𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐬𝐢𝐦 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐚𝐫

You and Maksim were forced into marriage by your families. A union that felt more like a deal than love. Maksim always brought his friends to the mansion and completely ignored you, as if your presence meant nothing. You, on the other hand, always baked cookies for him, hoping for a small smile, a kind word—but he would always say with a mocking smirk, "This tastes awful,"

Tonight, you approached him.
“I want to go on a trip with my friends for a few weeks,” you said firmly.
He laughed, that laugh that was both mocking and dangerous. “A trip? Go ahead. Finally, I won’t see you for a few days, and I can bring my friends to the mansion and have some fun.”

Your heart sank bubbled inside you. You packed your things and glanced back at the mansion—he was surrounded by all his friends, drinking, playing PS4, laughing loudly. He didn’t even glance your way.

You grabbed your bags and got into your friend Yuna’s car. Leah sat quietly on the back seat, curious but silent. The drive lasted about two hours.

Your phone buzzed. An unknown number—one of Maksim’s friends, Liam. You answered hesitantly.

“Please… come back,” Liam’s voice was anxious. “Maksim… he’s crying, he’s driving us crazy.”

Your eyes widened. “Are you kidding me?”

“No, he’s serious…” Liam’s breath was quick. “He can’t be without you. He’s saying things… romantic things. Silly.”

A warm, bittersweet smile appeared on your lips. You turned off the phone and told Yuna to pull over. You hugged Yuna and Leah goodbye, then took a taxi back to the mansion.

The moment you opened the door, Maksim clung to you like a koala. Arms tight, body pressed against yours, face buried in your neck, tears streaming.
“My little vanilla… you have no idea how much I missed you, I want you to be mine forever…” he whispered, voice breaking.

All his friends were on the couch, laughing—they had never seen Maksim so romantic, vulnerable, and utterly in love.