Happily Ever After
On a sunny afternoon, three young women were chatting away at a café. The topic of conversation was height. One of them, clearly just around 160cm tall in reality, was insisting that she'd grown and was now 165cm.
"No, listen. I've really grown lately."
"Come on, Bianca. You've got to have some conscience. It's been years since your growth plates closed, hasn't it?"
Shasha's words were followed by Emily stifling a laugh. "I have to agree. Doesn't that include your shoe heels?"
All three were still fresh-faced university students, now in their third year. Carlyle Schultz had graduated a year early and was already out in the working world, but these ladies still students could steal away during their free periods between classes to meet like this. The topics were sometimes childish, but that's what made it so relaxing. Real friends, right?
Bianca pouted her lips a little at her friends' utter lack of sympathy and slurped up her coffee noisily.
"Whatever."
She flashed a bright smile and dropped a bombshell out of nowhere. With a soft, pleased chuckle and a faint grin.
"At least Carlyle loves me like this tons. So being a little short is fine."
Her soft light-golden auburn waves, her fresh amethyst eyes. Her delicate features had lost even more of their baby fat, giving her a more mature vibe now.
Shasha and Emily shook their heads with sighs.
"It always comes back to your husband."
"...I wonder what would've happened if those two hadn't met."
Did true love really change people like that? These days, Bianca Shama was practically a marriage ambassador.
"Shasha, Emily. You'll get it someday. Once you get married, you'll understand how I feel."
"No, nope."
"I don't want to understand."
So, for now. They figured they'd get married eventually, but their friend's enthusiasm was a bit much. She's a total lovebird, huh? Bianca's face radiated genuine happiness, the kind where you could plainly see she couldn't live without her husband. So Shasha and Emily just let out awkward chuckles.
"Oh yeah, Bianca. Isn't it about time? Shouldn't your super wonderful husband be heading home to make dinner?"
Shasha spoke up first, and Emily glanced at her wristwatch.
"Yeah, it is. Time's flown already..."
Before they knew it, two hours had passed since they'd started talking after classes ended. It was already 5 p.m., late afternoon.
Bianca had lost track of time completely, so her face turned urgent as she checked the clock.
"Oh man, my head... Thanks for reminding me, girls."
She had to head out first. Preparing dinner for her diligent husband was important.
"It was fun hanging out today. See you next time!"
The other two watched as anticipation and joy filled their friend's face. After hugging each of them, Bianca vanished.
From the perspective of the unmarried, it was just fascinating.
"But Emily... is it really that great?"
"Hmm, who knows."
Shasha and Emily exchanged looks and slurped their coffees.
"This coffee's good."
"Yeah, it is."
Honestly, they wouldn't say it out loud, but both secretly envied their friend a little. It was inevitable.
Her name was Bianca Shama. Age twenty-two. Height, roughly 160cm. Lately she'd been stubbornly claiming 165cm, but she got teased daily by her besties Shasha and Emily.
Yeah, once upon a time. There was a period when her inner identity was male, but that was no longer the case. She was a woman now. Changing her mindset had happened ages ago. Years, even.
She'd admitted her feelings for Carlyle Schultz and run barefoot through the streets in a near frenzy. That was when Vita Shama had fully acknowledged she was a woman.
Of course, that didn't mean...
The memories from my 'Vita' days, or the values and mindset I had—they haven't changed. Her tastes were mostly the same too. She still loved anime. Parfaits and other sweet treats, cute and dainty things—those were newer preferences. But in the end, they were all part of 'Vita', her true self.
Everything's precious to me.
Bianca always thought that. But if I had to pick one...
Well, yeah. 'Bianca Shama' had become just a tiny bit more important now. She'd gotten married, after all. As Carlyle Schultz's wife, as one man's woman, she felt complete.
The old 'Vita' self was precious too, but for the life ahead, her identity as 'Bianca' took precedence. That was her thinking now.
Wife to Carlyle Schultz, and someday, surely, the mother of...
Back home chopping vegetables, Bianca's cheeks flushed a little. Still... The idea of becoming a mother someday didn't quite feel real. It was different from accepting her identity as a woman—on a whole other level. All mothers are great! Or so they say. You don't get it until you experience it yourself.
She and Carlyle didn't have kids yet. They'd crossed that line once before his study abroad, but after, they'd been diligent with protection.
We're still young. Or young-ish? Anyway, they could have kids anytime they wanted.
Truth be told, there was one selfish desire too. Kids would make life hectic—who knew how busy. Her mom had said it was nonstop chaos. But Bianca wanted to savor their newlywed life, just the two of them, as much as possible.
So they'd agreed: after marriage, when the time felt right, they'd have kids. If their hearts aligned.
Anyway, this was the daily life of Bianca Shama, reborn as a complete woman.
