Bound By Secret Ties

I don’t usually cook, but today was different. I stirred the broth in the pot in only one direction, just as my nanny had taught me. It had to be perfect. Tomorrow was our wedding anniversary—Alister's and mine. Tomorrow would be the anniversary party, but today was for us. Only us. And I was cooking his absolute favorite. This wouldn’t be his only present, though. There was one more; something bigger. It was strange to think that just three years ago, I had dreaded marrying Alister—a man who was supposed to marry my stepsister, not me. But after he was diagnosed with first-stage cancer, she suddenly eloped with a lover the day before she was to tie the knot. My parents, never kind to me and always dismissive of my happiness, forced me into the wedding gown. I felt strong arms suddenly wrap around my middle and a head nestle into the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply. His embrace, his scent, filled me with a glee like nothing else. "Love," he whispered in that husky, low voice that always made my stomach flip. "You smell so good." I rubbed his hair and leaned into him. "Welcome home, baby," I said. He lifted his head and turned me to face him, planting a sweet kiss on my lips. When he pulled back, we stared at each other as though we were the only people in each other’s worlds. His lips met mine again, this time more passionately, with urgency. He turned my body to his and pulled me in close until we were snug. He wrapped his strong hand around my long hair as he continued to explore my mouth. He tasted of honey and wine. He tasted of yearning. When he finally pulled back, he looked at me, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Three years, huh?" It was a rhetorical question, but I answered him anyway. "Yes, my love. Three years," I replied, stroking his handsome face. His eyes always reminded me of the sunset—an unusual shade of brown that almost resembled amber. He gave me that dashing smile of his. "You remember our wedding night?" I returned his smile. "How could I forget? You wouldn’t let me anywhere near you. You hated me." The thought brought a tinge of sadness. Yet, I had stood by him through his cancer, supporting him until he conquered it. By then, he had learned to love me too. "I was a fool," he said, wiping away a tear I hadn’t realized had fallen. "I was such a f*****g fool." "You loved her; it was understandable." "I loved her back then. I acted like it was your fault that she left me." He rested my head on his shoulder. "But I know better now. How could I have been so blind?" I snuggled close to him, craving his warmth. He kissed my hair. "I love you so much." "I love you too." We stayed there, quiet and content in the kitchen. "What’s that smell?" Alister asked. I opened my eyes, realizing I had completely forgotten about the broth. I turned to see it was burning. "s**t!" I said, turning off the gas. The smoke was thick, and I began coughing. Alister jumped into action, getting a glass of water for me and leading me out of the kitchen to our room. "I can’t believe I got so distracted." I was disappointed that the dinner I’d planned was ruined. "Your dinner is ruined." Alister stroked his chin. "Don’t blame yourself. I am a very good distraction." I flung a pillow at him, which he caught effortlessly with one hand. I threw another and another, but he came at me as quick as lightning. Soon, I found myself on my back on the bed, my husband on top of me. I laughed, and he laughed along, but then a tension settled in the room. I watched as a slow grin crept onto his lips. "I know what I want for dinner, and it has nothing to do with food." It dawned on me what he meant as his lips crashed onto mine with more fervor than before. I kissed the love of my life with equal hunger. --- **The next morning...** I walked to the COO’s office, confused. It was strange to be summoned so early. As I walked, I noticed other employees giving me odd looks. Normally, I had a cordial or even friendly relationship with everyone, but the expressions on their faces now looked almost like hatred. I knocked on the door, and a voice from within granted me entry. I opened the door and stepped inside. Louis’ face was anything but pleasant. He looked irritated, as though he wanted to be done with me. "Sit," he ordered harshly. I was confused but did as he said. Even if my husband wasn’t the CEO of the company, it was rude for him to speak like that. Or did this have something to do with the fact that I would soon take his position? "So it seems like you’ve finally crossed the line." I was taken aback. "Is this about my promotion?" Louis let out a cruel laugh. When he stopped, he shot me a piercing look. "You’re not getting a promotion, Aurelia." He dropped a bombshell. "Because you won’t even be with this company." I blinked at him, stunned. "What are you talking about?" "You heard me, Aurelia. Or are you that deaf?" Louis stood, picked up a letter from his desk, and flung it at me. "You’re fired. This is your dismissal letter. You’re to leave the premises immediately." "There has to be a mistake," I stammered. "Should I call security?" he threatened, reaching for his phone. I shook my head, unwilling to create a scene, and picked up the letter. As I left the office, I saw a crowd had gathered outside, all eyes on me and the dismissal letter in my hand. My face burned with humiliation.