His Untold Lies

Chapter 37 Role

KIA

While being married to Ares brought me happiness, I remained somewhat oblivious to the deeper meaning of marriage beyond our shared love and commitment. I grappled with certain expectations and wondered about our roles as husband and wife. What did it truly mean to "be a wife"? Then it dawned on me: being a wife could be defined in any way I chose.

Although societal norms occasionally puzzled me, I was confident that Ares and I would shape our marriage as we journeyed through life together. Questions arose: Would we open a joint bank account? Purchase a home? Perhaps even consider adopting a child? Yet, our union had only spanned two years, and now four months had elapsed.

On this particular evening, as we enjoyed chicken adobo, I paused mid-meal, setting my spoon and fork aside, and gazed at him across the table.

"You know, this is absolutely lovely, but you don't have to do this every time," I remarked. "It's not something I'd ever expect. I can always heat up a frozen pizza or cook for us as well."

"What do you mean?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Don't you see? You're always the one cooking for us, even though you weren't initially keen on it, but you made an effort to learn, and now here you are. I truly appreciate all the meals you prepare, but I believe it's my responsibility to take on that role..."

"Hon, I did it because I wanted to. I wanted to cook for you every day and every night. I want to see you happy every time you taste the food I've prepared. You warm my heart," he explained.

I could see the sincerity in his eyes. After experiencing trauma in my life, I had specific expectations for a relationship and a partner. Loyalty and respect ranked at the top. A relationship built on unwavering loyalty and mutual respect was what I sought. I never wanted to feel like a second choice or not good enough for my partner, just as I wouldn't want my partner to feel that way. Fortunately, since marrying Ares, I had never experienced those feelings. But I still wanted to be a good wife for him and show him that I could fulfill traditional wifely duties.

"But you've already done so much for this marriage. You provide for our home. I can't rely on you for everything. I'm your wife, your partner. Yet, I feel like I'm not contributing enough as your wife."

"Hon, I'm happy to do this for you. But if you want to take over the cooking, by all means, you can. I'll let you lead in our home. But you should know, you're already a wonderful wife, the perfect one for me. I prayed to God for a woman like you, and luckily, He gave me you! So, these are just small things I do to make the person God has blessed me with happy."

"Really?" I inquired. He responded with a smile and a nod. "From now on, I'll handle the responsibilities of a wife. You already work hard for us, and you come home tired from work. I can't just burden you with chores or cooking. I'll be the one preparing our meals from now on!"

"Alright! That sounds exciting, hon. I can't wait to savor the first meal you prepare for us!" he exclaimed, his happiness evident.

"By the way, how's work? I've heard some rumors that your company has many rivals in the industry. What's going on?"

He seemed surprised by my question and stared at me. "Everything's fine! Yes, in business, you can't avoid having competitors, but Vueravista Company is handling it well."

"How long have you been working there?"

"Uh... Almost six years?"

"Six years? So, you mean you started working at Vueravista while you were still studying? How did that happen?"

"Uhm... The former CEO of the company offered me a scholarship to study, and he must have seen potential in me, which is why he hired me. But I didn't begin in a secretary role..."

I nodded as I listened to him. He appeared to be an exceptionally bright individual, and the former CEO had clearly recognized his potential.

"Do you have work tomorrow?" I inquired.

He was still chewing his food when he responded with a nod. He quickly swallowed and readied himself to answer my question, saying, "Yes, I do have work. We're actually quite busy, so I won't be able to have lunch with you tomorrow, but I promise I'll make it up to you at dinner-"

"Oh, that's okay! ...How about I bring you lunch tomorrow?" I suggested.

I collected myself before speaking, but he appeared taken aback by my suggestion. His eyes widened, and it seemed like he hadn't expected me to say that.

"Are you alright?" I asked with concern as he paused for about a minute.

A sudden coughing fit indicated that he had choked on his food. I hurriedly got up and handed him a glass of water.

"Take it easy... Are you alright?"

"Yes-yes! I'm fine. Thank you, hon! I just didn't expect that question from you..."

"Ah, I see... Just let me know when you're ready to introduce me to your colleagues-"

"Hon, it's not like that. I just... I just... Argh!" He bent down, clutching his head.

"Don't worry, hon. It's alright! I understand that these things can be challenging. It's not a big deal-"

"You can come!" he suddenly declared.

"What?"

He stood up and held my hand, locking eyes with me. "I'm proud to have you as my wife. Of course, you can visit the office whenever you like. Just give me a heads-up because sometimes my workload gets overwhelming, and I can't entertain visitors during those times."

"Really? Sure, I'll let you know in advance! Oh, are you busy tomorrow? If you are, I can just leave your lunch with the security guard," I suggested.

"That's a great idea! We'll see if I'm busy tomorrow or not."

After we finished our meal, I took care of the dishes. Since I didn't have class the next day and he had work, I encouraged him to rest. Ares made me realize that an ideal partner could possess a diverse set of qualities, and contentment was also essential for a healthy relationship. I hoped that Ares would never repeat the mistakes my ex had made.

---

ARES

As I entered our room, I immediately reached for my phone. Kianna was still in the kitchen washing the dishes. I had offered to help, but she insisted on doing it herself.

* ringing * ringing * ringing *

[Hello, boss?]

"Why did you take so long to answer?!"

[S-sorry, boss! I was lost in thought when you called...]

"Alright. Tomorrow, I want you to act as the CEO of the company. My wife will be joining me for lunch, and she doesn't know that I am the CEO of Vueravista Company."

[What?! How?! Why?!]

"Hush! Just follow my instructions. Pretend to be the CEO, and ensure that she doesn't see anything with my name on it. Got it?"

[Understood, boss. I have one question. Can I do it tomorrow, boss-]

"Do it now!"

"Yes, boss!"