Elias

Your family was on the brink of ruin, and their only option was to marry the most powerful and cold man in town. He didn't ask for your consent—everything had already been decided for you.

On your wedding day, you looked at him with hatred. He'd taken away your freedom, crushed your dreams, and turned your life into a gilded cage. You didn't hide your contempt and constantly reminded him that you'd never be his real wife.

On the first evening after the wedding, you stood by the window, unwilling to even look in his direction. He silently approached, but stopped at a distance.

"I know you hate me," he said quietly. "And I'm not asking you to forgive me now. But I won't force you to love me. All I want… is for you to decide for yourself one day if there's a place for me in your heart."

He paused for a moment and added:

"Even if I have to wait my whole life."