“Mrs. Cassie, just enjoy the day. Everything has been arranged, so just relax and be comfortable,” the head servant suggests. I turn my attention to him. “Is that what Liam ordered you to say to me?” He nods. “But I also think it’s his way of showing that he loves you.” “Hmmm,” I mutter and look outside. He loves me, huh? I have never heard that from him. I wonder, doesn’t this head servant know I am just in a contract marriage with Liam? Arriving, I walk into a beauty salon. As soon as I walk in, I am welcomed with warm smiles, which immediately puts me at ease. Rather, from the decor to the scent of products and the warm color of the employees’ uniforms, everything screams relaxation. “Mr. Liam already recommended a spa package. In case you don’t like the hassle of choosing,” one employee informs. “It’s your first time here, right?” I nod, and the employee ushers me into a massage room, which is a cocoon of serenity. The lights are dimmed, and the music is soothing. As soon as

The following day, Tom is waiting for me to explore two neighborhoods–Chinatown and the Mission District. We visit Chinatown first for its temples and delicious dim sum. I also got a couple of souvenirs for Liam, Lukas, Alinn, and my family. Same as me, Tom buys things for his new family. Then, we head out to the Mission District–known for its vibrant Latin American culture and many taquerías. In fact, Tom and I filled ourselves with more tacos than we could ever eat. But I enjoy my time with him the most — when we look at the colorful buildings and murals that decorate the streets. We take many pictures, and we exhaust all the things we can discuss since the last time we met. Afterward, we make our way to a nearby park. We walk around, admiring the beauty of the plants and flowers. As the sun sets, we find a quiet spot and sit down for a small picnic. We talk, laugh, and enjoy the views together. The moment is so peaceful and calming. It is almost as if time stops and I am suddenly

Tom and I are sitting at a small cafe, the kind that’s always buzzing with people and the smell of coffee. As always, he never gets exhausted with things to talk about. “It’s been too long,” Tom says, looking off into the distance. “It has,” I agree, taking a sip of my coffee. “I feel like I’ve missed so much of your life.” “Me too,” he says. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a proper conversation.” I nod as my eyes go to him again. I’ve seen pictures of his baby. His partner, Heidi, is constantly posting about him and their baby. “Your partner knows about you meeting me?” “Honestly?” he starts. “Heidi doesn’t know. And you?” “I have yet to mention it to my husband. But his son knows.” “You plan to tell him?” “Yes.” That is, if I have the chance, because every time Liam is at home, all we do is have sex until we are both too exhausted to even have a proper conversation. “Are you planning to return to work?” “Not yet,” I answer, leaning back in my chair. In three years, I pr

It’s already seven on a Friday evening when I notice Lukas looking impatiently at the clock on the wall. We are sitting in the living room–me with my books and Lukas taking his rest after his travel from the province. “What’s wrong?” I ask. Lukas shifts his attention to me, an uncertain look on his face. “Would you know what time my dad will come home?” “Oh!” I say. “Actually, he won’t be returning tonight. But since tomorrow is Saturday, he might come despite being busy with work.” “But he promised it’s supposed to be a game night.” “Let it go for now. Your father might be really busy.” “It’s not the first time,” he whispers. “Not the first time? It’s only later you discovered about board games, right?” “But it’s not the first time he promised to spend time with me, and then got distracted with work instead.” Hmmm, sometimes he really does act like a cute child. “How often?” I ask, preventing a smile from forming. “At least once every three months,” he answers before sighing

Liam, Lukas, and I had been in Paris for two days. We have already visited tourist spots, including the Louvre and the Eiffel tower. Lukas is staying in another room, citing the fact that he doesn’t want to step into our room with us in a passionate embrace. And so, to Liam’s delight, he rents a separate suite room for us in a luxurious hotel. It is a Palace Hotel nestled in the heart of the city–close to both Seine and the Tuileries Gardens. The entrance is a grand sweeping staircase with magnificent chandeliers and crystal columns, and the lobby is adorned with frescoes and polished marble floors. I asked him the price, but he didn’t tell me, so I checked the website. By then, I had already stopped computing how many years it would take me before I could pay for it. “You should prepare yourself for another round of heavy exercise,” Lukas teases, which never fails to make me red in the face. “I am too tired,” I retort, perfectly knowing what he means. Besides, it is another day of