The Anniversary That Wasn't
Katie’s POV
I was sitting in the corner of a restaurant, my eyes fixed on the laptop as I typed on it continuously.
I paused when I saw a couple enter the restaurant, the man holding his pregnant wife by the side, leading her inside.
My heart bled. This ought to be me, with my husband by my side showering me with the love and affection I needed.
But it was useless anyway. Here I was in a restaurant working my ass off and my husband? God knows where he is and who he is with.
I took a deep sigh and sipped my hot chocolate, recollecting the event that led me to be here without my husband or rather ex-husband.
**
‘‘Darling!’’ I said in my sweetest voice as I welcomed Marvin in. I helped him out of his suit and led him to the dining.
‘‘Happy anniversary, dear,’’ I beamed.
It was our anniversary and I took the honor of preparing sumptuous dishes, lighting candles with flowers around the place.
I chose to do this rather than dining out because I wanted it to be special and memorable. It was a special night!
‘‘Happy anniversary,’’ He replied, taking a seat. I expected something more after that but he said nothing.
As long as he is happy, I shrugged.
I took a seat beside him and served him a portion of pasta, opening the wine and pouring it into the glass cup.
‘‘Cheers.’’
‘‘How was work today?’’ I asked just as we clicked glasses.
He smiled courteously, taking a sip of the wine. ‘‘You know that you don't have to do this,’’ he said instead.
I smiled and replied that I wanted to do it. It was just like Marvin, unemotional but considerate. I wasn't bothered since I was certain he loved me.
‘‘It is delicious Katie,’’ he commended and I blushed.
It is time, I thought. I cleared my throat, dropped the cutlery on the table and wiped my mouth with a paper towel.
‘‘Marvin,’’ I started, grinning from cheek to cheek.
‘‘I have something to tell you, I…’’ He raised his hands to silence me, his eyes fixated on his phone that was ringing.
‘‘I need to pick this up,’’ he stated, leaving to answer the call.
I sighed and leaned back in my seat, praying silently that it was not what I hoped.
He came back some minutes later, but in haste, as he picked up his car keys and coat. ‘‘I need to leave now, I have a work emergency.’’ He said and dashed out, not giving me a chance to speak.
Again, I sighed.
It was another day of him standing me up. I had hoped to inform him of my pregnancy during dinner.
I had been to my doctor two days earlier when after feeling sick and to my amazement, I found out that I was pregnant. I was ecstatic, believing this was a fresh start to our relationship.
I believed that the baby would cement our relationship but I never got the chance to say it to him.
I sighed again and slowly got up from the chair to clear the table. It was useless waiting for him, he wasn't coming till the next day.
Ding. My phone vibrated in a notification, it was an apology message from Marvin.
I will make it up to you. He stated.
I smiled.
-
I pulled my car into the clothing store, my bag strapped on my shoulder as I adjusted it and got down.
‘‘Katie!’’ Grace walked up to me just as I pushed the door open, holding a box of accessories. ‘‘You came in early, I wasn't expecting you till later.’’ She winked at me.
I shrugged, and my smile stiffened. I couldn't tell her what happened last night and how Marvin left me halfway through our dinner.
She relayed that the manager sought my attention immediately and gave me sketches of several limited editions that needed to be reviewed.
I thanked her before leaving for the manager’s office. I pushed my way inside after getting the response to enter.
Lola was sitting behind her desk when I entered, her eyes on two colourful pieces of fabric.
‘‘What do you think of this,’’ she held it up, ‘‘Which do you think will be fine for the style I showed you earlier.’’
It was hard to choose but I gave her my opinion. It was what I do best.
She handed me a pamphlet and told me to go through it. I nodded and skimmed through, my eyes following each word.
It was a two-year fashion program that would take place abroad. I was more fascinated by one of the trainers that would be attending. George Wilson, is a reputable stylist in the fashion industry.
It was a great opportunity to expand but I thought about Marvin and the baby. The family I wanted to build. ‘‘It, I mean, this is…’’ I was at a loss for what to say.
She interrupted me, ‘‘You don't have to give me your answer now, it's a great program and I know you are fit for it. You can discuss it with your partner and let me know.’’
I smiled appreciatively and we switched to their matters about the store before I took my leave.
I had barely settled in my office when Grace knocked on the door.
‘‘We have an issue with a customer,’’ she relayed.
‘‘Ugh,’’ I muttered while she led the way. I disliked starting my day with customer service.
‘‘Oh, so this is the person in charge?’’ The customer snickered when I walked in.
I ignored her question and greeted her warmly, asking how I could help her.
She crossed her arms and c****d her head. ‘‘I want that dress and I am willing to pay any amount for it.’’
My eyes traced the dress she spoke of and I knew there would be trouble. I raised my eyebrow, taking in her luxury dresses. Then I noticed a bump.
So she is pregnant, I thought.
‘‘I am sorry, ma’am but it isn't available. As you can see, it wasn't displayed. You can however select from our other dresses,’’ I pointed at the display.
‘‘I don't want that,’’ she protested, her pitch was louder this time.
I took a deep breath knowing it would take a lot to convince. I tried suggesting other dresses but she insisting acting saucy.
‘‘Just wait, you don't know me. I am going to have this place locked up if you don't sell it to me.’’ She pulled out her phone to supposedly make a call.
Do what you want. I could feel myself getting tired so I turned around to stand by the nearby desk but stopped in my tracks.
Why is he here?