Shopping (Part 1)

"Really, Dom? You're not going to work today?"

Alexa exclaimed happily when Dominic finished telling her that he was taking a day off after being forced to go back to work for two weeks in a row. Alexa is still too awkward to talk to Rika again, and she has never been friendly with the other servants in her house. Dominic's presence at home clearly makes her happy. At least she can have friends to chat happily with when her husband is at home to accompany her.

"Yesterday, I came home late because I wanted at least one day to be with you. You know, I have lots of activities that I want to spend with you today."

While changing his clothes, Dominic explained. Alexa raised an eyebrow in confusion when she heard Dominic's words. "Activities?" she repeated. Dominic nodded. He approached Alexa after he finished putting on a short black collared t-shirt and long jeans on her athletic body.

"Yesterday, I asked Rika to empty a room next to ours for our child's room. That room is still empty. I want us to shop for things that will fill that room today, Baby," Dominic explained. The man took the initiative to kiss Alexa's forehead briefly when the woman frowned slightly after hearing his explanation.

"Don't you think this is too fast, Dom? He's only a month old. We don't even know the gender yet," Alexa asked. Dominic smiled slightly as the man walked again to open the drawer of his collection of watches.

"It's okay, Baby. We only need to buy things whose colors and styles can be worn by both baby girls and boys. We will also buy baby equipment that has nothing to do with gender. So it doesn't matter, even if the baby is only one month old...."

Alexa shook her head slowly when Dominic started making excuses again. She knew Dominic was just too excited about her pregnancy. That was proven by how patient Dominic is in helping Alexa with various things at night even though he has just come home from work and is tired.

"The baby will be the child you spoil later," guessed Alexa. Dominic smiled as he bent his knees to match Alexa's stomach.

"Of course. I will pamper our child like I pamper you now. If our child were a man, I would be with him like a friend and help him in his joys and sorrows. And if our child were born as a girl, I would make her our little princess who never lacks affection throughout her life as long as I'm still alive," Dominic promised. Alexa smiled at that confession. She couldn't imagine how much her husband was looking forward to the birth of their child.

"And I'm sure our baby will be a child who loves his parents, Dom," Alexa replied softly. Dominic nodded slightly. He kissed Alexa's stomach before standing up to look at his wife's beautiful face.

"So, we're going shopping, aren't we?" Dominic asked to confirm. Alexa nodded in approval. "Wait for me to get ready then," she said before going into the bathroom, leaving Dominic to be busy with his cell phone for a moment after the sound of the shower filled the silence in the spacious room.

***

"You called them?"

Alexa asked Dominic when her eyes caught the figure of Jasper and Flora relaxing in the living room of their house. Dominic nodded in reply. "I asked them to come to our house to replace Rika's job of looking after you starting today. You still can't forgive Rika, right? The other servants said you didn't want to speak a word to her for the past two weeks," said Dominic, which made Alexa speechless.

Alexa thought Dominic, who had been busy all this time, wouldn't notice. She didn't hate Rika for what she did at that time. Rika has even apologized to her, so there is no longer any reason for Alexa to continue to hate the girl like now.

However, compared to her annoyance, Alexa was more embarrassed if she had to talk to Rika again. Rika still served her as usual, but the thought that Rika was always paying attention to her even when they were doing bed activities made Alexa embarrassed to the point where she felt awkward every time she saw Rika's face.

However, Dominic seems to have misinterpreted his silence towards Rika as a sign that she still hasn't forgiven the girl. Dominic even intends to replace Rika with Flora and Jasper, who were previously tasked with personally accompanying him everywhere.

Now Alexa feels bad. After all, Rika was the first person close to her when she woke up.

"You... There's no need to change her with her siblings, Dom. I'm comfortable with her, and I don't want you to work without an escort if you ask Flora and Jasper to stay home with me. You'll be in more danger than I am. At least no one dares to hurt me or try to harm me in our home,"

Dominic smiled with satisfaction when Alexa tried to find reasons for Rika to stay with her. His big hand gently ruffled Alexa's hair. "Well, if you think so," he replied with relief.

With Dominic's help, Alexa was finally able to climb down the stairs comfortably.

Sensing Dominic's presence, Flora and Jasper, who were originally arguing, immediately turned around. They approached the two with smiles on their lips.

"Morning Boss, Madam. You're going out today, right? Let us look after you. Jasper can even be used as a carrier if you want," said Flora half-jokingly. Jasper glared at her sharply before his gaze shifted to Dominic, who only shook his head slightly at Flora's words.

"Um... Morning Boss," said Jasper briefly. He was afraid that Dominic would get angry again today, but Dominic's calm nod was the answer he received today.

Jasper secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Now, he knew his boss was in a good mood.

"Dom, shall we have breakfast at home or later on the trip?" Alexa asked out of curiosity. Dominic turned to her, smiling a little as his hand led Alexa to the dining room.