The three-bedroom house had a spacious, spotless living room—way too much for just two people. Thank you, Mom and Dad. Pure sincerity from Bianca.
One room was the master, another a walk-in closet. The third she'd turned into a home theater. She'd been so thrilled moving in. Carlyle had teased her about her excitement, though he looked pretty pumped himself.
They'd watch anime or movies together sometimes. On the huge sofa, cuddling, munching snacks, chatting away. Honestly, they'd often skip the screen and things would heat up. Lately, she wondered if she was a natural pervert. Can't be helped...? Yeah, newlyweds.
Stir-frying veggies, the pan's heat—or something—made Bianca aware of her warming face. A year in, and they were still honeymooners. Totally lovey-dovey.
So unless she was exhausted, Bianca always rose early.
Ding-a-ling—
Today's morning alarm too, set bright and early. "Yaaawn—Raily, come on, breakfast time."
After feeding her precious pup, she bustled about, prepping for her lifelong partner, the husband off to work.
Carlyle Schultz had graduated top of his class—a full year early! Bianca was still in third year, a year from graduation, but he'd already done it. Carlyle's amazing. And straight into a job, working at a company. A full-fledged adult now.
She never said it outright, but Bianca was proud of her husband, her partner, Carlyle Schultz.
When he'd said that, how happy she'd been—it still stood out vividly.
Hugging him tight to celebrate, peppering kisses everywhere, things igniting—it was all still fresh. From the week after when he started work, this routine began.
Breakfast has to be hearty! With that resolve, she always prepared it. Her specialty cooking meant varied side dishes, even his lunchbox. She never forgot heart shapes with sauce or ketchup.
She remembered Carlyle's grinning comment last time: his coworkers were all jealous.
Pumped by that, she put her all into the bentos. Boosting hubby's morale is my job.
Once breakfast was ready, she'd head to the bed and gently shake her husband awake. Whispering softly in his ear.
"Wake up, Carlyle."
Sometimes he'd nag pointlessly. "Just rest, Bianca. You don't have to do this..."
"Even though you're way busier."
Whining cutely, his expression would melt fast. What an idiot.
"I'm worried you'll get tired."
"Not tired at all. Not one bit."
Her reply would have him sighing in defeat, then hugging her with a refreshing smile.
"Who has such a pretty wife who only does sweet things?"
"Lucky you. Be grateful."
They'd chuckle, starting the day. Whenever he pulled her close so gently, Bianca felt bliss.
"Pet my head too."
His big palm stroking her hair made her giggle. Smack—smack—light kisses on lips. After a casual smooch, breakfast together. Chatting idly until work time neared; she'd cling reluctantly.
"Gotta go to work, Bianca."
"Yeah, I know. Just a sec, one more sec."
She always helped him dress—on tiptoes tying his tie, handing his briefcase. Arm in arm to the door, beaming as she saw off Carlyle Schultz.
"Have a great day."
"Of course."
He'd smirk, kiss her forehead, and step out. Then Bianca, a wistful look fading to a smile, prepped for school.
"Guess I'll head out strong too...!"
That was Bianca Shama's, the new bride's, set morning routine.
Chatting endlessly with friends Shasha and Emily had made her a tad late. But luckily, Carlyle seemed delayed today too.
"Hmm, hum..."
In her pink apron, she hummed softly. Had to hurry dinner to time it right.
Woof—woof woof—
"Shoo, Raily."
She gently scolded the pup clinging to her leg. "Mommy's busy now. Play later, okay?"
Her eyes kept drifting to the wall clock. When's Carlyle coming...? Anticipation, happiness— a smile bloomed naturally.
Truth was, tonight's menu was special. She'd been dropping hints to Carlyle lately. Quick on the uptake, he'd surely noticed.
Main: oyster risotto. Carlyle's favorite—because she made it first. They had it twice a week now.
And... Cabbage-celery salad with black sesame dressing. And finally, asparagus steak.
"Good nutrition boost...?"
Surveying her creations, Bianca smirked triumphantly. Oysters, cabbage, celery, steak. Even black sesame dressing. Asparagus garnish. All stamina-boosting foods, no exceptions.
...
Done, her bold move made her cheeks pink. But can't be helped. She kinda wanted a baby now. The feeling had grown naturally one day.
Her and Carlyle. Carlyle Schultz and her. Cute kid like him, cute kid like her. Just imagining made her heart flutter.
So lately, self-care mode. Once resolved, only good foods, good habits. Hospital visit? Just in case.
...You never know. Results: "No issues."
She knew Carlyle's prowess best—no worries there. Thinking about it flushed her face; no doubts on his abilities.
Married a while, intimate a while, but never unprotected during fertile times. Even if, precautions mostly—mind not fully ready.
But now, circumstances shifted. Lately, subtle hints to hubby: "Kids in movies are so cute," or "Wonder what raising a baby feels like."
