Playlist- Ours from Taylor Swift &
The moment I know from Taylor Swift
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Susan's P.O.V.
Susan's P.O.V.
After three long months, Adrian is finally coming home. The anticipation bubbles in my chest, a mixture of excitement and longing. I glance at my reflection in the car mirror for the hundredth time, smoothing out my lemon-yellow spaghetti-strap top and adjusting my darkest blue denim jeans. My high ponytail is neat, my white strap flats comfortable. I want to look good for him, though I know he loves me no matter what. But after months apart, I need this to be perfect.
I miss him terribly. The cold, empty bed. Eating alone. Driving to and from work without his silly morning pep talks or his exhausted evening sighs as he loosened his tie. The countless times I reached for my phone, only to remind myself that he was too busy to reply right away. I told myself to be understandingâwork was important. But God, it was lonely.
His flight landed fifteen minutes ago. Any second now, I should see him walking through those airport doors.
And then, I do.
Tall, handsome, and somehow even more attractive than I remember. A light beard shadows his jawâhe was clean-shaven when he left. It makes him look older, sharper. My breath catches, my heart pounding. Then, without a second thought, I run.
"Adrian!"
He looks up just in time to catch me as I jump into his arms. He laughs, spinning me around. The sound is pure music. God, I missed this. I missed him. My arms tighten around his neck, not wanting to let go.
"Hey" he murmurs, pressing his forehead to mine. "I'm here now. Don't cry, baby." His thumb brushes away the tears that slipped free without my permission.
"I missed you so much, everything was so unbearable, I can't wait to tell you all about it." I told him.
"I missed you too. God, I missed this." He kisses me, slow and sweet, enough to make my knees weak. My fingers grip the back of his neck, holding him there. For a moment, it's just us, the rest of the world fading away. When we pull apart, we're both grinning like teenagers.
He laces his fingers with mine, leading me to the car. "Let's go home."
Once we get home, Adrian heads straight to freshen up while I prepare his coffee. When he emerges, towel-drying his hair, he surprises me with giftsâa delicate bracelet engraved with "Forever Together" and my favorite perfume.
I smirk. "So, you were too busy to text me back but had time to shop for gifts?"
He chuckles, locking the bracelet around my wrist. "Maybe. But no, I wasn't that busy. I saw it and thought of you. I knew it would look perfect on you."
I soften. "You're sweet, you know that?"
"Only for you," he teases, pulling me in for another kiss.
28th August 2014
I wake up early, excitement buzzing through me. Today is our fifth anniversary. I took the day off to decorate, cook dinner, and surprise Adrian.
Lately, things have been...off. At first, I blamed work. But then, he started coming home later, keeping his phone close, and snapping at me over little things.
Like last week.
I was curled up on the couch, reading, when his phone started buzzing incessantly. The noise was distracting, so I reached over and picked it up.
"Susan!" His sharp voice made me jump. I turned to find him standing in the doorway, his expression dark. Before I could react, he strode over and snatched the phone from my hand.
"What the hell, Adrian?" I frowned, rubbing my wrist where his fingers had gripped a little too hard.
"Don't touch my phone!" His voice was louder now, almost a shout.
I flinched. He had never raised his voice at me before.
He realized it, too. His expression immediately softened, regret flickering in his eyes. "Baby, I'm sorry. Work has been...a lot. I didn't mean to snap."
But I had already stood up, crossing my arms. "Forget it."
I gave him the silent treatment for a week.
At first, he thought I'd get over it in a day or two. But when I continued with stiff nods and lukewarm responses, his confidence started to crack. The Adrian I knewâsharp, composed, always in controlâwas unraveling in small ways.
It started with little things. A fresh cup of ginger tea left on the counter before I woke upâno note, no words, just the scent of warmth and comfort that nearly had me breaking. Then came the playlistâsongs we used to sing in the car, sent to my phone in the middle of the night with no explanation.
And then, the napkin.
I found it on my bedside table, a hurried sketch of meâeyes narrowed, arms crossed. A tiny speech bubble above my drawn self read:
Are you still mad at me? Or am I officially a lost cause?
