A Dinner To Remember 1

Just the Sophia's phone rang, Raphael, her husband was on the line. "Honey," Sophia said, signalling Ms Johnson to leave.

"Sweetie, how is your day going?" Came the romantic voice from the line.

"A little bit hectic but it's okay, and yours?" Sophia turned to face the window.

"Fine, fine, I called to check up on you, I have been busy since morning and right now, I need to recharge and a hug from my lovely wife would be more than enough," Raphael's voice sounded more romantic.

Sophia's expression softened, her gaze drifting out the window as she listened to her husband's charming words. "Aww, that sounds lovely," she replied, her voice gentle. "I miss you. But I'm in the middle of something important right now. Can we catch up later?" She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly as she listened to his response.

"Is everything okay?" Raphael's voice showed concern.

"Yes, everything's fine. Just a bit of a crisis at work. I'll fill you in later." Her tone was reassuring, but her mind was already racing back to the crisis at hand, her thoughts consumed by the image of Lyra on Ms. Johnson's phone.

"Hello, Sophia honey, um... can we go on a dinner date tonight?" Raphael inquired.

Sophia's eyes snapped back into focus, her mind torn between the looming crisis and her husband's inviting request. "Dinner... tonight?" she repeated, her voice hesitant. "Raphael, I don't know... I have a lot on my plate right now." She paused, weighing her priorities. "But... I need a break. Yeah, dinner sounds lovely. What time were you thinking?" Her tone was warm, but her mind was already racing.

"7 pm, at that new Italian place you've been wanting to try," Raphael replied, his enthusiasm evident. "And don't worry, I know you're busy, but I promise it'll be a night to remember.

Sophia's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of the Italian place, she has always wanted to try their food, "sure, I love that."

"Great, I'll pick you up at 7," Raphael said, his voice filled with excitement. "And, Sophia?"

"Yes?" she replied, her thoughts already drifting back to the crisis at hand. "Wear something special. I have a surprise for you." Sophia's heart skipped a beat, her mind racing with possibilities. "I love you," Raphael added, his voice filled with romance.

"I love you too," Sophia replied, her voice distracted, her eyes fixed on the window, her thoughts a thousand miles away.

The call ended and Sophia stared at her phone, would she go for a dinner date when there's more important matter to handle? But what has her secret got to do with her husband, Raphael?

Sophia's eyes lingered on the phone, her mind torn between her loyalty to her husband and the secrets she kept from him. She felt a pang of guilt, knowing that Raphael was oblivious to the storm brewing in her life, and the secrets that threatened to destroy everything she had built.

She wondered if she could truly leave it all behind for a few hours, or if the weight of her secrets would suffocate her, even in Raphael's loving embrace. The sound of Ms. Johnson clearing her throat broke the silence, snapping Sophia back to reality. She knew she had to make a choice, but which path would she choose?

Sophia surprised turned, "I thought I asked you to leave?"

"Well I almost did, but I have an idea, that we both visit that restaurant tonight," Ms Johnson replied.

"I have a date with my husband and I think I will do that, how about we reschedule?" Sophia asked.

Ms. Johnson's expression softened, and she nodded. "Very well, Sophia. I understand. Let's reschedule for tomorrow afternoon, then." Sophia breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the reprieve.

"Thank you, Ms. Johnson. I appreciate it." With the crisis temporarily averted, Sophia's mind turned to her dinner plans with Raphael. "I'll get ready for our date, then," she said, a hint of excitement creeping into her voice.

"What is the dress code for this place?" she asked herself, already envisioning a romantic evening with her husband, "and what could the surprise be?"

Sophia gathered her things and headed home, eager to get ready for her dinner date with Raphael. She had agreed to reschedule with Ms. Johnson for the next day, and was grateful to have the rest of the evening free to focus on her husband.

As she arrived home, she took a deep breath, pushing aside the stress of the day. She spent the next few hours getting ready, trying on different dresses and doing her hair and makeup. She wanted to look perfect for Raphael, to show him that despite the chaos in her life, she was still the same woman he loved. As she finished getting ready, she heard the doorbell ring, and her heart skipped a beat. Raphael was here, and she was ready to forget about everything else and just be with him.