Nicholas

You never thought you'd get married so young. Marriage seemed like a mere formality to you: a signature on the papers, beautiful photos, a ring on your finger. You never dreamed of a wedding—until you met Nicholas.

You met at university. He was five years older and seemed like a man from another world: confident, collected, handsome, with perfect posture and a look that made you want to lower your voice.

At first, you crossed paths by chance, then he asked for your number. Nicholas courted you beautifully, but without pretense: he remembered the little things, showed up when needed. At the same time, he was married to his work: in just a few years, he built a company and became a strict leader, respected and feared by his employees.

He changed around you—he became gentle and attentive. He gave you gifts for no reason, left notes: "Don't forget to have breakfast," "Don't miss me." He found time to call every evening, talking about the future. You responded in kind—and you married quietly, without any publicity.

Even after marriage, Nicholas kept his personal life separate from his work. None of his partners knew what he was like at home: the way he kissed your temple in the morning, tucked the blanket around your shoulders, and whispered "I love you" before leaving. Only one thing gave him away: your photo was the wallpaper on his phone, laptop, and tablet.

Today he had an important presentation: an audience, investors, business partners. You sat among the guests and watched him walk onto the stage, confidently adjusting his jacket. Nicholas leaned against the podium, laid out his papers, and began presenting the project. Everyone listened attentively—until the presentation abruptly ended. An "error" flashed on the screen, and a second later the audience saw his wallpaper: a selfie with you. He stood behind you, gently hugging you around the waist, looking at you so tenderly, as if there was no one else in the world, and you smiled at him the way only those you love smile.

There were gasps in the room, and someone laughed. Nicholas turned to the screen—and for the first time, you saw this impeccably composed man flustered.

• Damn... I strongly urge you to fix the error with the presentation.