His reactions? Positive.
Yeah, so. She'd actively seduce him now, try for it. Hence tonight's killer prep: stamina foods, seduction ready.
Apron over lingerie only. Sheer top and bottom, see-through!
"Wish he'd hurry..."
Friday—weekend ahead. Bianca plotted to devour Carlyle Schultz root and stem.
Ding—
Her face lit up. He's here...! She dashed over, leaping into his arms with a happy smile.
"Welcome home, honey—!"
Seduction phase one.
"...?"
Carlyle blinked at his unusually forward wife. Not our anniversary... She rarely said "honey" outside special times.
He racked his brain. Missed a holiday? Nothing came up.
Sharp as ever, he clocked her outfit quick. The vibe was there. He chuckled, set down his bag.
"Work ran late. Sorry, Bianca."
She shook her head playfully. Phase two.
"So, what first? Dinner? Or... me?"
Carlyle laughed in disbelief. Not weird—they role-played sometimes, matching each other's concepts. Today was one. Tomorrow off, both knew. Prime time for newlyweds to ignite.
That far, Carlyle Schultz said:
"Gotta eat the pretty wife first."
No joking tone. Bianca, mid-tease, faltered.
"N-no... dinner'll get cold."
"Then why ask? Not the answer you wanted?"
His chuckle prompted her mumble.
"Well... I was trying to tease, but..."
Right answer, but his momentum ignored food. Tease backfired big. Prepared dishes? Useless.
Carlyle decided. "Dinner later."
Her look, the "honey"—irresistible.
"W-wait...!"
Sweeping her up, to the bedroom. Daily fatigue? Vanished. Bianca flustered, but anyone could see she wasn't mad. Rather, surrendering, she whispered in his ear:
"I'm fertile today..."
He'd caught hints, knew the meaning. Carlyle's head spun. This sly woman's really my wife.
They spent a steamy time together. House well-insulated, thankfully.
-I'll knock you up tonight.
-Yeah...! Want your baby.
Blazing mood, shameless words others might blush at—no hesitation. Perfect fiery Friday for newlyweds.
The night after sweet passion, Bianca had a strange dream that very day. Vast green meadow. Dream-self found an apple tree. Pretty, red, tempting apple—plucked one.
Then woke. A pregnancy dream...?
First thought upon rising. Early dawn still. Carlyle slept soundly beside her.
Dunno why, but she felt energized, skin glowing. Carlyle, contrastingly—Used up lots of energy...?
First try success? Not bad. Heart pounding, silly grin. Maybe not a dream, but good vibes.
Yet a bit unsettled, she sat at her desk early as it was.
"Been putting this off... Time to wrap it up."
Lately, a quirky new hobby of hers. Um, how to explain? She'd shared her experiences online anonymously. In novel form.
No big reason. Maybe somewhere in this world... Someone with similar experience? Or same struggles?
My story's special. She thought inwardly. Precious enough to record. Help someone like past 'Vita Shama'? Advice, even. Pure heart—that's key.
Hearts between people don't always bend to will; sometimes specific resolve makes it happen.
Looking back, yeah. If she hadn't grabbed Carlyle then, regret city.
Carlyle probably too... Acted from same heart. Efforts bore fruit.
Wanna share this special tale. That's how the online novel serialization started.
Liberal arts aptitude helped; writing wasn't hard. Fun, even.
Some'd see fiction, others plausible. Sudden event flips birth gender. Initial despair.
But I actually... Time passed, events unfolded. Learned new emotions, bonds. Grew.
Connected with partner Carlyle Schultz. Learned what like is, love, fate firsthand.
No regrets now. Chose womanhood for his side—never second-guessed. Won't in future. Happy now.
Anyway, posted her story online. Surprisingly good response.
Boosted by reactions, hooked, she finished the whole thing.
My name is Vita.
Only in her draft. Posted with name changed. Too much to reveal truth...
Today, final chapter up.
Uploaded, pondered. Hm, finale... What to say? Thanks, probably.
Pfft, chuckle escaped. Yeah, it was fun. Short or long tale. Thanks with fulfillment, sentiment—for readers making it possible.
Finally, one last line. Just one more. Pondered, wrote.
Last greeting: upbeat.
Yeah, bye. Done.
Someone enjoyed her tale? Smiling happily, back to bed. Stretching woke him; rustle noted.
Sleepy Carlyle murmured near her ear. "What're you up to so busily...? Weekend dawn."
Bianca smiled softly, whispering back. "Awake, honey...?"
Satisfied grin, he chuckled. Dazed: "...Love you, Bianca."
No words—instead, smack kisses. Twice, thrice, on cheeks.
Lifetime, forever. With Carlyle, happy life ahead. Together, just them.
Wildflower smile of certainty, she replied. "...Yeah, me too."
Long, happy. Their daily life continues.