. '' She sat down.
'' Yes.
I served her the spaghetti and rustic potatoes and filled her champagne glass.
'' Here you go, miss. '' She smiled weakly at that.
'' Thank you.
I sat next to her and she sighed.
'' I... '' I looked at her, who had a sad expression.
'' What’s wrong, my love? '' I asked, very worried.
'' I don’t want you to hate me.
'' That would be impossible, my love. I love you more than anything in this life.
She looked at me and sighed.
'' I’m pregnant.
My eyes widened in surprise.
'' W-What?