Chapter 4

The next morning…

Gloria woke up to the sound of her alarm, feeling refreshed after a night of sweet dreams in which Samson played a prominent role. She turned off the alarm, stretched lazily, and took a few moments to check her messages on her phone. After responding to a few notifications, she got up and headed to the bathroom.

The bathroom was bathed in natural light, with the window letting in the first rays of the sun. Gloria undressed and stepped into the shower. The warm water running over her skin gently woke her up, with each drop seeming to carry away the remnants of the previous night. She used her favorite shower gel, a blend of lavender and vanilla, which left a soothing fragrance in the air. Her movements were slow and methodical, each gesture reflecting a well-established ritual to start her day on the right foot.

After rinsing off and drying herself, Gloria stood before the mirror and applied a moisturizing lotion, then took her time to care for her hair, styling it into soft natural curls. She picked a gorgeous dress for work, a creation in navy silk that accentuated her slender figure and glowing skin. She added a pair of discreet yet elegant earrings, a light makeup to accentuate her delicate features, and finally, a touch of floral perfume.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen…

Charlotte, Gloria’s sister, had already prepared breakfast. She had made fresh croissants that morning, and the enticing smell of the golden dough filled the house. As she was about to go take a shower, she heard the doorbell. Glancing out the window, she saw Jacob. She hurried to open the door, a warm smile on her lips.

— Good morning, Jacob, you're early today! Charlotte exclaimed as she opened the door.

— Good morning, Charlotte, yes, I wanted to make sure Gloria wouldn’t be late for work.

— Come in, come in. Gloria is almost ready, you can wait for her in the living room.

Jacob stepped inside and headed to the living room while Charlotte closed the door. She noticed that Jacob looked a little tired.

— Have you already had breakfast, Jacob? Charlotte asked.

— No, I didn’t have time. Between the traffic and coming to pick up Gloria, I didn’t manage to, he replied with a tired smile.

Without saying another word, Charlotte went to the dining room and returned with a tray containing a steaming cup of coffee and golden croissants.

— Oh Charlotte, you didn’t have to bother, Jacob said, touched by the gesture.

Charlotte smiled and replied reassuringly,

— You know very well it’s never a bother for me. After all, you're at home here. Hurry up and have this cup of coffee, and let me know what you think of my croissants, because I made them myself.

Jacob inhaled the air with satisfaction.

— They already smell great, and I know you're a great cook, so you already know my opinion about these wonderful croissants, he said, laughing.

Jacob started enjoying his breakfast, savoring each bite of the crispy croissant and every sip of the rich, aromatic coffee. Charlotte, happy to see Jacob relaxing, took the opportunity to go see her sister in her room.

In Gloria's room…

Charlotte gently knocked on Gloria's bedroom door before entering.

— Gloria, Jacob is here. He’s waiting for you in the living room, she said with a conspiratorial smile.

Gloria was adjusting the final details of her outfit in front of the mirror. She turned to her sister with a questioning smile on her face.

— Thanks, Charlotte. I’m almost ready. How do I look?

Charlotte laughed softly, admiring her sister.

— Beautiful as always! Don’t keep Jacob waiting too long, he looks a little nervous this morning. And don’t forget, you’re still having breakfast before you leave.

Gloria raised an eyebrow, puzzled.

— Nervous? Why? It’s he who thought it was a good idea to come pick me up, so why would he be nervous if he’s not even late?

Charlotte studied her sister for a moment before responding.

— You have a funny way of reacting to Jacob. It was just a joke. You know Jacob is always smiling. I even wonder if he ever gets upset.

Gloria sighed, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.

— Look, I really don’t have time this morning. Prepare me a few of your croissants to go. I have a lot to do at work, and at this time, I don’t think I’ll have time for breakfast before I leave.

— Okay, Charlotte replied, leaving the room to pack the croissants.

In the living room…

Jacob had finished his breakfast when Charlotte returned to the living room.

— Gloria is almost ready, she’ll join you soon, she said with a smile.

— Thanks, Charlotte. And thanks for breakfast. I really enjoyed the croissants.

— Glad you liked them, Charlotte replied, clearly flattered.

