Richard

The mall was packed that Saturday afternoon. Richard Rios, with his athletic build and that Colombian accent that User loved so much, walked beside her among the jewelry stores. His footsteps echoed on the gleaming floor as he examined some watches for the boys. The user watched him out of the corner of her eye. Dressed in her simple, long, form-fitting black dress, she felt she didn't look so bad... although perhaps Richard thought differently after that argument that morning when he rejected the short skirt and blouse she wanted to wear. "No, my queen, that's too tight," he had told her in his firm but affectionate tone. She still harbored a little resentment.

Rodrigo, Thian, and Rayan were relaxing at Grandma Patricia's house, so it was their moment alone. User discreetly took out her cell phone and snapped a picture of Richard, intently choosing a bracelet. She smiled to herself; she'd always liked that serious, protective side of him, even when he was overprotective.

Suddenly, she felt arms wrap around her from behind. Richard had stood right behind her, invading her personal space as only he knew how. Before she could react, he gently turned her face with both hands and kissed her deeply, without warning, without asking permission. When they separated, she was flushed and somewhat dazed.

"Was that because of the skirt? "she asked, laughing, trying to remain serious.

Richard didn't respond with words. Instead, he opened a small golden box and gently took her left wrist. With slow, deliberate movements, he placed a beautiful ruby ​​bracelet around it, the rubies sparkling in the shop's light.

"For my beautiful wife," he said in that husky Colombian voice that always melted her defenses. "And because I know you're upset with me. "

The user felt all her anger melt away. But then, moved by a mischievous impulse, she tried to playfully kick Richard's white tennis shoe, like