I swallowed hard and shoved it in my drawer.
Then, on Wednesday, he showed up at my office.
I was deep in my emails when I noticed the shift in the airâlow whispers, the rustling of people turning their heads. The energy in the room changed, pulling me from my screen. And then I saw himâAdrian, standing there, impossibly put together in a navy shirt with his sleeves rolled up just enough to look like he hadn't tried too hard.
My heart slammed against my ribs. What the hell was he doing here?
"Delivery for Miss Susan," he announced, his voice smooth but just a little too careful. He held up a neatly packed lunch.
A few of my coworkers exchanged glances, some grinning, others straight-up gawking. It is not regular for them to see some from higher position in this floor. Adrian recently got double promotion along with Chen now we work in different floors.
I inhaled sharply. "What are you doing here?"
He placed the bag on my desk, ignoring the growing audience. "Bringing you lunch. Your favoriteâfolded pizza with extra cheese and pesto sauce." His tone was casual, but his eyes were searching mine, waiting.
My fingers twitched at my sides. The smell of warm spices and fresh pesto sauce curled around me, taunting me. He had paid attention. Of course, he had.
"You didn't have to do this," I said, my voice low, controlled.
"I know," he said simply. "But I wanted to."
A tense pause. Then he leaned down slightly, just enough that his voice barely reached me. "You don't have to say anything. You don't even have to forgive me. But I'd rather be here, standing in front of you looking like a fool, than sitting at home wondering if I've lost you."
Something inside me wavered. I reached for the bag, hesitating just long enough for him to notice. His shoulders loosened slightly, the breath he'd been holding finally exhaling.
"You should go back to your work." I murmured.
He didn't move right away. Then, finally, he straightened. Nodded. "I'll pick you up after work?"
I hesitated. I should say no. Make him wait longer. But the words wouldn't come.
"...Okay."
His lips twitchedâalmost a smile, but not quite. And then he walked away.
I stared at the lunch bag, pulse hammering.
Damn him.
But perfection didn't erase the way his fingers had tightened around my wrist that night. It didn't make me forget the sharp edge in his voice, the way my name had cracked like a warning off his lips.
A slow clap echoed through the office. "Well, well. Someone's in the doghouse."
I didn't have to turn around. Corey. His voice was like sandpaper against my nervesâgrating, smug, knowing. I schooled my features before glancing up.
He leaned lazily against the doorway, arms crossed, his dark eyes flicking between me and the lunch Adrian had delivered. The smirk on his face was pure entertainment.
"What do you want, Corey?" I asked flatly.
He ignored me, stepping closer, eyes gleaming. "Let me guess. Mister Perfect Boyfriend came groveling, and now you're here playing the 'forgive or not forgive' game?"
I pressed my lips together. Refusing to engage was the best strategy with Corey. He fed on reactions.
But of course, he wasn't done. He tilted his head, feigning thoughtfulness. "You know, I gotta give Adrian credit. He plays the part well. The charming, devoted boyfriend, bringing you lunch at work so your little office friends will 'ooh' and 'aah' over how lucky you are." He let out a low chuckle. "But behind closed doors? That's where the real show is, huh?"
Something sharp twisted in my chest.
I kept my expression impassive. "You don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't I?" He tapped a finger against his chin. "See, Susan, guys don't just suddenly start trying unless they've really screwed up. And trust me, I've seen Adrian in actionâhe's smooth. Knows exactly when to turn up the charm."
I swallowed hard.
Corey stepped closer, lowering his voice. "So, what was it? A little fight? A missed date? Or did something happen that actually made you think or maybe someone?" His gaze flicked to my face for any sort of reaction.
Corey smiled. "Yeah. Thought so."
I felt my throat tighten, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.
Corey sighed, shaking his head like he almostâalmostâfelt sorry for me. "You know, I used to wonder what it was about Adrian that had you so convinced. So sure. But now? I get it." His smirk returned, colder this time. "You're not in love with him. You're in love with the version of him you think still exists."