Jacob looked at her with interest.

— But tell me, why didn’t you open a bakery? Your croissants are really excellent.

Charlotte shrugged, a dreamy smile on her lips.

— I’d love to, but it’s a project that takes time and money.

— I understand. But who knows, maybe one day, Jacob replied with a wink.

Charlotte nodded and went to the kitchen to pack the croissants for Gloria.

Gloria finally arrived in the living room, ready for the day. She smiled when she saw Jacob.

— Good morning, Jacob, thanks for picking me up, she said, walking over to him.

Jacob stood up, a smile lighting up his tired face.

— Good morning, Gloria, you look stunning as always. Ready to go?

— Yes, let’s go, she replied, grabbing her bag.

Charlotte returned with the bag containing the croissants and handed it to Gloria.

— Thanks, Charlotte. See you later, Gloria said, heading for the door with Jacob.

They left and got into the car. During the drive, their conversation was light and pleasant.

— Jacob, really, thanks again for picking me up every morning. It’s really kind of you, Gloria said, turning her head toward him.

— It’s a pleasure for me, Gloria. I enjoy spending time with you before the day starts, Jacob replied sincerely.

A sudden silence fell, and Jacob, determined to follow through with his plan for a romantic evening to confess his feelings to Gloria, decided to break the silence.

— Gloria, do you have plans tonight? he asked with some nervousness.

— No, is there a problem? she replied, intrigued.

— Oh no, not at all. Actually, I wanted to surprise you last night.

— You mean the evening you wanted me to go with you last night…?

— Yes, Jacob continued. You know, because of my business trip, I couldn’t be there for your birthday. So, I wanted to make it up to you, and I reserved a table at Romatica, but…

— What? Romatica? The most upscale restaurant in the city? Gloria exclaimed, her eyes wide.

— Yes, I hope you won’t refuse me…, Jacob said, a hesitant smile on his lips.

— Is the invitation still open? she asked excitedly.

— Yes, Jacob confirmed.

— Then my answer is yes! You know I love surprises, and knowing you, I’m sure you’ll spoil me once we’re there.

Jacob smiled, relieved and happy with Gloria’s reaction, who still couldn’t believe he had planned such a surprise at such a prestigious place.

When they arrived at the office, Gloria gave Jacob one last look before getting out of the car, her heart light and her eyes sparkling with anticipation for the evening ahead.

— Have a good day, Jacob.

— You too, Gloria. See you tonight?

— Yes, of course, she replied with a smile before heading for the entrance of the building.

Jacob watched her walk away, his thoughts swirling between hope and uncertainty.

At Samson’s…

Meanwhile, Samson was also getting ready for his day. As he dressed, he couldn’t help but think about Gloria. He looked at himself in the mirror and said:

— Today is a new day, he told himself as he looked in the mirror. Let’s make it memorable.

A few hours later, during his lunch break, Gloria found herself with Samson at their usual restaurant. They had a good time together, chatting about everything and nothing, sharing some knowing laughs.

In the evening…

Back home in the evening, Gloria made sure to prepare herself well before Jacob’s arrival. She chose a long, sparkling emerald dress that captured the light spectacularly. Her hair was loose in soft curls, and she had opted for a bolder makeup look, with crimson lips and eyes highlighted with kohl.

Charlotte, already curious, didn’t take long to bombard Gloria with questions.

— Where are you going tonight, dressed like that? she asked with a mischievous smile.

— I’m going out with Jacob, Gloria replied, sitting on the couch, a secret smile on her lips.

Charlotte was about to ask another question when they heard the doorbell. Charlotte hurried to open the door and was surprised to see Jacob, elegant in a black tuxedo, his gaze shining with anticipation.

— Good evening, Jacob, come in, Charlotte said, exchanging a few pleasantries with him.

Gloria stepped out of the living room to join Jacob. When he saw her, he was silent for a moment, admiring her radiant beauty.

— You look stunning, Gloria, he finally said, his voice full of admiration.

— Thank you, Jacob. You look very elegant too, she replied with a smile.

They exchanged a few more words with Charlotte before leaving.