Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

148. A Date, Just So Us

Early in the morning, as my eyes fluttered open, I found myself facing him. His chest was just a few inches away, rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm. His arms were still wrapped around me, holding me close through the night. A sense of warmth and security washed over me, something I hadn't realized I'd been missing.

I pulled back slightly to get a better look at him. His hair had fallen messily across his forehead, almost covering his eyebrows. Without thinking, I reached up and gently ran my fingers through his hair, smoothing it back. It was a simple, subconscious act, but it felt strangely intimate.

His lips parted, and in a sleepy murmur, he said, "Let's celebrate our anniversary."

Startled, I quickly withdrew my hand, feeling the heat rush to my cheeks. My heart pounded as embarrassment flared up. Before I could pull away further, he held me tighter, drawing me even closer.

"Get comfortable already," he muttered, his voice still thick with sleep, "I don't want to wait much longer."

His words sent a shiver through me, and I couldn't help but feel my heart flutter in response. My face grew hotter, and I quickly tucked my head against his chest, trying to hide the blush creeping up my cheeks. The sound of his heartbeat in my ear was steady and calming, and despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me, I found myself sinking deeper into the comfort of his embrace.
For now, I let myself stay in that moment a little longer, savoring the warmth and safety of being in his arms.

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He took a day off from the hospital and surprised me with a casual date. But this wasn't one of those typical, romantic outings you see in movies, nor the ones normal couples might plan. It was uniquely us, just like everything about our relationship.

Neither of us dressed up to impress the other-no fancy outfits, no fuss. We showed up as we were, like old friends heading out for a fun day. After grabbing breakfast from a nearby food stall, we decided to spend our morning at the arcade. We played games for hours, laughing and competing like kids, forgetting about the world outside. Time flew by, and for a while, it felt like nothing else mattered but us and the joy we were sharing.

By the time we finally stopped for lunch, we were both ravenous. He took me to one of his favorite restaurants, the kind of extravagant place he loved.

As I returned from the restroom, I saw a girl standing in front of Ryan, her voice sharp and cutting. I quickened my steps, noticing her angry gestures. Approaching the table, I asked, "What's happening here?"

The girl briefly glanced at me before turning back to Ryan, venom in her voice. "Are you some kind of two-timer? Already have a girlfriend and still trying to flirt with me?"

Surprised, I turned to Ryan. His face was filled with confusion and worry as he quickly jumped to explain. "Sarah, no, that's not true! I was just helping her pick up her things-nothing more, I swear!"

The girl scoffed, her anger boiling over as she reached for the glass of water. She lifted it, ready to throw it at him, but before she could, I stepped in front of Ryan, letting the water drench me instead.

Ryan immediately sprang into action, pulling out his handkerchief and attempting to dry me off. "Sarah, please, I didn't do anything wrong-believe me!"

I pushed his hand away, my patience wearing thin. "Ryan, sit down." My voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

I turned my attention to the girl, who was still fuming, throwing insults at him. "Talk to me," I said, my voice steady as I stepped closer.

She shoved me lightly, sneering. "Why should I talk to you? What kind of woman are you, defending your scumbag boyfriend? He touched me!"

In a swift, calm motion, I picked up the glass of water from the table and poured it over her.

She gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "What the hell, you bitch?!"

I met her gaze, my voice calm but unwavering. "Don't you dare speak to him like that."

She pushed back, trying to get around me to reach Ryan. "Move out of my way! I'll deal with your boyfriend myself."

I grabbed her arm, pulling her back firmly. "You'll deal with me first."

"Why should I?" she spat back, her anger flaring once more.

Leaning in, I kept my voice low but full of authority. "Because you should speak to Mrs. Sarah Ryan Gujral before you go after my husband. So talk to me first."