All Started With A Forced Marriage

Chapter 2:

Breakfast with Holden is always something I look forward to every day. The care and attention he puts into each dish not only fill my stomach but also warm my heart. This morning, breakfast is even more special because it's his birthday. I can’t hide my excitement as I watch him carefully arrange the plates on the table.

We sit across from each other, the gentle sunlight streaming through the window, making everything warm and bright. Holden places a plate of golden fried eggs in front of me, alongside crispy toast and a few slices of fragrant bacon. He’s also made a strong black coffee, which I always need to kickstart my morning.

“You really are the best husband,” I say, unable to hide my admiration. “This breakfast is perfect, as always. I don’t know how you manage to make everything so delicious every time.”

Holden smiles, his eyes lighting up whenever I compliment his cooking. “I just do what I enjoy. As long as you like it, I’m happy.”

I can’t help but smile. “Like it? I love it! You know I can’t live without your breakfasts.”

Holden chuckles softly, but I know he’s pleased by my praise. That’s one of the things I love about him—his thoughtfulness and sincerity, even in the smallest details.

We eat and chat leisurely, with no rush or stress. But in my heart, I know the most special part of this morning is still to come. When Holden finishes his breakfast and sets his coffee cup down, I gently reach out toward him.

“Holden, close your eyes,” I say, a hint of mystery in my voice.

Holden looks at me curiously but follows my request, closing his eyes without question. I get up and quickly walk over to the kitchen cabinet where I’ve hidden a small surprise for him. When I return, I’m holding a handmade card that I spent all of last night making.

I try to stifle my laughter as I look at my creation. The card isn’t perfect at all. The cuts are uneven, the watercolor is blotchy, and some parts even bled outside the lines. The decorative borders are also a bit crooked, but I meant for it to look a bit whimsical.

I gently place the card on the table, right in front of Holden. “Alright, open your eyes,” I say, barely able to contain my excitement.

Holden slowly opens his eyes and looks down at the table. At first, he seems confused, but when he realizes the "special" card in front of him, he can’t help but laugh.

“This is…” Holden hesitates for a moment before picking up the card. “Is this your gift for me?”

I nod, unable to hide my pride. “Yes! A completely ‘handmade’ birthday card from yours truly. Go ahead, see what I wrote inside.”

Holden opens the card, and immediately, a bright smile spreads across his face. Inside, I’ve drawn a picture of the two of us standing side by side, surrounded by a big heart. The writing underneath is a bit messy since I’m not the best at crafting cards, but I tried: “You are invited to a birthday dinner tonight, just the two of us. Dress up! Love you!”

Holden looks at me with eyes full of emotion. “Hazel, I don’t know what to say. Really, I’m so touched.” His voice is soft, as if he doesn’t want to break the moment.

“I know the card looks a bit… odd,” I say, trying to hide my embarrassment as I glance at its imperfections. “But I thought it would make you happy. You know, birthdays need a little something special, right?”

Holden sets the card down and looks at me with a smile I know I’ll never forget. “It’s not odd at all,” he says, his eyes full of tenderness. “I’ve never received such a sweet gift. It’s truly special because you made it yourself.”

I smile, feeling a wave of happiness as I see how touched Holden is. I know he’s not the type to enjoy big, flashy celebrations, which is exactly why I wanted to plan a small, intimate dinner, just the two of us. A cozy evening, simple yet meaningful.

Holden gently leans in, placing a soft kiss on my forehead. “Thank you, Hazel,” he whispers. “I’m really looking forward to tonight.”

Holden carefully lifts the "handmade" card with both hands, treating it like a treasure. I can see the affection in every one of his movements, as his fingers gently smooth over the edges of the card, even though the cuts are uneven, and some parts of the paper are slightly crinkled.

He looks at it again, his gaze filled with appreciation and warmth, before turning back to me with a truly heartfelt smile. “I’m going to keep this in a safe place,” he says, his voice full of sincerity and love.

Holden gently stands up and walks toward the wooden cabinet nearby. I watch quietly, feeling a warmth spread through me. He pulls open the small drawer at the top, the place where I know he keeps his most cherished things. Inside the drawer are small mementos—movie tickets from our first date, and the handkerchief I gave him on a special occasion.

Holden carefully places the card inside, among the other keepsakes, as if to remind himself that this is part of the special moments we’ve shared. After closing the drawer, he turns to me with a look of genuine affection.

“I’ll be there on time, not a minute late,” Holden says, stepping closer and gently taking my hand. “Tonight will be wonderful, I can’t wait.”

The warmth of Holden’s hand spreads to me, and I can’t help the smile on my lips. His simple yet heartfelt promise, along with how he cherishes even the smallest moments like this, is exactly what makes me love him more than ever.

After breakfast, Holden and I clear the table together, as we always do. He has a habit of washing the dishes, even though I’ve told him many times to let me handle it. But for Holden, taking care of me in these small ways is how he shows his love. Once everything is cleaned up, I grab my bag, slip on a light jacket, and we head out of the house together.

Holden walks me to the front yard, where his car is already parked. It’s the car he loves, a sleek, luxury sedan, elegant but not too flashy, perfectly reflecting his personality. He opens the door for me, as he’s done since the first day we met, waiting for me to sit down before gently closing the door. I always feel like a well-cared-for lady whenever he does this, even though it’s just a simple daily gesture.

Holden gets into the driver’s seat, his hands moving swiftly as he starts the car and smoothly drives down the familiar road. The morning air is fresh, with the scent of leaves and damp earth from last night’s rain making me feel incredibly comfortable. We don’t talk much, simply enjoying the peace of the morning and the soft jazz music playing from the radio.

In just a few minutes, we arrive at my café. Holden parks right in front, and I smile as I look at my small, cozy café. This place isn’t just where I work; it’s where I find joy and fulfillment every day. The wooden sign that reads "Esperanza Coffee" sways gently in the breeze, as if welcoming me back.

Holden tilts his head toward me, his eyes as gentle as always. “Remember to take care of yourself. I’ll pick you up this afternoon,” he says warmly.

I smile and nod. “Don’t work too hard, and don’t forget that tonight is your birthday.” I remind him playfully.

Holden smiles, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on my forehead, a sweet goodbye before we start our busy day. “I won’t forget, I promise,” he says, then lets me out of the car.

I stand by the curb, watching as Holden’s car drives away, disappearing into the bustling traffic. Even though he’s a busy businessman with a full schedule, he never forgets the small moments we share every day. For me, mornings like this are always the perfect start to a day filled with love and energy.