His Favorite Meal
972 Words
The question struck Safiya so hard, her lips parted open. Shame clutched at her chest. She was so scared of that side of her mother in-law.
With a feigned smile, she responded: "I'm trying, mum. I'm sure in no time, I'll..."
"For seven years, you begged to be with Wilder," the woman cut her off, her tone icy. "For seven years, you threw yourself at him. You're engaged to Wilder today because of me, Safiya. And so you know, I didn't make it happen just so you could live lazily and spend lavishly. You know who Wilder is; you know his position. I get the fact that he's reluctant about getting married to you. But having a kid for him would hasten things up. I need grandkids - a grandson first. Make it happen, else, I might get someone else to do it."
Safiya looked up at her in shock. Did she just say that? And did she mean it?
Her throat tightened as a mix of fear and disappointment rushed down her spine. Averting her gaze, she muttered: "I'll give you your first grandson, mother. You don't have to worry."
Taking her bag, she stood up: "I beg to take my leave."
Mrs Jolene said nothing. And with another bow, Safiya exited the house.
****†****†
When it was noon, Mallory asked Wilder if he'd like to go out for lunch or have it in his office. He was having a discussion with one of the directors and was distracted when she asked. He simply told her to bring lunch to his office.
Mallory rushed down to one of the best restaurants close by and got him a pack of meal. She had a smile on her face as she placed the order. It was almost like old times now - getting to choose what he ate. She loved it. And she missed it.
She hurried back to the company, went into his office and met him on a phone call. She noticed his eyes lingered slightly on her as she walked in, the food in her hand.
He looked away, facing the window where he stood. Mallory dropped the meal quietly and was about leaving when he dropped the call and turned around to face her.
"Um.... your lunch is ready, sir." She said with an inclination.
Returning to his seat, Wilder began unpacking the meal.
"I forgot to tell you what I'd like to get. And you didn't bother asking," he muttered, his eyes and hands on the food pack.
Mallory swallowed hard.
"Um... sorry about that, sir. You were kind of busy with Mr. Adams when I left."
Wilder said nothing. Inclining her head, she turned around to leave.
Her hand was around the door knob when she heard his voice.
"Miss Harrington."
She stopped and turned around to face him.
Her heart uncannily gave a loud thud as her eyes met with his. She could hardly put up with his gorgeousness. His charms.
Wilder seemed perplexed. He looked down at the meal, and back at her. Slight fear creeped into Mallory as she began to wonder if something was wrong.
"The company's canteen doesn't sell this." He noted, a furrow between his brows.
"Uh... that's correct, sir. I had to go elsewhere to get that for you," Mallory answered.
"And why is that?"
Mallory stuttered a little. "I um... I actually wanted a place I could get cham chowder. Since the canteen doesn't have it, I decided to look elsewhere."
Wilder scoffed and locked his gaze on Mallory. His face held so much worry and confusion.
"I don't think I can get you, Miss Harrington. You went all the way to a place you could get cham chowder for me? How did you know cham chowder was my favorite?"
The realization struck hard at Mallory. What the hell?! What did she do?
Clam chowder was indeed, his favourite. What she didn't realize was that getting it for him would raise suspicions. She was used to getting him what she knew he liked. It happened effortlessly.
But... How did he remember Clam chowder was his favorite? If he'd forgotten her, wasn't he supposed to forget that as well?
"Miss Harrington?" Wilder called when she kept mute.
She dropped her gaze to the floor immediately, her heart pounding heavily in her chest.
God! She wanted to say it to him. She wanted to tell him she was aware it was his favorite because she had learnt how to make it just for him. She wanted to tell him it was a meal they'd walk for hours just to get at Curry-N-Spritz. And oh! Those evenings they'd sit under the moonlight and have naughty discussions while scooping some of it. She'd give anything to go back to those moments.
She parted her lips to speak, but the opening of the door interrupted her.
Hastily, she snapped her head with c****d brows to see who dare to walk in without knocking, or going through her at least. But her brows fell as her eyes came in contact with the lady from the previous day.
Safiya paused at the door, robed in an extremely short dress with exposed cleavages. Her short hair was packed in a bun and she looked cute in the light make up she had on, as well as the jewelries that glittered on her.
Right there, Mallory almost felt intimidated.
Safiya threw a surprised look at her, then at Wilder. She quickly replaced the surprise with a smile.
"Hey, babe." She ambled towards him, bent over when she was close enough and kissed his lips tenderly.
An inaudible gasp slipped Mallory's throat. Pain she never knew existed clutched tight at her chest, almost crippling her.
She turned around quickly, and with shaky hands, exited the office.
- Writer
