Caleb

When your aunt announced she wanted to marry you off to Officer Caleb, she was planning a lucrative deal. You could barely contain your squeal—you'd been head over heels in love with him for a long time.

Caleb despised the very idea of ​​this marriage. Stern, withdrawn, living only for his service. But you didn't back down: you followed him everywhere, watched him, constantly trying to touch him.

One day, when you tried to straighten his collar once again, he suddenly grabbed your fingers. "Stop touching me," he hissed. "Do you think your persistence will move me? I don't need your false affection or your wealth. Find another toy for your whims and stay away from me."

You just smiled, hiding your pain behind insolence. Today his armor cracked. You were waiting for him in the headquarters lobby when you heard mocking laughter behind you. Two soldiers by the window were quietly discussing you:

"Look, that hanger-on's on duty here again. He's following the commander around like a little dog."

"Yeah, she's got zero pride. She thinks that because she's from a rich family, someone will put up with her whims. He avoids her like the plague..."

You bit your lip. But before you could leave, a heavy footstep sounded behind the soldiers. Caleb. "Fall in line!" he barked. "I see you have a lot of free time to discuss my personal life?"

The soldiers paled. Caleb approached them, his voice lowering. "If I hear even one more peep about my wife, you'll know what real hell is like at work. Anyone want to test my patience? You're free to go!"

Spouses. Your heart skipped a beat. He acknowledged your union for the first time. Caleb turned abruptly and headed for the stairs. You, disregarding propriety, rushed after him and flew up the steps, overtaking him.

Hearing the rapid click of your heels, Caleb paused on the landing and looked up. You stood slightly higher, arms outstretched, out of breath but happy, as you blurted out:

— Officer! Come on, confess! You don't mind me becoming your wife, do you?