My stomach turned.
"Enjoy the lunch, sweetheart," Corey murmured, voice dripping with condescension. Then he turned on his heel and walked away, leaving only the hollow echo of his words behind.
I sat there, staring at the lunch Adrian had brought, my appetite gone.
Because, for the first time, I realized something terrifying. Things will never be same. Until some magic happens.
And now, today, on our anniversary, I want to believe things will be okay again.
Whatever forget about it, I went to the kitchen and prepare a coffee for me then I went to check where he is? I opened his room gate slowly popping my head in. He was asleep in deep sleep, I went near his bedside slowly.
I lean down to his ears "Good morning babe" I whisper in his ear. He moves a little.
"Good morning, What time is it?" he asks, rubbing his eyes, I guess he came home late yesterday night also.
"It's around nine" I said while looking at the wall clock in his room for him. His eyes are wide awake as soon as the words left my mouth.
"What? Shit, I'm so late. " he gets up in a hurry and move to the bathroom. Susan he has lots in his plate give him a time he will wish once he saw a date. I console to myself realizing he might have forgotten about today.
"Susan babe can you please make some breakfast, I will just come out in like 20 minutes I have an important meeting today." He said from the bathroom.
I just nodded and walk out from his room and went to the kitchen. He cooks breakfast daily for me usually even wake me up too, but today I fix him a sandwich and coffee. The things I do for him. I waited for him till he came out of his room ready to leave in his office attire.
He came out in wearing while shirt and grey pants and jacket in his hand, he sat down and look at his breakfast and start eating without looking at me for once.
"Thanks babe" He said while eating.
"No problem. Can you come home early today like 7pm I have planned something for us, " I said, hoping he'll get it.
"I will. Why aren't you ready for office? Are you ok? Are you ill?" He asked, confused looking at me. I'm wearing Mickey mouse T-shirt with shorts and slippers and my hair in a messy ponytail.
"I took off today." I said smiling.
"Why?" He asked, looking suspiciously yet concerned for me at the same time.
"Because I feel like I should spend some time at home and I have some important stuff to do. Aren't you late for office??" I remind him about the meeting before he will turn into the complete police officer
"Yeah, yeah, I'm and call me if you need anything and take care. " He said while giving me a peck on my cheek, as he complete eating his breakfast and ready to go.
"Bye babe," With that he went out. He don't even remember. Nothing new he usually forgets dates.
"Bye" I said, waving at him.
7:00 PM
The decorations are up. Candles flicker. The food is ready. A cake sits waiting. I slip into a off white strapless dress and diamond studs, my heart pounding as I check my phone. I texted him to come by seven. He should be here soon.
9:00 PM
I call him. No answer. His colleague finally picks up and says he's in a meeting. That was an hour ago. I call again. No answer.
I pace the living room, my arms crossed, my stomach in knots. The candles are burning low, wax pooling at the base. The food is getting cold. My heart is slowly sinking.
11:00 PM
Rick, his best friend, finally answers. "Susan, hey. Adrian called me a while ago. He sounded drunk."
Drunk?
My stomach sinks. So that's where he is. Not working late. Not stuck in a meeting. He just...didn't come home.
I sit on the couch, staring at the decorations, the beautifully set table, the cake with "Happy 5th Anniversary" written in elegant cursive. The effort, the love I poured into todayâit means nothing now.
I replay memories in my head. Our first date, when he held my hand across the table and told me he had never met anyone like me. The way he used to leave silly notes in my bag, just to make me smile at work. The nights we spent lying under the stars, dreaming about the future. When did we stop being that couple?
12:30 AM
I give up.
Tears blur my vision as I blow out the candles and store the untouched food. I place his gift on his bed. He doesn't care. If he did, he would be here.
Curling up on my bed, I let the sobs come. "Happy anniversary, Adrian," I whisper to the empty room.
My phone stays silent.
At some point, I hear my mom's voice on the phone, telling me to come home. Maybe I should. Maybe it's time to stop waiting.
Because tonight, Adrian didn't just forget.
He chose to forget.
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