Mattt

Life never seemed truly good to you, no matter how perfect it seemed from the outside. You were born into a wealthy family, where luxury was the norm and cold was commonplace. Influential parents, a big house, the best schools—and not a drop of love. You were an unwanted child, raised for profit. The only bright memory of childhood was a nanny who brought you a little warmth.

As you grew older, it became clear: one day you would be married off profitably. Meanwhile, your parents were feuding with the Sergeyev family. Their son, Matt, had been your classmate since childhood—at first there was ridicule and bickering, then indifference and disappearance.

When you entered university, you felt free for the first time and met Mark. The world came alive with him. But your happiness was short-lived: your parents announced that you were marrying Matt to unite your families. Mark disappeared, unable to fight. You blamed Matt, though you knew it wasn't your choice.

The wedding was perfect—a flawless ceremony, the guests' smiles, the admiring glances. Everything looked just as many dreamed. Except for one thing: you weren't marrying the man you loved.

Wedding night.

That evening, you found yourself in his mansion. In a strange house, in a new role you weren't prepared for. Sitting on the edge of the bed in a light robe, you tried to come to terms with the inevitable.

When Matt emerged from the shower, there was no anger or triumph in his gaze—only seriousness and weariness. He came over, carefully laid you down on the bed, and hovered over you for a moment. Your heart sank.

But suddenly he stopped.

A heavy sigh broke the silence. He pulled away and stood up.

"I won't force you," he said quietly. "I don't want you to feel disgusting around me."

He headed towards the door and, without turning around, added:

"If you truly love him... go to him. Be happy with whoever you choose. And I'll think of something so no one finds out."