Scented Claudia

I practically floated down the hallway, greeting everyone i passed with an enthusiastic, "Good morning!"

People turned to stare.

Someone even dropped their pen.

Honestly? I didn't blame them.

I never did this.

I was the type who usually stomped in with a curt nod, earbuds in, ignoring the world.

But today?

I was glowing.

Last night was… satisfying didn't even begin to cover it.

I felt lighter.

Freer.

Like the world had tilted in my favor.

When i reached the production team's corner, I clapped my hands to get their attention.

"Hey, guys! Listen up. We really need to rush the 'Longest Praise' shipment for Dubai. Can we make it happen?"

They blinked, then scrambled to nod. One even stood up straighter than usual.

"Of course, ma'am!"

I grinned. "Excellent. You're the best."

My voice was warm, lilting.

I sounded like a motivational speaker on too much caffeine.

But i didn't care.

I left them buzzing, their energy practically crackling in the air.

Next stop: HR.

I walked in humming, flipping through the shortlisted résumés with my finger.

"You all look so happy today," I teased without looking up.

"Not as happy as you, ma'am," one of them snickered.

I glanced at them with an innocent smile. "Oh? That obvious?"

They giggled.

"Good," I said, handing back the folder with a flourish. "Keep it up. Let's make it a productive day."

Their laughter followed me out of the room.

—

Back in my office, I settled behind my desk, heart still fluttering at the memory of him.

I exhaled slowly, lips curving on their own.

Raphael.

His name was like sugar on my tongue.

I shook myself and dove into paperwork.

Contracts. Reports. Invoices.

The usual.

But for once, none of it felt like a chore.

A gentle knock at the door snapped me out of my daydream.

"Come in!"

The door cracked open and there he was.

"Dad!" I shot up from my chair and all but launched myself at him.

He laughed as i threw my arms around him. "There's my little girl."

"I missed you," I mumbled against his shoulder.

"I missed you too." He gave me a squeeze before letting go. "How's my favorite CEO?"

I motioned for him to sit. "Good! Great, actually."

He cocked an eyebrow. "Great, huh?"

I cleared my throat. "Work's been… smooth."

He watched me for a beat, then smirked knowingly. "Just work?"

I avoided his eyes, biting my lip. "...Mostly."

He let out a hearty laugh. "I don't even need to ask. You're glowing. Spain must have missed you."

I perked up. "How was it? Tell me everything."

He launched into stories about sunlit terraces, lazy brunches, and Mom's shopping sprees that could bankrupt small nations.

I laughed so hard i nearly snorted.

He eventually sighed and checked his watch. "I'll drop by Samuel's office before i go. You're doing well, Clau. Makes me happy."

I softened. "Thanks, Dad."

He kissed the top of my head. "Take care."

When he left, I let out a small squeal.

Lunchtime.

Perfect.

—

I texted Raphael: Lunch? Don't even think about saying no.

He replied with a smiley.

Minutes later, I strolled into the hospital, immediately spotting him down the hall in scrubs, clipboard in hand.

He saw me, and his entire face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.

"There's my wife," he greeted, voice warm.

I jogged the last few steps and hugged him tightly. "I'm starving."

"Then let's fix that."

We made our way to the cafeteria.

"You should try the food," he insisted.

I wrinkled my nose. "Hospital food? Is this a test of my love?"

He snorted. "Trust me."

We grabbed trays and picked out dishes—mushroom soup, grilled chicken, mashed potatoes for me.

He went with beef stew and rice.

As we sat down, a group of nurses practically tripped over themselves to approach.

"Hi, Doc!" one of them chirped, way too brightly. "Are you eating alone?"

I plastered the most innocent smile on my face and immediately linked both arms around Raphael's.

Raphael didn't even blink. "No. I'm with my wife."

Their smiles faltered. "Oh… okay."

They slinked away to join another table. I spotted Cahnel there already eating, trying not to laugh.

"Hi, Cahnel!" I called sweetly.

He grinned. "Hey. You two lovebirds look cozy."

Raphael smirked. "This one's a troublemaker. You should get married too."

Cahnel made a face. "Ugh. No thanks. I value my freedom."

I raised an eyebrow. "Sure. Says the guy who sends me drunk texts at 2 AM complaining he's lonely."

Cahnel sputtered.

Raphael roared with laughter.

The rest of lunch was all giggles and teasing.

When we finished, Raphael walked me to my car.

"See you at home," he said, kissing my forehead softly.

"Don't be late," I teased, wiggling my brows.

He rolled his eyes but smiled.

-

As i drove off, I caught my reflection in the rearview mirror.

God. I looked... happy.

I returned with a bounce in my step.

By late afternoon, I'd finished everything on my to-do list.

I sank into my chair, finally free to do nothing.

My fingers scrolled lazily through online shops.

Until i saw it.

A gigantic teddy bear.

Human-sized.

Customizable.

My brain did one thing:

Raphael's face on that bear.

I cackled.

I picked the biggest size, uploaded a high-res shot of him looking extra annoyed (my favorite), and hit Order.

"There," I said, satisfied. "Even when you're too busy to hug me, I'll have this."

I couldn't stop giggling as i packed up to head home.

-

First thing i did? Shower.

Not just any shower.

A production.

I exfoliated. Wax.

Used the fancy body wash.

Even if i couldn't smell it, Raphael could.

Afterward, I picked my deadliest pajamas. Silk. Thin straps. Neckline that deserved a PG rating.

I did my hair. Light makeup. A hint of gloss.

Dimmed the lights. Smoothed the sheets.

I even practiced poses on the bed.

One leg crossed. Uncrossed. On my stomach. Side.

I checked the clock.

5 PM.

Any minute now.

6 PM.

Nothing.

I scowled at my phone.

It buzzed.

Raphael: I won't be able to come home tonight. Too many patients. Eat something. Sleep well, wife.

I read it.

Again.

And again.

The audacity.

After all this effort?!

I flopped onto the bed, silk be damned.

Maybe i should drive to the hospital in this getup?

No. He was probably elbow-deep in emergencies.

I groaned.

Fine. Plan B.

—

The second Mom opened the door, she froze.

"Claudia? Anak? Where's Raphael?"

Dad lowered his newspaper. "Did you two fight?"

I sighed. "No, we didn't fight."

"Then why are you here?"

Samuel appeared out of nowhere. "WAIT—did he CHEAT?! Tell me her name. No, her address. I'm ready to commit crimes."

I threw a pillow at him. "No one cheated!"

"Then what is it?" Dad asked patiently.

I collapsed onto the couch. "He's... busy. I got bored. So i came here."

Mom's eyes softened. "Aww. You're not used to sleeping alone anymore."

I pouted. "No. I just... wanted company."

Samuel flopped beside me. "Admit it. You miss him."

I glared. "Maybe."

Dad chuckled. "Your mother was like that too."

Mom rolled her eyes. "Don't start."

"Whenever i worked late, she said the bed was an icebox."

Mom swatted his arm but smiled. "Okay, fine. Guilty."

Samuel whooped. "See? You're just like Mom. Clingy."

"I am NOT clingy!"

Dad snickered. "Right. That's why you're here tonight."

I threw another pillow. "I just wanted family time!"

Mom smiled gently. "We're glad you're here, anak. Let's have dinner together."

I sighed, finally relaxing.

Samuel draped an arm over my shoulder. "We're bullying you because it's fun. But we love you."

I leaned into him, rolling my eyes.

And even though i missed Raphael terribly, being here being home, felt good too.