淑女的欲望

Scarlett's eyes beamed with excitement as she started narrating the unfolding connection between Carter and Zara. She tells Xander about Carter's heartfelt proposal and Zara's rejection.

"Tsk! He's seriously being a fool," Xander couldn't resist giving his brother a piece of his mind. "I mean, come on! How can he even think about proposing when he's got no clue if she's into him?" He let out a deep sigh, absentmindedly toying with Scarlett's hair.

"Ahem, babe... So your first proposal was a success!?" Scarlett asked in a laid-back manner, but Xander's expression suddenly turned gloomy at her question.

Realizing his abrupt change in mood, Scarlett's thoughts immediately went to Xander's ex-fiancée. "Ugh, Xander... I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to dig up old memories of your ex..." She spoke in a hushed, apologetic tone, fully aware of how deeply he had cared for that woman.

Xander slowly loosens his embrace, tilting his head to lock eyes with her. 

"Hey, why the intense stare?" Scarlett was taken aback by the focused look in his eyes.

"How'd you find out about her?" Xander was surprised to learn that Scarlett knew about his ex-fiancée. "Who told you? And why are you taking this so casually?" His curiosity got the best of him, as Scarlett's lack of jealousy or distress seemed strange. She appeared oddly calm about the whole thing.

Scarlett didn't reply immediately; she took a moment to sift through her memories, attempting to figure out who had informed her. "Well, Xander... I think it was you who mentioned it to me before, right?" Her expression turned quizzical, and she continued, "Or perhaps Rex or Tyler... Yeah, one of them for sure." She gave a lighthearted grin, hoping to ease the awkwardness.

Seeing his still somewhat tense, she pressed on, "Hubby, you're wondering why I'm so calm? So, what were you expecting? Should I be all jealous and mad upon learning about your ex-fiancée?" She locked her gaze onto his eyes.

Xander found himself momentarily speechless.

Scarlett's laughter couldn't be contained as she noticed his bemused expression now. "Hahaha, come on, Xander. I'm not a teenager. Why would I let your past bother me? That's your past, and nothing I can do about it. So, I'm fine with it. I'm good as long as you won't chase after her from the day we get married," she conveyed this sincerely.

A subtle smile started to appear on his lips.

"But, Xander... If you do that," she casually continued, her tone light but with a hint of warning in her gaze, "I won't hesitate to leave you. Not even for a second."

"Apologies, Ms. Riley, but you won't get the chance to leave me. Believe me!" He asserted firmly, then drew her onto his lap, encircling her waist with his arms, and nestled his face into her shoulder. "I'd never entertain that idea, not even in my thoughts. Trust me, Scarlett Piers."

Scarlett couldn't help but chuckle softly, "I've always trusted you, Mr. Xander Riley. Never a doubt. However..." She gently pushed him back to look into his eyes, a mischievous glint in hers, "Did you happen to forget something?"

"Forget what?" Xander inquired, curiosity apparent in his tone.

Scarlett found herself speechless. She took a quiet, deep breath. 'Gosh, he probably forgot that tomorrow is my birthday, right?'

"Nothing much. Let's call it a night; I'm feeling pretty sleepy..." She managed a smile and rose from the sofa.

"Babe, you sleep first. I've got an online meeting with the European Office," Xander guided her towards the bedroom. "I'll be there with you shortly." He planted a tender kiss on her forehead.

"Hmm, go on. Don't worry about me! Just don't sleep too late, Xander. You need your rest too." 

"Yes, ma'am." Xander helped her settle beneath the blanket and stepped out of the room, ensuring she was comfortable before exiting.

After the bedroom door closed, Scarlett slowly opened her eyes. She gazed at the door while taking a deep exhale.

"Seems like this year will follow the same pattern. No celebrations," she murmured softly, trying to ease herself back into sleep.

In truth, she had never really liked to celebrate her birthday, a fact well-known among her friends. But, somehow, this year felt different because of Xander. She wanted to celebrate her birthday with him.

"It's still too early, right? Maybe he'll invite me to dinner tomorrow?" Scarlett chuckled, her voice attempting to uplift her spirits. "Alright, girl, time to sleep! It's almost midnight..." Another quiet sigh resonated in the room. She made an effort to quiet her mind and drift off.

****

While Scarlett tried to sleep. Downstairs in another room, Xander was in the room decorated with fresh flowers and balloons. Cakes and wholesome snacks were neatly laid out on the table.

After confirming everything was ready, Xander shifted his gaze toward a few people gathering before him. His expression remained steady, but his eyes held a hint of concern, worried that his wife might know about the surprise birthday party he had meticulously arranged for her.

"I really appreciate all of you being here. Just give us a little more time," Xander said while looking at his watch.

"Man, leave the arrangements to us. You go be with your wife, and the first thing once the day changes, bring her down here right away." Rex chimed in with excitement. He was eager to witness Scarlett's reaction to the surprise.

"Yes, Xander... She's probably feeling a bit down without anyone by her side right now," Zara, who was also present, added her thoughts.

Though Zara had never organized a surprise party for Scarlett like this, she always made sure to call her right around the stroke of midnight. This year, she didn't mention anything about Scarlett's birthday, despite their meeting earlier in the morning, she kept quiet as Xander asked.