C2 Unexpected Surprise Part 1

The time was 8 p.m., and as usual, Rafael was at home. He comes home at 5 p.m. every day. Because the distance between the office and our house is quite, close at 6 p.m., he usually arrives home. That's even if there are no meetings or other additional work outside the office that makes him come home late.

Rafael is rarely late coming home. He would let me know if he had to come home late because Rafael is so open that I never doubted his honesty during the ten years of our marriage.

I found Rafael and Rory sitting in front of the television while their hands were busy holding game sticks. They were playing the PlayStation Ultimate Ninja game. I looked at the television screen, which showed two ninja figures fighting fiercely.

"Yes, I won. Daddy lost!" Rory screamed because he had won the game. Rafael pretended to make a face that wanted to cry, making Rory laugh happily.

I shook my head at their behavior before deciding to join in. I sat on the sofa right behind them, who were sitting on the carpet.

"Mommy, I won. Daddy lost. Daddy sucks, doesn't he?" said Rory with a smile. I smiled a little in response.

"Who said Daddy sucks?" said Rafael, pretending to be offended.

"Daddy really sucks because Daddy keeps losing." Rory smartly answered.

"That's because you are good at playing games, not because Daddy is bad."

Rory laughed when Rafael suddenly picked him up and hugged him tightly. Now and then, Rafael tickles Rory's body, successfully making our beloved son writhe in amusement with loud laughter that rings throughout the house.

"Darling, stop it. Poor Rory."

I was the one who said that when I saw Rory laughing while holding his stomach, which was probably starting to hurt from laughing too much, I couldn't bear to see it.

Rafael didn't say anything, choosing to obey my words without rebuttal, as seen by his stopping tickling Rory and letting go of his hug.

"Come on, Daddy, play again."

"OK, Daddy won't lose. This time, Daddy will win," said Rafael excitedly.

After that, the game starts again. Meanwhile, I still faithfully sat behind Rafael and Rory. Now and then, I looked at Rory, who looked excited, holding a game stick. Sometimes, screams came out of his mouth, inviting chuckles from me and laughter from Rafael.

Occasionally, I also looked at Rafael's sturdy back. He seemed to be enjoying playing with Rory. The smile never left my lips when I saw the scene before me until the memory of the necklace returned to my head.

The necklace with the pendant with the initials ZK, which I have confirmed, disappeared from Rafael's briefcase. He may have given it to the owner of the initial ZK. I don't know the answer because I don't dare to ask Rafael. I'm too afraid that the answer he gives will break my heart. Rory's screams, who won the game again, instantly shattered all my thoughts.

"Daddy is really bad. Look, I won again. Mommy, Daddy really sucks, right?"

I smiled in response, then nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Daddy is really bad. You're the best," I answered.

Rory got up from sitting, jumping up and down while screaming joyfully. "Daddy sucks. Daddy sucks." That's what he said over and over again.

"Why do you say that instead of defending me?" Rafael sulked as he turned to me. I didn't know how to react other than laughing with my son's unending laughter.

"Come on, play one more time. Daddy will win this time," said Rafael, whom Rory immediately nodded enthusiastically.

That's when I glanced at the clock on the room's wall, widening my eyes when I realized it was already 9 p.m.

"That's enough playing. Time for Rory to sleep."

I said this. I got up from sitting and took the stick that Rory was holding.

"Yeah, Mommy. I still want to play games with Daddy," Rory cooed, refusing when I took the stick from him.

"Tomorrow, we'll play the game again. It's 9 o'clock, time for you to sleep. Come on, let's go to your room."

Rory turned to Rafael as if asking for help in persuading me. I glared at Rafael when he looked at me, opening his mouth to say something. He grimaced when he realized my rejection through the look in my eyes.

"Mommy is angry. You sleep. Tomorrow, we'll play another game," said Rafael, finally choosing to help me persuade Rory.

"Yeah, but I still want to play games."

"Tomorrow we continue. Daddy promises."

"Daddy has to keep your promise," said Rory, extending his little finger to Rafael.

Rafael chuckled at our son's adorable behavior. Without hesitation, he extended his little finger. Their little fingers interlocked. I just smiled a little at that sight.

"I'll go to Rory's room first, accompany him to sleep," I said goodbye, to which Rafael immediately nodded.

Rory and I walked towards the room, hand in hand, accompanied by Rory's little mouth that couldn't stop babbling. Rory is truly the source of happiness and joy in my life. Without him, I don't know if I could be this strong when my heart was troubled because my trust in Rafael was starting to waver.

Arriving at Rory's room. I helped him change clothes. I covered him as soon as his little body rested comfortably on the bed. I pat his thigh gently every night so he falls asleep quickly. After 30 minutes passed, Rory fell asleep. I came out of the room.

I frowned when I found Rafael still sitting in front of the television. The television screen appeared to be showing a Hollywood action film. I didn't know the title because I'm more interested in what Rafael is doing. His head was bowed, not focused on the television screen, but instead focused on the cellphone screen in his hand. From behind, I saw his fingers dancing skillfully on the cellphone keypad, proof that he was typing a message to send to someone. I cleared my throat quite loudly. Of course, he heard it because he now turned towards me.

"Is Rory asleep?" Rafael asked. I answered with a nod.

"What are you doing?"

"Watching movies. Let's watch together," Rafael said as he patted the empty carpet. I shook my head, not interested in watching a movie.

"I'm sleepy. Just want to sleep. It's late, you might as well sleep. You have to work again tomorrow morning."

He smiled slightly at my answer. "Not sleepy yet, the film is exciting. OK, you sleep first. I'll catch up in a minute."

Hearing Rafael answer, there was no longer any reason to stay here. Then, I continued walking towards the room. It didn't take long for me to fall asleep. The many activities today were quite draining. I need a break.