Scented Claudia

Walking through the amusement park holding Raphael's hand felt surreal.

It was the first time we truly spent time together outside work, just the two of us.

No contracts, no meetings.

Just us.

His grip was firm but gentle.

Every now and then i caught him stealing glances at me, like he still couldn't believe this was happening.

I squeezed his hand back and smiled.

"Wait here," he said suddenly before darting off toward a nearby stall.

I blinked, confused.

Moments later, he returned, triumphantly holding cotton candy.

I laughed. "What's that for?"

"We're supposed to feel like kids again, right?" He smirked and tore off a fluffy piece, offering it to me.

I took the bite he fed me, the sugar melting on my tongue.

For a second, everything felt so light, so easy.

But then i watched the kids running around us, laughing, shrieking, their parents chasing them with fond exasperation.

Something tugged hard in my chest.

I wanted this.

Kids. A family. With him.

We'd been married for so long, yet nothing had ever happened.

Was it because we were too busy? Or because we were too careful, too cautious?

I glanced at Raphael, who was chewing on the candy like a kid himself.

My lips curled.

He'd make such a good father. I could already see it, the way he'd spoil them, play with them, hold them close.

And me? I'd be there too.

Watching our family grow.

I swallowed hard.

"Do you want kids?" I blurted, the question slipping out before I could stop it.

He blinked at me, startled. Then he looked away, thoughtful.

"Yeah," he said eventually. "But not now. There's still so much i want to do first."

His words landed like a rock in my stomach.

Not now.

I tried to hide my disappointment.

But that didn't change anything.

It doesn't change my plan, I thought wildly, biting back a laugh.

My gaze drifted and fell on the hotel nearby.

An idea terrible, brilliant slid into my mind.

What if… tonight?

What if i told him i was tired and needed to rest for a bit? Once we were alone…

My heart raced.

Not a bad idea at all, Claudia.

We checked in at the hotel "just to rest," but the moment the door clicked shut behind us, my nerves went haywire.

The room was dimly lit.

The bedside lamp cast a warm, intimate glow. The air felt charged.

Raphael went to the window, staring out at the city lights, his hands tucked in his pockets.

I swallowed. Okay, you can do this.

"Why are you so quiet?" I asked, my voice embarrassingly small.

He turned to me slowly, his gaze heavy.

"Because i'm trying to figure out what's happening right now," he said lowly. "We've been married so long, yet this is the first time we're… doing this."

I took a step closer, brushing my fingers against his shirt. "Do you regret it?"

His jaw tightened.

Then, without warning, he pulled me in, arms wrapping around my waist, pressing me to him.

"Not even for a second," he whispered before kissing me.

His lips were hot, desperate.

The kiss started gentle, exploratory, but quickly grew hungry.

Urgent.

His fingers dug into my waist, and I gasped, clinging to him.

We stumbled, falling onto the bed.

He hovered over me, his breath ragged.

"Are you sure about this?" His voice was deep, shaking slightly.

I tangled my fingers in his hair. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

"Claudia."

My eyes snapped open.

I blinked, disoriented.

Raphael was standing in front of me in the real amusement park, frowning slightly.

Shit.

I'd been daydreaming.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concern on his face.

I cleared my throat, cheeks on fire. "Yeah… just tired."

He studied me, skeptical.

"Maybe we should rest for a while?" I suggested quickly, trying to sound casual.

His brow furrowed. "Rest? Here?"

I pointed at the nearby hotel, trying to look innocent. "Let's check in. Just to rest before heading home."

He blinked. "A hotel?"

"Why not?" I shrugged, my heart racing so fast i thought i might pass out.

He eyed me for a long moment, then sighed. "Fine. Let's go."

Inside the hotel room, I was practically buzzing.

This is it. My chance.

I couldn't stop smiling like an idiot.

Raphael shot me a suspicious look as he sat on the edge of the bed. "Why are you smiling like that?"

"Nothing!" I squeaked, shaking my head furiously.

He narrowed his eyes. "You're acting weird."

I swallowed, moving closer until i was right in front of him.

And then—I froze.

What the hell was i doing?!

He arched a brow, a knowing smirk forming.

"I know what you're thinking."

I squeaked. "W-what?"

His smirk widened devilishly. "You want this, don't you? I saw those books you've been reading."

My entire face went nuclear.

Oh. My. God.

He knew.

Panic took over.

I shot to my feet, bolted for the door.

"I—I should go!" I yelped before running out like the world's biggest idiot.

I didn't stop until i reached the hotel lobby.

My heart was pounding out of my chest.

I pressed my burning cheeks with both palms.

What the hell was that, Claudia?! That was your chance! And you ran away?!

I started pacing, muttering curses at myself.

Then i heard his voice, dry and amused.

"You're really something else."

I turned.

Raphael stood there, arms crossed, watching me with that infuriating smirk.

"You ran away from your own plan," he teased.

I let out a strangled groan. "Shut up."

He chuckled and shook his head. "Come on. Let's go home."

And just like that, i missed my chance.

Again.

Lying on my bed that night, I groaned into my pillow.

I rolled over, grabbing the How to Be a Better Mom book from my nightstand.

I flipped it open, scowling at the cheerful baby tips.

Ugh.

What a waste.

That was supposed to be it. 

And i ran away like a total coward.

I tossed the book aside and let out a long sigh.

Okay, Claudia. You need a plan.

Raphael didn't want kids yet. But technically… I'm the one who'd be pregnant.

So shouldn't it be my decision too?

I snickered.

Operation Baby-Making Initiated.

I grabbed my notebook and started scribbling:

✅ Plan A: The "Accidental" Lingerie Moment

Buy something sinful.

Act casual.

Bonus points for dropping something in front of him.

✅ Plan B: Cozy Domestic Life Strategy

Cook for him.

Leave cute baby clothes around "by accident."

✅ Plan C: Emotional Attack

Watch baby videos loudly on purpose.

Drop "Wouldn't it be nice?" comments.

✅ Plan D: Ultimate Temptation

Offer him a massage.

Seduce him so thoroughly he forgets to think.

I leaned back, admiring my evil-genius list.

He'll never know what hit him.

-

Later that night, I crept out of my room and padded down the hall.

The guest room door was slightly open.

Inside, Raphael was hunched over his laptop, rubbing his neck, eyes heavy with exhaustion.

I softened.

Perfect.

I cleared my throat. "Want a massage?" I asked sweetly.

He barely glanced up. "I'm okay. You should go to bed. I have a lot of work."

My mouth fell open.

I scowled, crossing my arms. "Seriously?"

But he was already typing away again.

With a dramatic huff, I stomped back to my room, making sure he heard my frustration.

I flopped onto my bed and screamed into my pillow.

Mission failed. Again.

I turned over, clutching my phone.

Maybe i needed new strategies.

Maybe faking nightmares would work.

Or dropping water on my shirt.

I giggled, pressing a hand to my mouth.

Oh my god. Claudia, you're ridiculous.

I imagined Raphael's face if he knew.

That smug, teasing smile.

Rolling onto my stomach, I laughed until my sides hurt.

Tomorrow, I promised myself, still giggling. Tomorrow, I'll try again.

And eventually, with a stupid grin, I drifted off to sleep.