George smirked, his arms casually wrapped around his newlywed wife as they sat together on their honeymoon. The soft glow of the moon illuminated Eliana’s slightly pouting face as she playfully narrowed her eyes at him.
“You’re really sneaky, aren’t you, Mister Schemer?” she huffed, crossing her arms. “How do you always seem to know exactly when things happen with my body?”
George chuckled, resting his chin on her shoulder. “What can I say, my little firecracker? I just have a talent for reading between the lines.”
Eliana rolled her eyes. “Reading between the lines, my foot. You even managed to schedule our wedding perfectly so that our honeymoon and, well… soon to come will align with our vacation.”
Her cheeks burned at the implication, but George only grinned, tapping her nose playfully. “Of course! That way, you won’t have to worry about school, and I can take care of you properly.”
Eliana huffed again, but deep down, she was touched. He had thought of everything—even the smallest details.
However, reality soon proved that even George, the master planner, was not ready for the chaotic storm that was pregnant Eliana in school.
First Struggle: The Craving Crisis
One afternoon, George was sitting in the library, focused on reviewing business case studies, when his phone buzzed.
Fiery Wife: I need taho. Now. From the vendor near the school’s back gate. With extra arnibal. And the tofu must be soft like clouds.
George glanced at the time. It was almost 5 p.m.—the vendor could be gone any second. He bolted from his seat, sprinted down the hall, nearly ran over a professor, and made it just as the vendor was packing up.
“Wait! One taho, please! Extra arnibal! Soft tofu—cloud-level softness!”
The vendor blinked at him, confused. “Uh, sure?”
George rushed back, panting, only to find Eliana sulking. “Why did it take so long? I’m already craving something else.”
George nearly lost his mind.
Second Struggle: The Mood Swing Maze
One day, during a lecture, George glanced at Eliana, only to see tears welling in her eyes. Alarmed, he immediately leaned over. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling sick?”
Eliana sniffled. “I just remembered that one scene in a drama where the guy built a whole bookstore for the girl because she loved books, and then he—he—”
She burst into full-on sobbing.
The entire class turned to look at them. The professor paused mid-sentence.
George awkwardly patted her head, whispering, “Uh… it’s okay? Do you want me to build you a bookstore, too?”
Her eyes suddenly brightened. “Really?”
“…I mean—”
She gripped his arm. “You promised!”
George realized he had just dug his own grave.
Third Struggle: The Protective Instinct
During PE class, the instructor announced a simple stretching routine. But before George could even attempt a basic stretch, Eliana grabbed his wrist.
“No.”
George blinked. “What?”
“You can’t.”
“It’s just stretching—”
“You. Can’t.” Her grip tightened. “What if you pull a muscle? What if you get injured? What if your back hurts and you can’t support me anymore?”
“…El, I used to do hardcore training every morning.”
“Not anymore. You’re mine now, and I forbid you from unnecessary risks.”
George stared at his classmates, who were now stifling laughter. He sighed in defeat. “Yes, dear.”
Thus, the once-feared villain of the novel world was now a doting husband, sprinting across campus for cravings, making impossible promises, and getting forbidden from doing push-ups—all for the love of his little firecracker.
George strolled through the bustling mall, his sharp eyes scanning the storefronts as he casually adjusted the cuff of his tailored blazer. It wasn’t often that he had the time to enjoy a leisurely walk like this, but today, everything felt different. He wasn’t just passing through—he was seeing his hard work come to life.
The mall’s high-end boutiques, the steady stream of customers, the way people casually admired the newly renovated areas—he had a hand in all of it. The success of his latest project, a major commercial development deal, had not only boosted his reputation but also given him the financial freedom to ensure a stable future for himself and Eliana.
His phone vibrated in his pocket. With a smirk, he pulled it out, already knowing who it was.
Mom: We just landed in Switzerland! Your father says hello. Don’t work too hard.
George chuckled to himself. Ever since the success of his investment, his parents had been living the life they never had time for before—traveling, experiencing the world, enjoying the wealth they had once only dreamed of.
He typed back quickly. Enjoy your trip. Try not to buy the entire country.
Shoving his phone back into his pocket, he exhaled, feeling a rare moment of peace. Everything was finally falling into place. His career was soaring, his parents were happy, and now, all that was left was waiting for the next chapter of his life to begin—with Eliana by his side.
And as if fate had heard his thoughts, his phone buzzed again. This time, it was her.
A grin played on his lips as he answered, his voice warm and teasing. “Miss me already, firecracker?”