“MORNING WALK”

I had intended to wake up early that day, but Marius and I didn't sleep early last night, so that plan didn't materialize. Upon waking up, I immediately searched for Marius, missing the embrace he had around me as I fell asleep. However, he wasn't beside me anymore, and although I didn't admit it, I already longed for his touch.

Feeling a bit lazy, I decided to skip taking a shower since I had already bathed before going to bed. Recalling everything we did before lying down, a smile naturally appeared on my face.

Heading to the bathroom to freshen up, I felt a slight heaviness, perhaps due to my pregnancy. Gently caressing my still-small belly, which hadn't reached five months yet, I remembered what the doctor had told me before the accident...

Curiously gazing at my reflection in the mirror, I tried hard to recall everything, but it seemed like my memories were slowly returning.

A smile lingered on my face at the thought. It appeared that I had some good news to share with Marius, news that would undoubtedly bring joy to him. I couldn't wait to witness his reaction.

After freshening up, I quickly went downstairs to find Marius. I was sure he would be in the kitchen preparing breakfast, likely with Nana Lourdes. It was just past seven in the morning, and I was confident they were both there.

However, as I descended, I came to a sudden halt. It felt like someone blew out a candle near the door when I realized it wasn't only Nana Lourdes accompanying Marius in the kitchen but also another beautiful, morena woman happily chatting with my boyfriend. I didn't like that.

Initially, I wanted to walk out—that was my original plan. But Marius caught sight of me as I was about to leave the kitchen, which made me pause.

"Sweetheart," he called out to me.

That's when I saw both Nana Lourdes and the woman glance in my direction. Although I already had a hunch about who this woman was, I waited for Marius to speak and introduce her to me.

"Ah, Sam, this is Lena," Marius said, coming over to my side and putting his arm around me.

Lena approached me, extending her hand. "Hello, Sam. I'm a childhood friend of Marius. Nice to meet you," she said, with a smile that seemed a bit too eager.

I accepted Sam's handshake, but despite that, I couldn't shake off the uneasy feeling. Whatever that feeling was, I couldn't put my finger on it.

"Same here," was all I managed to say.

"Oh, come on, the breakfast is ready. Marius mentioned that he'll take you to the mango orchard later. So, eat plenty. You'll probably have a late lunch," Nana Lourdes interjected.

I remained silent and took a seat in the chair Marius pulled for me. He started attending to me, and breakfast was pleasant enough. But with Lena's presence, it felt like my world had shrunk. I won't lie; I sensed something about her that caused discomfort. In short, I didn't trust her.

*****

"I've noticed you've been quiet. Are you okay, Sam?" Marius asked me as we were on our way to the mango orchard.

I responded with a simple smile before speaking. "Yeah, I think it's just morning sickness," I lied. I wanted to tell Marius about the gradual return of my memory, but I held back. I wasn't sure if it was the right time to tell him about it. Or maybe I was just annoyed because of Lena's presence earlier. I had prepared for breakfast only to find him in the kitchen with another woman.

"Do you want to head back?" Marius asked again.

I shrugged. "I'm okay," I replied. I wanted to add that I didn't want to go home because Lena was there, but I kept it to myself. I didn't want Marius to notice or even get a hint that I was feeling jealous. Even though I loved him dearly, I didn't want him to think I was obsessed with him.

I remained silent for the rest of the journey, choosing to focus on the beautiful scenery outside the car. It distracted me entirely. I didn't know why I felt this way. Suddenly, when I saw Lena, I felt a sense of heaviness. After that, I just wanted to lock myself in my room. I wanted to sulk at Marius for reasons I couldn't explain.

Amidst all these thoughts, I chose to divert my attention back to the view outside the car window. I knew these worries weren't good for my pregnancy, so I pushed them aside. Unknowingly, I let out a sigh that Marius overheard.

"Hey, that sounded deep. Is everything okay?" Marius asked, concern evident in his voice as he turned to me.

Our eyes met briefly, and I was the first to look away.

I felt intense jealousy towards that woman. But it wasn't just about that. It also involved my lack of trust in her. My instincts as a woman told me not to trust her. Why? I couldn't say for sure right now.

"Are you okay, Sam? Tell me," Marius asked again, reaching for my hand and gently squeezing it.

I immediately felt the warmth of Marius's hand, like a comforting touch not only to my heart but to my entire being. That was enough reason for me to smile.

"I'm okay," I replied.

I wasn't really okay earlier, but of course, I couldn't tell Marius about it. He would surely ask, and I wasn't ready to answer.

I turned to look at my boyfriend again and smiled, returning the sweet gesture. After a while, silence engulfed the car once more.

"Are all of these yours?" I asked Marius, marveling at the vast land adorned with blooming mango trees, which served as a thoroughfare for vehicles.

"It's kind of like that," Marius humbly responded.

I smiled again and looked at him. "I guess many women are drawn to you not just because you're handsome but also because you're wealthy!" I couldn't resist saying it.

Marius burst into laughter inside the car. Then, he held my left hand again, planting a tender kiss on it.

"I know that. But I can only offer them friendship because I've already found the woman I want to be with for the rest of my life," he said, looking at me first and then turning his gaze back to the road.

I didn't speak. I knew Marius would continue, and I was right.

"That's you, Sam. You're the woman I want to be with for the rest of my life," he continued.

I was overwhelmed by what I heard. We only had a brief moment of eye contact because he was driving, but I could clearly see the sincerity in his eyes.