Chapter 1: ROZA
Today was their anniversary. They had been together for ten years and her love for Martin felt just as strong as when she had met him for the first time. Passion was something that was always strong between them. They weren't the couple that had ebbs and flows in our sex life. The longer they were together the more she felt like a horny school girl who fucked like rabbits. Of course, they had their differences and their clashing of personalities. They were a far cry from a perfect couple considering all their fights and differences of opinions, yet, despite all that, they still loved each other deeply.
She had run all over the center trying to gather everything for a lovely evening together. Martin was a classy but handy man who enjoyed solving problems outdoors. He ran a boating and trucking company that did well for itself. He enjoyed tinkering with his vehicles one second and a nice steak dinner with a glass of red wine the next. Roza knew she wanted to get everything ready for dinner and had even popped to a shop to get some candles for some ambiance.
As Roza collapsed in the kitchen with an armload of groceries her cats came to greet her. She smiled at them as they pranced around her feet. She got them their dinner and then moved to the kitchen to begin to clean it from the mess of Martin's breakfast. After cleaning the kitchen she popped open one of the bottles of wine she had got and started to cook the steak and side dishes.
She knew Martin should be home around 7pm. She texted him asking if that time was still correct but when she didn't get a reply she wondered if he would be late or on time. She poured herself some more wine, fretting about the situation. She was a particular lady and she had grown up in a house that always had dinners together so that meant the food was hot when served. Her perfectionist side was coming out and she knew it.
She decided to cook the meal and keep it hot in the oven as best she could. As the time passed during her prep work she noticed that 7pm had long since passed. She was glad she hadn't been so bold to cook the steak right away and poured herself another glass of wine.
It was moments like these that she felt lonely. Martin was a thoughtful and caring partner but he had work that demanded a lot from him. She supported him in his career goals and often attended his events to help him network as he had anxiety speaking to new people.
Suddenly, the door opened and she turned joyfully to see Martin enter the flat.... with his business partner.
She forced a smile on her face, "Oh! Hello Martin and Ivan. Welcome.."
Martin shot her an apologetic look and then paused when he saw the candles and steak.
"What?" he mouthed to her in surprise.
But she shrugged in reply and grabbed Ivan's coat, "here! Let me take that from you. Won't you stay for dinner?"
Ivan nodded gratefully. He had been working with Martin for many years but had been single the whole time. She knew how he appreciated a home cooked meal. She added an extra plate at the table and gave an internal praise of thanks that she had cooked three steaks just in case Martin had come home extra hungry. The three of them ate dinner and chatted mostly about Martin and Ivans' work. Finally, after Roza pulled out the pistachio cake and lemon ice cream she had prepared for dessert Ivan and Martin said good night. Ivan cast Martin an envious glance before closing the door and heading on his way.
Martin grabbed Roza by her wrist and pulled her close to him. He kissed her forehead and then her neck. Then he whispered in her ear, "thank you,"
Roza smiled at him but it didn't diminish the hints of sadness that edged its way into her heart. She knew that he wasn't the type of person who celebrated anniversaries or even special days on the calendar but it didn't change the emotional response she had to feeling let down when the event didn't go as planned. She wondered if this was just something she needed to suck up and get over.