We Are Not Getting Remarried: Show Yourself Out

Gareth's pause caught the attention of a nearby salesperson who saw an opportunity. Assuming a friendly demeanor, the salesperson approached him and asked, "Are you shopping for your girlfriend, sir?"

After a moment, Gareth shook his head and responded, "No, it's for my wife."

The salesperson smiled and quipped, "Your wife must've felt pretty lucky to have you."

Gareth didn't respond, and the vibe in the air got a little awkward.

The salesperson didn't give up, keeping his pitch alive, "You should check out these everyday items. They can really jazz up a couple's happiness game. Just picture it— soft morning light caressing her face as you stand by the bathroom sink, squeezing toothpaste for her..."

Unexpectedly, the salesperson's words resonated with Gareth. When he reached the checkout, the top of his shopping cart was loaded with items crafted for couples.

Once he got home, he unpacked his purchases and headed to the kitchen, rolling his sleeves to start dinner. Time ticked from five o'clock to seven, causing the food to shift between piping hot and cooling down.

Gareth patiently waited, watching as the sun gradually dipped below the horizon. Finally, the door opened around fifteen minutes past seven in the evening, revealing Elisa's presence.

Standing in the doorway, Elisa and Gareth shared a gaze from across the room.

With a hint of bashfulness, Elisa admitted, "I'm sorry, something unexpected cropped up at work. I asked earlier if you were in a rush, and you said you weren't, so I took a bit longer."

Gareth didn't respond. Instead, he looked at Elisa, his expression pensive.

He pondered whether Elisa had somehow sensed his intention and intentionally stayed away or if her delay was work-related and coincidental.

However, whatever the reason might have been, he wasn't upset. He didn't have the right to be. After all, the outcome would always be in his favor, no matter how the situation unfolded.

At the very least, he had the joy of seeing Elisa.

Yet, during countless isolated nights in their past, Elisa had been the one left waiting, only to feel let down as he failed to appear.

"No worries. Just wash up, and we can dig in. I'll reheat the food," Gareth stated, getting to his feet and carrying the plates to the kitchen.

Elisa gave an acknowledging nod, trailing him into the spacious kitchen.

Amidst the quiet sound of running water, neither spoke, creating an undercurrent of unease.

Elisa's gaze drifted to the candles and decorations adorning the dining table. The presence of red wine and balloons hinted at this being more than just an average dinner. She had anticipated the day's significance earlier when she glanced at the date on her phone.

However, she hadn't purposely evaded it. It was simply that, after their divorce, she had made the conscious choice to prioritize a meeting over celebrating their wedding anniversary.