Never Ending Love

The Perfect Surprise

"I ruined your surprise....."
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Word Count: 1473


Lisa hummed softly as she danced around their penthouse kitchen, putting away the last of the groceries for tomorrow's special dinner. Her long hair swished as she twirled, practicing the speech she'd rehearsed a hundred times.

"Honey, I have a special birthday gift..." She shook her head. "No, too cheesy."

The sound of the front door opening made her freeze. Taehyung wasn't supposed to be home yet! She quickly shut the cabinet containing the party supplies.

"Lisa?" His deep voice echoed through the apartment.

"In the kitchen!" she called out cheerfully, trying to act natural.

Taehyung appeared in the doorway, his expensive suit impeccable as always. His cold exterior hadn't changed since their arranged marriage a year ago, but Lisa had learned to read the tiny shifts in his expression. Like now - there was a slight softening around his eyes as he looked at her.

"You're home early!" She bounced over to him, rising on her tiptoes to straighten his tie. "Did something happen at work?"

"The Chen meeting was cancelled." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Why are there so many grocery bags?"

"Oh! Um..." Lisa's mind raced. "I'm trying new recipes! You know me, always experimenting!" She laughed nervously, one hand unconsciously moving to her stomach.

Taehyung caught the movement, his gaze sharpening. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"Not at all! I'm perfect! Wonderful! Never better!" She knew she was rambling but couldn't seem to stop. "Do you want dinner? I can heat something up—"

"Lisa." Just her name, but his tone made her pause. He stepped closer, tilting her chin up. "You're hiding something."

Her heart raced. "It's... it's a surprise. For tomorrow. Please don't ask more!"

Something flickered in his eyes - amusement, maybe even tenderness. "Very well."

"Promise you won't peek at anything in the kitchen tonight?"

"I promise." His thumb brushed her cheek briefly before he stepped back, resuming his usual stoic demeanor. "I have work to review."

"Of course! I'll bring you some tea later!"

As he turned to leave, she called out, "Taehyung?"

"Mm?"

"I love you!" She said it brightly, as she did every day, never expecting a response.

He paused at the door, and for a moment she thought she saw his shoulders soften. Then he was gone, leaving her alone with her secret and tomorrow's plans.

Later that night, Lisa lay awake, watching Taehyung's sleeping face. He looked younger in sleep, the cold mask stripped away.

"Your daddy's going to be so surprised," she whispered, hand resting on her stomach. "I hope he'll be happy. I think he will be, even if he doesn't show it much. He has such a good heart under all that ice."

Taehyung shifted slightly, his arm tightening around her waist. Even in sleep, he was protective.

"I can't wait to see his face tomorrow," she murmured, snuggling closer. "It's going to be perfect."

The next morning, Lisa was a bundle of nervous energy. She'd gotten up early to start preparations, leaving a still-sleeping Taehyung with a gentle kiss.

Everything had to be perfect. The special dinner was planned, the tiny gift box with baby shoes wrapped and hidden, and the cake – his childhood favorite that she'd begged his mother for the recipe – was nearly done.