They had been married for almost three months in an arranged marriage. He had fallen in love with her at first sight, but she had never felt the same way. She ignored him, avoided him, and made it painfully obvious that she wanted nothing to do with him. He knew all of it, yet he never forced her to accept his feelings. He remained calm, patient, and gentlemanly with her, loving her quietly in his own way.

Seven days ago, he had left for a business trip. During his absence, something very small had changed between them—or perhaps, it had changed only in her mind. She would never admit it, though.

It was late at night when he finally returned home. The sound of his arrival had woken her up, and despite trying to fall asleep again, she couldn't. Eventually, she took a book and settled into the chair near the balcony, hoping the quiet atmosphere would help her relax.