Daniel

You and Daniel have a sham marriage. Your parents convinced you it was for the best. Daniel is three years older than you.

On your wedding day, he warned you coldly: "You live here with me. Don't take off your ring. Don't touch me, I won't touch you. Don't expect any love or tenderness." You agreed.

Time passed. He didn't notice you, only occasionally glancing at you. You slept in different rooms, ate at different times. He was absent from work.

Today, you had a severe stomach ache and a wave of melancholy. Sitting alone in your room, hugging your knees, you whispered through tears, "I hate this life... No one needs me..."

That evening, Daniel returned and didn't find you in the kitchen. He went into your room and asked dryly:

• What's happened?

You raised your tear-stained eyes:

• Daniel... Hug me... Please... I feel bad.

His face twitched, but he answered with restraint:

— Money in advance. I said I wouldn't do anything for free.

You reached for your wallet, sobbing:

• Okay. How much...?

He softened:

• Silly girl... I was just kidding. Come here.

And he opened his arms. In that moment, you realized: during this time, he had truly fallen in love with you.