𝟏𝟓

ELSIE

The rays of sun shone through the window. The light fell over my face and I slowly started to open my eyes.

My nose scrunched at the blinding light and I tried to extend my hands above me but I felt heaviness weight me down.

Soft breaths fanned my neck and I looked down. Fenix hand his arms wrapped around my middle. His face was buried in my neck and half of his body was covering mine.

I turned my head to the nightstand and looked at the clock. It was time for me to get up and then wake Ian up for school.

Carefully, I tried my best to wiggle my body out of his hold. I don't even know how we ended up like this. Last night after he went to take a shower, I immediately fell asleep. I was too exhausted.

Even though I wanted to make sure he was okay after he got out, I failed. The tiredness got the best of me.

Fenix tightened his arms around me and I let out a breath, realising that I'll have to wake him up as well. Maybe he also had to go to work but overslept.

I bit my lip and slowly brought my hand to his face. Tenderly, I brushed his hair back. His eyes were shut tightly and even asleep, his eyebrows were slightly furrowed.

I ran my fingers down his cheek and then his neck and shoulder. The freckles scattered across his nose were even more visible from this close.

Without thinking twice, I gently pressed my lips to his forehead. He always did it to me and every single time it made my stomach twist and turn in happiness.

After couple of minutes, I finally decided to wake him up. "Fenix?" I slightly shook his shoulder. He groaned and further nuzzled his face in my neck.

He usually wakes up really early but apparently not today.

He seemed very worried last night. Something was bothering him but he didn't want to tell me. It's not like I was entitled to his explanation.

Finally after some while, Fenix turned on his back and I was able to breathe properly without his weight on my chest.

He rubbed his face with his palms. I hurriedly pulled the covers off me and sat on the bed. After I gathered myself, I stood up and walked towards the bathroom.

My face was feeling hot and I quickly washed it with a cold water. I brushed my teeth and did everything else before walking outside.

Fenix was standing up from the bed and he rolled his shoulders and in the process, the muscles on his stomach flexed.

I gulped and cleared my throat.

"I'm sorry I woke you up. I have to get ready and wake Ian up for school."

"It's okay. I had to get up anyway." He walked past me and went to the closet. I hope I didn't look awkward because of the way we woke up.

Oh my God! What if he felt me kissing his forehead?

I covered my mouth with my hand and felt the embarrassment enter my body.

Why don't you think with your stupid head before you do something Elsie?

Fenix walked out with clothes in his hands. He then proceeded to walk towards the bathroom and I heard the door lock.

I went to the closet next and tried to take my mind off my stupid thoughts. I preoccupied my head with finding an outfit.

After not finding any pants that actually suited me today, I decided to wear a dress. It was knitted one. It was thin and had multiple warm colours. It reached below my knees and was off shoulders with long sleeves.

It was perfectly comfortable, just what I needed right now.

I fixed the strapless bra underneath and then walked outside. I stood in front of the vanity mirror and took out my hair accessories from the drawer. Maybe I can do a braid, I haven't done it in a while.

The door of the bathroom cracked open and soon Fenix stepped out. He was dressed in black pants and a black t-shirt. It seemed like he wasn't the biggest fan of colours, completely opposite of me. I mean his closet was a proof.

I grabbed a section of my hair and began braiding it.

Fenix glanced my way and while putting the watch on his wrist, he started to walk towards me. My heart beat immediately increased and I felt his body behind me.

His eyes ran over my outfit slowly and I tried my best not to blush under his stare.

"Leave your hair down." He said and I felt his voice down my spine.

My hair was in its natural form. All over the place and the locks were more defined.

"I like your curly hair." He added and my lips parted. So many years of being insecure and hiding it, someone finally complimented it.

I nodded and let go of my hair. I ran my fingers through it and pushed it back.

My hands trembled as I picked up the mascara from my makeup bag. Fenix was still standing behind me, fixing his hair. I had to put up my best act and pretend that I was unbothered.

I applied some mascara and concealer under my eyes.

"We'll take Ian to school together." Fenix said and I turned around, my lower back resting on the vanity desk. My whole body trembled like a paper swept by the wind.

"Okay. Are you going to work after that?" The question left my lips and I tilted my head back. Fenix completely closed the distance between us and brought his hand to my hair.

He twirled a dark red strand between his fingers. "No. We'll go and have a breakfast together. I'm not going to work today."

Oh...

We have never been out to eat. For obvious reasons. There was no need for that. We had to act as a couple only when needed.

Also it was unusual for Fenix to miss work. He was up before me every single morning. He was dedicated to his job and his family business.

I nodded, my voice got stuck in my throat and that was the only response I was able to give him.

"Go wake Ian up. I'll prepare him breakfast. What does he usually eat?" What was going on? He was willing to make Ian food? I searched his face for any clarification.

"Umm.... maybe a peanut butter and jelly sandwich if you can."

"Sure." He let go of the strand and ran his thumb on my cheek for the slightest second. Just enough to make me gasp.

