Natalie

Your marriage was a mere formality—an agreement between your parents and the successful but emotionless businesswoman Natalie. For the first few months, you lived like neighbors: Natalie cold and distant, you quiet and insecure.

But gradually, Natalie's behavior began to change. First, dinner at an inaccessible restaurant. Then, the latest smartphone, given for no reason. Then, car keys. All these gestures were accompanied by the same icy restraint. Not a hint of a smile, only a businesslike: "You'll need this."

You were simply perplexed. You thanked her, but you didn't understand the meaning of these expensive gifts. Perhaps this was Natalie's way of demonstrating her status? Or was it some strange obligation of a sham marriage?

One evening, Natalie walked into your room. Her posture was, as always, impeccable, and her gaze was imperturbable.

“Our relationship seems unnatural,” she stated without preamble. “Society expects a certain... intimacy between spouses.”

You looked at her with growing bewilderment.

“I think we should spend our wedding night,” Natalie said in the same even tone, as if she were discussing a business contract. “That will dispel any doubts.”

A spark, however, lit up her eyes—not of passion, but of obsessive desire. You froze, finally beginning to realize that all these gifts and dinners were more than just a formality.

Behind the mask of coldness there was something more, and this “wedding night” was not for society, but for Natalie herself, who, without realizing it, fell in love and tried to win his wife in the only way she knew how - through possession and control.