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Chapter 10 - marital agreement

Returning home was a challenge for John. The weight of guilt hung heavy on him, knowing his wife must have heard the whispers about his recent escapades. He was trending across social media, and to make matters worse, his marriage was still in its infancy.

As a man accustomed to putting on a brave face, John decided to act as if everything was normal. But in the back of his mind, a bold idea took shape: he could charm his wife back to his side with a lavish gift. Being a young billionaire, spending money never concerned him, and now felt like the perfect time to indulge.

He decided to delay his return for a few days, spending his time lying in anticipation as he scoured a showroom. Finally, he laid eyes on it: the latest Prado model. With a sense of excitement, he purchased the car, eagerly awaiting the final paperwork before unveiling his surprise to Soraya.

When everything was in order, John slid behind the wheel and set off through the city streets, the Prado gleaming impressively beneath the streetlights. Heads turned, and jaws dropped as he drove by; it felt exhilarating, almost like a return to glory.

Arriving home late at night, John knocked at the door, the sounds echoing in the stillness. After what felt like an eternity, Soraya finally opened it, her expression flat and distant. This felt wrong. Typically, she greeted him with warmth and enthusiasm, but today there was an unmistakable tension in the air.

The silence stretched between them like a chasm. John reached into his bag and pulled out the car logbook, setting it down on the doorstep. Soraya's curiosity sparked; her eyes narrowed as they fell on the logbook, but she hesitated, unsure if she should bridge the divide that separated them.

"It's yours. Take it," John finally broke the silence, his voice steady yet filled with anticipation.

Soraya's breath caught in her throat, and without waiting another moment, she rushed forward to confirm what she saw. A logbook! Her heart raced with disbelief and delight. This was more than just a gift; it was a gesture of love, and in that fleeting moment, hope flickered in her eyes.

Soraya couldn't contain her excitement as she jumped up and down, her eyes sparkling with joy. She showered her husband, John, with praise for his generous gesture, her heart brimming with gratitude. John watched her with a smile, mesmerized by her enthusiasm. 

When she finally wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace, time seemed to stand still. The warmth of her hug enveloped him, and after several minutes, he seized the moment to express the remorse that had been weighing on him. He spoke earnestly, his voice laced with regret, explaining how deeply he felt for having betrayed her trust. He promised her that he would be faithful from that moment on.

Yet, despite his heartfelt apology, Soraya remained silent. Her expression was a mix of joy and uncertainty, leaving John unsure whether she had truly forgiven him. But the atmosphere was charged with an underlying hope, and he clung to that.

To lift the mood even higher, John shared his plan for their adventure the next day—an exhilarating trip to the coast for some much-needed relaxation. The thought of it sent Soraya's excitement soaring to new heights, and her smile broadened.

After their joyful exchange, Soraya made her way to the kitchen, where the inviting aroma of warmed food filled the air. She lovingly served John his favorite dish. Even though he was already full, he couldn't resist eating a few more bites, knowing how much it meant to her.

As the day came to an end, they settled into their cozy bedroom, holding hands as they always did. They shared a prayer, whispering their gratitude to the Maker before drifting off to sleep, with Soraya nestled against the wall, content and peaceful.

The next morning, Soraya awoke before dawn, a thrill of excitement coursing through her. With a gentle smile, she gazed at her husband, still lost in dreams, and planted a soft kiss on his cheek. Today held promise, and as she slipped out of the bedroom, her mind raced with thoughts of sun-soaked beaches and her brand-new car.

Descending the stairs, anticipation bubbled within her. There it was—a stunning white car gleaming in the early light. Soraya approached with a mix of awe and joy, her heart swelling as she admired its sleek design.

With trembling hands, she opened the door and sank into the driver's seat. Tears of happiness cascaded down her cheeks as she gripped the steering wheel, imagining the freedom of the open road. But reality set in; she had no idea how to drive. A spark of determination ignited in her—she would enroll in a driving school as soon as possible.

After a moment of quiet reflection, she returned to the house, quickly tackling the morning chores. Breakfast was ready before long, and with a twinkle in her eye, she went to rouse her husband. She gently nudged him awake, playfully inviting him to the table.

As they sat down to eat, the conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and dreams of their upcoming vacation. They planned to check into a luxurious hotel and unwind for four blissful days by the coast.

Once the preparations were complete, they set off, opting for public transport to keep things simple and relaxed. Soraya was a vision, dressed in a flirty blue short skirt, a snug crop top, and elegant high-heeled shoes. Her eyes sparkled, earrings glinting in the light, and her beautifully plaited hair danced with each step. 

John couldn't help but admire her as she walked beside him, radiating confidence and style. Together, they set off toward the bus station, ready for the adventure that awaited them.

As the bus rumbled along, Soraya and John sat snugly beside each other, engrossed in lively conversation. Their laughter filled the air, creating a comforting bubble within the bustling atmosphere of the vehicle. 

However, during a scheduled stop at a quaint bus station for refreshments, necessity called for Soraya. She needed to use the washroom, but John hesitated, determined to stay put. After some gentle prodding, he reluctantly agreed to accompany her, though he had to wait outside the ladies' restroom, knowing he couldn't enter.

As John leaned against the bus, a young woman approached him, juggling a squirming child. "Could you please hold my baby while I dash in?" she implored. Caught off guard by her plea, John's instinct to help kicked in, and he took the child into his arms, promising himself it would only be for a moment.

Soraya emerged a few minutes later, her brows knitting together in confusion as she spotted John cradling the baby. "What's going on here?" she asked, a hint of disbelief in her voice. After a brief explanation, Soraya's concern shifted to indignation. "You can't just help every stranger! What if she was just trying to trick you?"

As apprehension settled between them, they waited, watching the door for the woman's return. Minutes stretched into an hour, then two, and still, there was no sign of her. Soraya, determined to track the woman down, recalled the details of her appearance, but her search proved fruitless.

Hours passed, and frustration turned to resignation. Eventually, after nearly five hours of waiting, it became painfully clear: the bus had left without them. Stuck at the station with no other options, the couple faced the daunting task of finding an alternative way to reach their destination. What had begun as a simple pit stop had spiraled into an unexpected adventure, all thanks to a fleeting encounter.

As they finally reached their destination, the sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over everything. They had been unexpectedly delayed, thanks to a delightful encounter with a little child who had a contagious smile that brightened the day. John couldn't take his eyes off the adorable kid, marveling at the innocence and charm radiating from the small figure. Yet, beside him, his wife stifled a yawn, wearing a look of indifference, clearly unimpressed by the moment that had enchanted her husband. 

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