What was happening? And why was he acting like this?

He walked outside of our bedroom and I quickly wore my glasses and picked up my purple bag. I placed it on the cabinet in the hallway in front of Ian's room.

I quietly opened his door and peeked my head inside. He was sat on the bed and was rubbing his eyes sleepily.

"Good morning baby. Did you sleep well?"

"Yes I did." I walked over to him and kissed his head. His eyes looked tired but nevertheless, he stood up from the bed and we went to the bathroom.

He brushed his teeth while I went to get him clothes.

"You know Fenix is going to drive you to school?" His lips parted and his eyes widened.

"Really?" He whispered.

"Yes. He's waiting for us downstairs. He's making you a breakfast." As soon as I said that, he hurriedly began to put his clothes on. We then took his backpack and got out.

I grabbed my bag and we made our way downstairs.

The house was quiet like always. Only Ian's feet tapping while he ran to the kitchen as soon as we arrived on the first floor.

I heard Fenix greet him and my heart swelled at their interaction. Fenix was really good with kids and that made him somehow even more attractive than he already was.

Ian sat by the table and Fenix placed the plate in front of him and a glass of water.

Ian happily eat the food, his eyes occasionally going from me to Fenix. I haven't seen him this joyfully in a long time. The smile on his face was stretched across his chubby cheeks.

Fenix was checking something on his phone while I cleaned the table and placed the dishes in the sink.

After we were ready, we walked outside and went straight to the car.

⋆˚✿˖°

When we dropped Ian off to school, Fenix drove us to a restaurant. It was a small one, not too prestigious or luxurious.

The interior was beautiful with small frame pictures all over the walls. There were photos of people, animals and nature.

The tables were wooden and the whole place radiated vintage style. It was cute and elegant at the same time.

We were sitting on the table close to the window and my eyes were focused on the menu in my hands.

The waiter soon arrived at our table and smiled at us.

"I'll have the avocado toast, please." I closed the menu and handed it to him. He nodded and looked at Fenix.

Fenix ordered as well and I leaned back on the chair. My hair was falling down my back and I wondered if I looked like I was electrocuted. My hair must be a mess like this.

I interviewed my fingers and rested my hands on my lap.

I felt the burning stare of Fenix on me and tried my best to act as normal as possible.

"I thought you were going to be rude when we first met." The confession left my lips unwillingly. He was opposite of what I thought he would be and especially today.

Fenix furrowed his eyebrows and cocked his head to the side.

"Why did you think that?"

I shrugged my shoulders and smiled in embarrassment. "I have no idea. You looked really intimidating. I thought you were going to snap at me when I poured the water on your suit."

"I'll never disrespect someone who doesn't disrespect me, Elsie. And I would never yell at someone for a small mistake."

"So you would have yelled at me for a big mistake?" I jokingly asked and narrowed my eyes at him with a smile.

He chuckled and shook his head. "I could never yell at my wife." And here he goes again with calling me wife and making my chest flutter.

"That's how it should be." I chuckled as well and leaned forward on the table and rested my chin on my hand.

"What did you think when you first saw me? Probably that I was some clumsy waitress." He shook his head slowly while sinking his teeth into his plump lip.

"I thought that you are really beautiful." Oh... If I was standing, my legs would have probably given up. What has gotten into him?

Did I like his compliment? Hell yeah. I loved it.

Did I know how to act when someone compliments me? No. Definitely no.

"Thank you."

"I like the way you interact with Ian and how much you care about him." He continued and I gulped the lump in my throat. Every time he praised me for my parenting skills, it made my stomach clench in happiness.

"I try my best. He's everything I have. My whole life is dedicated to him." There was nothing I wouldn't do for him.

The conversation was cut short when the waiter brought our food. I was glad because his words were too much and I'm sure I would have bursted into tears if we continued to talk about Ian and I's relationship.

"I'm invited to an engagement party next week. I want you to go with me."

I took a bite of the toast and hummed. "Who's getting engaged?"

"The children of one of my business partners." I have never been to a glamorous event before. Only my own wedding.

"What about Ian?"

"You can leave him with my parents. They'll love to have him." Bridget will for sure be happy to look over Ian. And he also really likes them.

"Alright." I'll have to buy a dress for it. I'll also have to call Aspen to help me a little bit. I haven't seen her in a while and I missed talking to her.

We finished our food and Fenix ordered me a croissant filled with chocolate.

My stomach started to hurt from too much food. I thought I wasn't going to finish the croissant but I couldn't resist.

I was secretly a chocolate addict.

After the plate was empty, Fenix paid for the food, we stood up and started to walk towards the door.

The day was just starting and my mood was already ten times better than any other day I have had while living with Fenix.

He placed his palm on my back and guided me to the exit.

The sun was caressing our skin and I took a deep breath as soon as we stepped outside.

Fenix opened the door of the car for me and before I was able to get inside, I heard someone calling my name.

"Elsie?!"

Thoughts??

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