White clouds leisurely floated across the sky blue expanse, but the atmosphere in the conference room was the opposite, tense as everyone awaited Mr. Novak's final decision.
Mikayla stole a glance at his stern, icy face, exuding authority without a word. Once again, she regretted not capturing his drunken state on camera that night.
"That's all for today, meeting adjourned."
Mikayla carried the documents to his office. As she waited for him to sign the contract, Cayden suddenly spoke, "Are you free this weekend?"
"Huh?" Mikayla was still transitioning from work mode, her eyes unconsciously darting to the door. Fortunately, it was locked.
It's just the two of us now. Can we talk about personal matters? Cayden looked at her with a playful smile.
"I'm free. What's up?"
"Mom said she wants to visit C Cathedral this weekend. Do you want to come along?"
Mikayla blinked and replied, "Sure."
Morning mist shrouded the hills, and the ancient cathedral stood in serene majesty, the air filled with the melodious chimes of bells and ceaseless prayers.
Mikayla and Cayden were both dressed casually. Ahead of them, Daisy was striding energetically, while Mikayla, already out of breath, lagged behind halfway up the hill.
"Oh dear, Mikayla, how is it that we, the older generation, have more stamina than you youngsters?"
Mikayla was drenched in sweat, while Cayden remained composed, only a slight sheen of sweat on his forehead.
"Cayden, you should take Mikayla to exercise more often. She's so out of shape!"
Cayden smiled and nodded, knowing Mikayla's stamina was indeed poor. She would often cry and lightly kick him to ask him to stop during their intimate moments.
Mikayla forced a smile. She preferred staying home over going out. Still, wanting to play the dutiful daughter-in-law, she hurried to Daisy's side and took her hand. "Mom, what made you decide to visit the cathedral?"
"My necklace broke a few days ago, and it made me uneasy. I came to pray for peace."
It must have just worn out from long use. Mom, you're blessed and will live a long life.
"Mikayla, you always say the sweetest things, unlike Mikayla, who rarely utters a kind word."
"Mom..." Cayden chuckled helplessly.
With cheerful chatter, they reached the cathedral entrance. Eileen and John wandered off to the back garden while Mikayla, exhausted, rested on a bench in the front yard.
Without a word, Cayden handed her a bottle of water. "Thank you." Mikayla gulped it down eagerly.
The towering ancient trees, lush pines, and dense bamboo swayed gently in the breeze. The wind chimes in the cathedral garden resonated softly, each bearing the wishes of countless people.
"Do you believe in God?" Mikayla turned to ask him.
"Not really. I have respect for the idea", though, Cayden replied. "Fate is destiny combined with hard work. After giving your all, leave the rest to fate."
That's true. Mikayla looked at the lit candles in the cathedral, feeling a twinge of longing. Since they were already here, she asked Cayden if he wanted to light a candle and make a wish.
Let's do it.
After lighting the candles, Cayden asked her what she wished for. Cayden grinned mischievously, "I can't tell you that."
Cayden raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"
"A wish to the god is meant only for the god to know. You can't grant my wish."
"How do you know I can't?"
Mikayla snorted. "You just can't know."
The candle rack was nearly full, so Mikayla eagerly moved to a more vacant side. She waved at Cayden, "There's more space over here!"
The slanting rays of the setting sun filtered through the stained glass windows, casting a patchwork of colors on the floor. Mikayla tiptoed to place her candle higher on the rack. Cayden approached and, as if trying to capture the sunlight, took her candle and placed it securely on the rack.
"Hmm?" Mikayla looked up at him. Cayden looked down, their gazes meeting and holding.
Did you eavesdrop on my wish? Mikayla asked curiously.
Cayden smiled. "Of course not. Your wish is your secret."
"You definitely peeked! That's not fair!" Mikayla pouted at him.
Cayden's smile deepened. "Let's go."
He took Mikayla's hand and led her away. The glow of their candles intertwined, seemingly sharing their wishes. One wished for "Peace, joy, and prosperity," while the other wished for "To be with the one I love forever"
