Memories of Love

Monalisa's eyes remained fixed on the ring, her mind transported back to the day of her wedding. The memories flooded her thoughts like a gentle stream, each one a precious gem she cherished deeply, She recalled the warmth of the sun on her skin as she walked down the aisle, the soft rustle of her silk gown, and the sweet scent of blooming flowers that filled the air. But most of all, she remembered the moment Lucas placed the ring on her finger.

In front of their friends and family, Lucas had taken her hand, his eyes locking onto hers with a deep love and adoration. His voice had been clear and strong as he spoke his vows, promising to love and cherish her for all the days of his life.

He slid the ring onto her finger, Monalisa felt a surge of happiness and belonging. It was as if the ring was a symbol of their love, a tangible representation of the promises they made to each other.

She remembered the way Lucas's fingers had brushed against hers, sending shivers down her spine. The way he had smiled at her, his eyes shining with tears of joy. And the way the crowd had erupted into applause and cheers as they shared their first kiss as husband and wife.

Monalisa's thoughts drifted back to the honeymoon first night, a night that would forever be etched in her memory. As she sat in front of the mirror, her gaze still fixed on the ring, she recalled the moment when Lucas had taken off his shirt, revealing his chiseled chest.

They had been alone in their honeymoon suite, the soft glow of candlelight illuminating the room. Lucas had walked towards her, his eyes burning with desire, and had slowly unbuttoned his shirt. As he pulled it off, he had said, "My body will always be yours forever and always."

Monalisa's cheeks flushed as she remembered the way she had felt in that moment - wanted, desired, and loved. She had traced her fingers over his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin.

The memory of that intimate moment sent shivers down her spine. She recalled the way Lucas had wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, and the way their bodies had fit together like two puzzle pieces.

sitting there lost in thought,

The memory of that night was etched in her mind like a work of art, a masterpiece of love and passion that she would treasure forever.

Monalisa's heart swelled with emotion Her gaze drops to the ring, and she gently turns it around her finger, watching as the diamond catches the light. It is a symbol of their love, a reminder of the commitment they made to one another she thinks of what may have gone wrong but couldn't lay hold of what it is and sighs knowing that no matter what challenges lie ahead, she and Lucas will face them together, hand in hand.

.......

Monalisa's feet pounded the stairs as she rushed to answer Lucas's call. She had been in the room, lost in thought, when his voice echoed through the hallway, demanding her presence in the dining room.

She took the stairs two at a time, her heart racing with a mix of anxiety and urgency. What did Lucas want now? Had he forgotten something? Had she done something wrong?

As she reached the landing, she could see Lucas standing in the dining room, his arms crossed, his expression stern. She quickened her pace, her feet barely touching the floor as she hastened to respond to his summons.

"Coming, Lucas!" she called out, her voice breathless.

She burst into the dining room, her eyes fixed on Lucas's face, searching for a clue as to what was wrong. But his expression remained unreadable, his eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched.

"What is it, Lucas?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lucas stood in the dining room, his eyes fixed on the plate in front of him. The fried egg, bread, and tea seemed to offend him, and his voice dripped with disdain.

"Monalisa, what is this? You call this a meal? You want me to get fat like you, is that it?"

Monalisa's face fell, her eyes welling up with tears. She had tried to make a simple, comforting meal, but Lucas's words cut deep.

"Lucas, I thought you'd like it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Like it?" Lucas's laughter was harsh. "This is not food, Monalisa. This is a recipe for a heart attack. And you know it."

Monalisa's eyes dropped, her gaze fixed on the floor. She felt a sting from Lucas's words, a hurt that went beyond the criticism of her cooking.

"You're always so critical, Lucas," she said, her voice trembling. "Can't you just try to be supportive for once?"

Lucas snorted, his expression unyielding. "Supportive? You want me to support this...this...culinary disaster?"

The silence that followed was heavy with unspoken words, the tension between them palpable. Monalisa's eyes remained fixed on the floor, her heart heavy with the weight of Lucas's hurtful critique not knowing how they got to this junction.

The hurt and uncertainty of the day caught up with her, and she felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her.

Without bothering to change or even pull back the covers, Monalisa collapsed onto their bed, her body and mind craving rest. She closed her eyes, letting the softness of the pillow cradle her head, and allowed herself to drift off into a nap.

Lucas's voice pierced the air, shattering the peacefulness of Monalisa's nap. "Wake up! Wake up, Monalisa! Is this your new pattern now? Sleeping all day, not making food for your husband?"

Monalisa's eyes snapped open, her heart racing from the sudden interruption. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, trying to shake off the grogginess. "Lucas, please... I was just tired..."

But Lucas wouldn't let her finish. "Tired? You're always tired! You're always sleeping! What kind of a wife are you, Monalisa? One who can't even bother to cook a meal for her husband?"

Monalisa's face stung from the harsh words, her mind reeling from the sudden attack.