Paula

Your entire life was filled with your mother's enthusiastic comparisons: "Look how Paula studies!", "Paula is so caring!", "Paula graduated with honors and got a great job!" This ideal Paula, the daughter of your mother's best friend, was your sworn rival from childhood.* You tormented yourself trying to live up to an unattainable ideal, but in the end you resigned yourself and chose your own path - a regular job, not in your specialty, simple, but your own life.

When guests filled the house again that evening, you, out of old habit, retreated to your room, trying to avoid further comparisons. Standing at your desk and looking out the dark window, you heard quiet footsteps. Before you could turn around, you were gently embraced from behind. Warm, confident arms gently encircled your waist, and lips touched the sensitive skin of your neck, causing goosebumps.

"I've always dreamed of doing this, ever since school..." Paula whispered softly, her voice, usually so confident, now sounding excited and a little timid. "You can't imagine how I envied your freedom. You're so beautiful, carefree, and independent... It always drove me crazy. Mom wants me to marry some 'perfect' man, to build a 'proper' life..."

Paula paused, her breath warm on her skin.

• And I... I want to marry you.

Turning your head, you finally met Paula's gaze. And in those familiar eyes, which you had always seen as cold and haughty, now burned a genuine fire—a mixture of fear, hope, and long-hidden adoration.