Babel Novel
Happy Birthday, Hubby
His mother had passed away on his birthday, that was sad.
Mia, unsure of how to console him, chose to remain silent, her heart filled with sympathy.
“Today marks three years since I lost her,” Shawn uttered, his gaze distant, his voice low. “And I caused it. If only I hadn’t insisted on…” His voice trailed off, bitterness and regret evident in every word.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
Unable to find the right words to comfort him, “Let’s go visit her.” Mia offered.
Shawn turned to her, wearing a puzzled expression. “Right now?”
She simply nodded. It was the anniversary of his mother’s death, it was only right he paid his respects.
It wasn’t that Shawn didn’t want to visit his mother; he had never gone on the actual anniversary due to an annual bout of fever. He would always go to her grave the following day. However, with someone to take care of him this time, he could make it today… There was still time.
“Okay,”
Mia then nodded before swiftly making her way into the walk-in closet to change.
Soon, the couple left their home, driving straight to the cemetery. En route, they stopped at a florist’s shop to pick up flowers for the late Jennifer Mandez.
Upon arrival, the cemetery lay in hushed tranquility, and Shawn wordlessly took hold of Mia’s hand, leading her to his mother’s tombstone.
Coming to a stop, he released her hand and stared down at the grave with a tumult of emotions, primarily pain and regret. He remained in that position for a long while.
After a couple of minutes, without a word, he placed the flowers in his hand onto the grave and stepped aside, allowing Mia to do the same.
Quietly, Mia laid her flowers beside Shawn’s, then bowed her head in homage to the deceased. Shawn observed her in silence.
When she finished, he followed suit, performing the same gesture.
The drive back to the mansion transpired in silence, both lost in their respective thoughts.
After returning home, they made a beeline for their bedroom, changing into casual clothes before slipping under the covers, both gazing up at the ceiling.
“Thank you,” Shawn suddenly blurted, taking Mia by surprise.
He cleared his throat awkwardly before continuing, “I’m also sorry for yelling at you yesterday. I didn’t mean to.”
With a pause, he added, “The garden was my Mom’s, my Dad made it for her.” He exhaled softly. “She cherished it. It was her sanctuary. She would always retreat there whenever she was home from…” He trailed off, sighing. “It reminded her the most of Dad. The garden was where she felt closest to him.”
Mia’s mind wandered back to the cemetery, recalling the nearby tombstone engraved with ‘Cole Shawn Mandez I.’
As if sensing her thoughts, Shawn spoke, “That was my Dad. He passed away when I was two, so I don’t have any memories of him.”
Her heart sank further at this revelation. She turned her head away from the ceiling and stared at Shawn beside her.
“Anyway, forgive me. I was just taken aback to find someone other than Madam Susan there, because since Mom’s passing, she’s the only person I’ve allowed, besides myself, into the garden.”
“While I’m away, Madam Susan takes care of the cleaning. Given my busy schedule, I don’t always get the chance to tend to the garden regularly,”
As Shawn spoke, Mia began to see things from a different perspective. Madam Susan’s consistent presence in the garden suddenly made sense. It was Shawn’s late mother’s sanctuary after all.
Realizing this, she expressed regret, “I’m sorry too. I should have consulted you before entering. I didn’t consider that it was your space, and acted like I owned the place…”
Shawn turned towards her, offering a reassuring smile. “It’s alright.”
“And you do own this place,” he added, his calm demeanor and grey eyes meeting her honey brown ones.
Mia fell silent. And right at this moment of silence, Shawn’s stomach grumbled loudly. Unable to contain her amusement, she burst into laughter.
Shawn simply blinked blankly.
Well, he hadn’t eaten all day. Mia, too, was hungry. Going to bed on an empty stomach would be bad.
After regaining her composure, she asked, “What would you like to eat? I can prepare something.”
“Instant noodles,” he replied without a second thought.
Leaving the bedroom, the couple bantered playfully as they descended the stairs.
“Do you know why the employees aren’t here today?” Shawn inquired.
“Why is that?” Mia asked.
“I always give them the day off today, so I can have some time alone.”
“Oh, I understand,” She nodded.
After finishing their meal, they made their way back upstairs to their room, sliding into bed. As Mia closed her eyes, she felt a hand draw her close. Startled, she froze and opened her eyes.
She still wasn’t used to their new sleeping arrangement.
“Sleep, Little one. You have school tomorrow,” Shawn murmured huskily, his eyes shut.
Mia gazed at him for a moment before softly muttering, “Happy Birthday, Hubby.”
At the sound of this, Shawn opened his eyes, focusing on her face. Without hesitation, he leaned in and passionately kissed her.
—–
The next morning, as Mia descended the stairs for breakfast, she was delighted to find the mansion alive with activity. Everyone was back and it was a stark contrast to the quiet atmosphere of the previous day.
Settling into her seat at the dining table, her grin stretched from ear to ear. Shortly after, Shawn entered the dining area, looking notably better than the day before, with a slightly softened aura.
As he took his place opposite her, Mia’s smile grew sweeter, prompting a quick, warm smile from Shawn.
After they finished breakfast, the couple left the house, each going their separate ways, with Mia being the first to depart.
Before the CEO left, as he reached the entrance, he halted, turning to face Madam Susan. “There are only a few packs of instant noodles left in the kitchen. Please buy some more,” he instructed before swiftly striding out of the mansion.
Madam Susan stood speechless, uncertain if she had heard the Young Master correctly. When did he develop a fondness for instant noodles? And how was he aware…
Ah, that explained it. Last week, Madam Susan had noticed a significant decline in the noodle supply. It must have been the Young Master’s doing. People do change, indeed.
Nevertheless, the entire mansion was relieved to see the Young Master in good spirits that morning. They were delighted to witness him moving about as though nothing had occurred.
Everyone knew what day it was the previous day… They couldn’t be more happy to see he had bounced back.
—
When CEO Shawn arrived at Beats Corporations Headquarters…