The Heir

chapter 22

VICTORIA was hugging him when he woke up that morning. She was still sleeping, and Maximilian did not have the heart to wake her up, though he knew that she has to go to work early. He carefully removed her arm and tucked her under the blanket before getting off the bed.

Just like the usual, Maximilian prepared breakfast for his wife.

He was setting up the table when Victoria appeared in the kitchen. She was dressed in her night robe, with its ties slightly loose.

“Stop leaning on the wall and sit here,” he said as he pulled a chair for her. But instead of sitting, Victoria went behind him and hugged him from there. “What is this for?” Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

“Do I really need to have a reason to do this?” Victoria sounded like a kid. “I just want to hug you.”

Maximilian laughed at that. He removed her arms and turned to face her.

“I think I know why you are acting cheesy.” He cupped her face. “It’s because our wedding anniversary is approaching.”

Victoria just grinned. His wife never asked for anything on their special day. She would just stay with him all day and spend it the way she wanted it to be spent. Last year, they stayed at home and cuddled all day as they talked about the things they want to achieve in life in the future. She was always full of dreams. But this year, Maximilian has a different plan. He wanted to give his wife the best now that he can afford anything.

“But before we plan for our wedding anniversary celebration, we should prepare ourselves for the upcoming banquet first.” Victoria sat down.

And so did he.

“Yes, you’re right.” Maximilian nodded agreeably.

“So, I am planning to visit the modiste today for my dress. You should come with me so we can buy a suit for you.”

“Suit again?” He scratched his head. “Didn’t you buy me a new suit last time when we attended your grandmother’s birthday banquet—”

“Max, you know that I am doing this for your sake, right?” Victoria reached for his hand and gently pressed it. “A lot of bigwigs will be present at the banquet.” His wife sighed. “It’s not that I am ashamed of who you are. It’s just that I don’t want my family to—”

“We cannot stop your family, though. No matter how I look and what I wear, they will always find a way to humiliate me whenever they want.”

“I’m sorry—”

“You don’t have to be sorry. It’s not your fault, anyway.” Maximilian smiled. “You know what, we should cut the drama now, my dear wife. It will only make us lose our appetite. And that is quite bad because I prepared a lot.”

Victoria briskly shook her head and smiled back at him.

“You know what, you were right, dear husband.”

They both laughed and ate their breakfast in peace.

RIGHT after breakfast, they went to his wife’s favorite modiste in town. Victoria was busy choosing the fabric and design for her dress while Maximilian was sitting pretty on the couch, scanning through his cellphone. He was searching for a wedding anniversary gift that would fit Victoria when his wife suddenly called him.

“Max, are you with us?”

“Hm?” He unlocked his phone and pocketed it. Maximilian stood up and sauntered towards Victoria. “What is it again?”

“Victoria was asking if the floral pattern looks good on her.” Jen, the modiste, smiled at him.

He caressed Victoria’s cheek with the back of his hand. “Of course, anything will look good on you because you are beautiful.”

“Ah… that was sweet.” Jen clasped her hands and sighed dreamily.

Victoria’s cheeks blushed. She cleared her throat afterward and turned to the modiste. “You still have my measurements from the last time, right?”

“Oh, yes. But I think I should retake your measurements. Didn’t you tell me that the dress I made you on your grandmother’s birthday banquet seemed to be a little fitted on you?” Jen grabbed a pen and a piece of paper. “It looks like someone is good at taking care of you,” she teased.

“Well…” Maximilian smiled proudly.

The two were in the middle of taking Victoria’s measurements when his wife suddenly got a phone call.

“Max, there is something I need to do in the office. I’m afraid I couldn’t go with you to help you choose your suit for the banquet—”

“It’s okay. I can manage. You should head to the office after this.”

“Max, promise me that you will buy a new suit.” Victoria looked at him sternly.

Maximilian raised a hand. “I promise.”

“Great.” His wife smiled at him.