The Royal Contract

These past few days seemed great since she was getting better and better, and he could see the old Jacky once in a while again. He hoped it was a sign that they could finally weather this storm.

However, there were times that she did fall from the wagon, but it was not worse than before. This time, she seemed to recover quickly. Was she in the stage of acceptance? He could only hope.

“Stop watching me.” She must have noticed him eyeing her. “I am going to work.” She finally explained, clarifying his confusion. She acted like it was nothing out of the ordinary.

Now, he observed her move from the bathroom and her closet, searching for clothes, only to realize she was serious. But he could not help but feel apprehended by her plan, wondering if she was ready.

“I can go with you to your office,” Marcus offered his wife, staring at her as she combed her hair in front of the vanity mirror, fixing it in a tight ponytail.

She dabbed her face with some fleshy-colored cream, covering most of her face and neck. Afterward, she put something on her eyebrows and shaded the top of her eyes.

.....

He loved looking at her with her makeup on, but he did not mind if her face was bare. He still believed she looked beautiful no matter what she put on her face or wore on her body.

Nevertheless, he would not wish to go through the hassle of doing that every day to look beautiful. He was contented to wash his face and brush his hair, occasionally shaving the growth of his mustache and beard. But that was it.

“I am just going to the office,” Jacky muttered as she painted her lips with something red. “Stop worrying.” Popping her lips before the mirror before she looked at him, rolling her eyes at him for overreacting. “I am ok.” She reassured him.

But could she blame him for worrying about her? It had been a while since she returned to work. And he was not yet that confident that she could handle pressure.

However, he also wanted to believe it was for the best. That being out of the house, sulking here on her own, would do her good. Being with other employees and friends might ease the mind of her woes.

“Just let me take you to work and pick you up later.” He compromised, only wanting some guarantee that she would not break down behind the wheel and meet an accident.

He knew he was overreacting. His wife was not suicidal. At least their therapist did not believe so. But he was not taking any chances. She meant everything to him, more than his life.

He had gone to work for the last few days, and leaving her alone in the house had been hard enough. But maybe, it would be better if she had company who could see her and talk to her.

He hoped work could finally distract her and get her back on her feet. He was willing to try anything as long as it would give him back his wife, the fun-loving woman he had loved and would love for the rest of his life.

“Fine. But don’t make a habit because I might get used to it.” She teased him. Although they had carpooled before, she had always preferred driving herself to work.

She had always loved her independence. Besides, her husband had to go out of his way, so he dropped her off or picked her up. She believed it was not only inconvenient but impractical.

“I promise. Just a year until I feel comfortable to take the training wheels off.” He said, referring to himself. He just needed that guarantee that she would be ok.

Then, a thought came to his head. Was it a good idea to hire a bodyguard to follow her or a chauffeur to drive her around? But he knew that she would shut it down immediately.

Then, she moved out of her seat and walked toward him. She took the tie in his hands and wrapped it around his neck. She then leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on his lips when she had knotted the silk securely, aligning the tie on his chest.

“I need you to stop worrying about me.” She buried her cheek in his massive chest, listening to his chaotic heartbeat. But as she continued to hug him tighter, she could feel him relax and his breathing even.

She never thought such a sound could be so comforting, like a sonata playing on a grand piano. It did not possess many complicated notes, but its rhythm and tempo were enough to make her soar to the clouds.

It was so peaceful and therapeutic.

“I am trying.” He gasped as he released a massive bulk of air stuck in his lungs. He knew she was right. He had to stop handling her as if a delicate flower that would wither away.

She had always been much firmer than that. She was resilient and would bounce back from this. It might be a big hurdle in their relationship, but they had faced others before and handled it with flying colors.

He just needed to give her time, plenty of patience, and love. He believed as long as they were willing to help each other, they could come out of this much better than before.

“That is good enough for me.” She lifted her head again and planted a soft kiss on his lips before moving back to the bed to put on her dress.

After a few minutes, they strode out of their apartment, hand in hand, toward his car, ready to brave a new day.