Clara's breath caught before she could stop herself. He looked good, really good. She wondered if he worked out regularly, if he went on morning runs, if he had a routine she knew nothing about. Did he date a lot of women? The truth was, she knew very little about his life.
Without really thinking, she blurted out, "Wanna watch a movie after dinner?"
Ethan paused, caught off guard. "Sure," he replied too quickly, almost like he was waiting for her to ask. Clara's lips curved into a small, satisfied smile.
Ethan, meanwhile, couldn't help but wonder what had prompted her sudden invitation. But there was something in her face, more ease, more warmth, that pulled him back to memories of the Clara he once knew. That girl had felt so far away, buried under nine years of distance and silence, yet tonight she was peeking through.
***
Dinner was as usual, although lighter than most nights. They chatted about the company, and Axiel recounted his bowling adventure.
"Today, Clara and I played against Ethan," he said proudly. "She's so good. Mom, you wouldn't believe it!"
Clara laughed, playing it cool.
Ethan smiled, though he found his attention drifting more to his wife than to the conversation. He caught himself watching her when she wasn't looking, just as he always did. It had been the same at their wedding, and the same during those quiet, awkward moments in their bedroom.
By the time plates were cleared from the table, the air between the newlywed couple carried a strange tension…soft, but charged. They retreated to the bedroom, and Clara wondered if suggesting a movie had been a mistake. Still, she couldn't take it back.
She loved romantic movies, her favorite being Pride and Prejudice. So when she suggested they watch it that evening, Ethan didn't hesitate. "Whatever you want," he told her, and he meant it.
They settled on the couch, snacks within reach, the familiar opening music filling the room. She fixed her gaze on the screen, and he fixed his on her.
Clara was so absorbed in the story, she forgot about the snacks. Ethan noticed, and without thinking, he picked up a bite and held it out to her. She accepted it without tearing her eyes from the screen. And so it became a quiet rhythm. She watched the movie while he fed her.