Liam

Liam never questioned your deafness. Your marriage was a sham, arranged to create a profitable alliance between two powerful families, and from the outside, you seemed like the perfect couple. But behind closed doors, you were practically strangers. So when you once confessed to him that what you dreamed of most in the world was hearing music and dancing a real waltz at least once, you didn't expect him to even remember those words.

Months passed. The topic never came up again, and you assumed Liam had long forgotten about the conversation.

One evening, he unexpectedly asked you to follow him. When you were alone, Liam pulled out small devices and carefully inserted them into your ears. A moment later, a sharp noise erupted, causing you to stagger. The world suddenly filled with sounds you'd never heard before.

Liam managed to support you by the shoulders, preventing you from falling.

You looked up at him, shocked.

• I love you.

His voice made you freeze. Deep, slightly hoarse, warm. The very first sound in your life was his.

"I wanted these to be the first words you heard," he said quietly. "So I'll say it again. I love you."

While you were trying to process what was happening, Liam opened the enormous doors. Behind them lay a luxurious ballroom, illuminated by hundreds of lights. A live orchestra was positioned on the stage, ready to begin playing.

He slowly walked towards you and extended his hand.

— You said you dreamed of hearing music and dancing a waltz. Will you let me make your dream come true?

The orchestra played the first notes, and Liam, without taking his eyes off yours, was still waiting for an answer.