novelraw Chapter 53: Chocolate
Chapter 53: Chocolate
Chapter 53: ChocolateSarah
Once I get home, I go to look for Marishka in the kitchen.
She is already there, her back turned as she instructs our live-in maid to gather the ingredients.
"What are you making tonight, Marishka?" I ask. I never intended Marishka to cook for us, too, and I wanted to hire a cook, but Marishka insisted on feeding us herself. Not that I mind. Her cooking is the best!
Marishka turns, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Stuffed bell peppers with rice and ground beef. And I made a pot of borscht for tomorrow."
I grin, stepping closer. "You spoil us, you know that?"
She waves a hand dismissively. "Nonsense. Cooking keeps me busy. Besides, I like knowing you’re eating well."
The maid quietly continues gathering ingredients as I lean against the counter. "I need to tell you about something."
Marishka wipes her hands on a towel and turns her full attention to me. "What is it, Sweetheart?"
I take a deep breath. "I should’ve told you this first since you are like a mother to me, but...I don’t know..."
Marishka comes closer and places her hand on mine. "It’s okay, sweetie. Just tell me what’s wrong."
"Nothing is wrong. I am...I am pregnant, Marishka," I say and exhale slowly.
Marishka’s eyes widen, and for a moment, she just stares at me. Then, her expression lightens.
"Oh, my sweet girl," she murmurs, squeezing my hands. "You’re having a baby."
I nod, my throat tightening. "Yes. And I’m scared."
Marishka’s gaze
I nod, absorbing her words. "That sounds... lonely."
She smiles faintly. "Perhaps. But loneliness is not the worst thing. I have had joy, too. Watching you grow, taking care of you—it has given me purpose."
I bite my lip. "You deserve more than just purpose, Marishka. You deserve love, too."
Marishka chuckles, shaking her head. "Love comes in many forms, sweetheart. I may not have had children of my own, but I have you. And soon, your baby. That is love enough for me."
Her words wrap around me like a warm embrace. I wish I wish Matthew could love me too and not refuse to see this baby as something worth celebrating.
"Now, what kind of cheesecake do you want?" Marishka asks.
I smile, pushing aside my thoughts for the moment. "Hmm... classic New York-style with strawberry topping."
Marishka grins. "Good choice. And Matthew’s favorite?"
I hesitate, my fingers curling against the counter. "I... I don’t actually know."
Marishka tuts, shaking her head. "A shame! A wife should know such things."
I let out a hollow laugh. "I don’t think he considers me his wife, Marishka."
She stops mid-motion, her gaze locking onto mine. "Nonsense. You carry his child. You are his wife. What a ridiculous thing to say!"
I press my lips together, unsure how to respond. "Yeah, you are right. I am being silly. He should be home right about now. I will ask him."
Marishka nods approvingly, returning to her cooking. "Good girl. Communication is key. Even with the most stubborn of men."
I force a small smile, though uncertainty twists inside me.
As I push away from the counter, I take a steadying breath. The sound of the front door opening startles me, and my pulse quickens.
Matthew is home.
Marishka glances at me and winks. "Go on, then. Greet your husband."
I nod and step into the hallway, where Matthew is shrugging off his coat. He looks up at me.
I clear my throat, trying to keep my voice steady. "Matthew... do you like cheesecake?"
He raises an eyebrow, caught off guard. "Cheesecake?"
I nod. "Marishka is making some. She wanted to know your favorite kind."
He exhales, running a hand through his hair. "I don’t know. I guess... chocolate?"
I blink. "Chocolate?"
He shrugs. "Yeah. Why?"
I shake my head quickly. "No reason. Just... wanted to know."
He studies me for a moment, as if trying to figure out why I’m asking such a random question. Then, without another word, he turns toward the stairs.
I swallow the lump in my throat, watching him go. He didn’t ask how my day was. Didn’t ask about the baby.
I let Marishka know and head to the bedroom to see him.