Chapter 4

"I... I'm kinda wiped out today. Not really feeling up to it," Noah mumbled, his eyes darting away from mine, clearly avoiding eye contact.

"Come on, just keep me company, okay?" I walked over, grabbed his arm, and gave it a playful shake, my voice making it clear he didn't really have a choice.

"It's my first time going, and I have no clue how to use most of the machines. I'll feel way safer with you there. Chop-chop, go get changed!"

After all my pestering, he finally caved. Reluctantly, he stood up and went to the bedroom to change. The whole way, he stayed quiet, not at all like his usual pumped-up self when he was off to the gym.

When we walked into the gym, Serena was already there waiting for us.

She gave me a professional smile, but the moment she noticed Noah coming in behind me, her smile stiffened instantly.

"Hi, Ms. Gill," I said, reaching out my hand.

"H-Hi," Serena said awkwardly, her eyes flicking nervously between Noah and me, clearly unsure how to react.

"This is my husband, Noah," I said, pulling him closer and looping my arm through his. "He's a regular here, so from now on, we'll both be counting on you."

Noah looked absolutely miserable, like he was about to cry, and managed to squeeze out a shaky, "Uh... Hi, Ms. Gill."

"Alright, let's get started," I said, grabbing Serena and pulling her toward the warm-up area, leaving Noah awkwardly stranded behind.

As I jogged on the treadmill, I turned to Serena next to me and said loudly, "Ms. Gill, I owe you a thank you."

"Huh? Thank me for what?" Serena replied, sounding distracted. Her eyes kept drifting over to Noah, who was lingering nearby.

"Thanks for turning my husband into such a great guy!" I said with all sincerity.

"He loved drinking soda. No matter how much I nagged, he wouldn't quit. But lately, he's suddenly stopped, saying it's bad for him. Now he's all about working out, and he's even gotten hooked on cheesy romance shows. He becomes healthy and upbeat. I bet it is all your doing, huh?"

Serena's face turned red, sweat popping out on her forehead. Even her coaching started to sound super stiff.

Meanwhile, Noah was standing off to the side, looking like he'd just been hit by a truck. He kept his head down, pretending to scroll through his phone, but his white-knuckled fists and clenched jaw totally gave away how much he was freaking out inside.

After that day, Noah never mentioned the gym again, and even ditched the romance show he used to binge.

Every day at home, he'd either stare blankly at his phone or just sit there in silence, shooting me these complicated, unreadable looks.

As for me, I acted like nothing had happened. I went to work, came home, and treated him just like always.

But the more I acted normally, the more anxious he got.

Before I knew it, our second wedding anniversary was here, and it just happened to fall on a holiday.

Just like I'd planned, I headed to the supermarket bright and early and came back with two huge bags stuffed with groceries.

Noah was up early too, cleaning the house and decorating the living room. He even bought a massive bouquet of my favorite champagne roses, and the whole place reeked of romance. But honestly, it all felt a little forced.

By evening, his parents, my folks, and a bunch of our mutual friends started showing up one after another.

Noah was on his best behavior at dinner, pouring drinks for the elders, making sure my friends had plenty to eat, and sharing sweet stories from when we were dating.

Seeing him so busy taking care of everyone, my parents' expressions softened noticeably.

Everyone had a few drinks and stuffed themselves with food, and the party was in full swing. Noah stood up with his glass, cleared his throat, and gave me an affectionate look.

He said, "Honey, today's our second wedding anniversary. Thanks for being by my side through these past eight years together. I know I've messed up a bunch, but I swear I'll do better. I'll spend my whole life loving you and making you happy..."

He was still pouring his heart out, but our friends were already starting to stir things up.

"Kiss! Kiss!"

"Don't just talk. Show us!"

Noah wore his best smile, set his glass down, and walked over to me, looking like he was about to put on a romantic show for everyone.

"Wait." I cut in.

The room instantly went quiet, and all eyes turned to me.

"Before you kiss me," I said, getting up slowly with a smile, looking at Noah and then at everyone else.

"I've got something I want to share with everyone too, to leave a special memory for our anniversary."

I cast my phone screen onto the big TV.

"These are some videos I took recently. Let's check them out together," I said, smiling.

Then I hit play.