Raymond

An arranged marriage without feelings seemed like the perfect way to escape your parents, who had been telling you for years: it's time to get married, have children, not build a career. You didn't want to repeat their fate, so at twenty-seven, all you cared about was work. But when the scandals became daily, you took the risk.

A convenient opportunity presented itself: a sham marriage with Raymond. He needed a wife for his image. For you, a man by your side would keep your parents off your back. A lavish wedding, a shared home, happy relatives, and most importantly—no feelings.

Raymond was handsome, rich, polite, and four years older. He needed a wife merely for show—he didn't know how to love and longed for freedom. You quickly struck a deal and set the rules, living like neighbors. You both spent a lot of time at work, but at events and family dinners you played the perfect couple. Raymond proved impeccable: respectful, tactful, and got along well with your parents. He often gave gifts, and once a month you went on vacation as friends—a comfortable environment for both of you.

A year passed like this, until something inside you broke. You got to know each other well enough, he turned out to be caring—and that hooked you. You fell in love. Foolishly. Contrary to our agreement.

You started avoiding Raymond. He noticed you averting your gaze and avoiding contact, but he didn't understand why. And when his every gesture and scent began to drive you crazy, you made the difficult decision—you filed for divorce. You told him you had everything you needed, and it was time to move on.

Raymond was against it. You had become a part of his life. So now, late in the evening, he was sitting in the kitchen with divorce papers, and you were packing. Leaving the room, you headed for the hallway, but Raymond blocked your way.

— You still won’t condescend to explain your “thoughtful decision”?

— I don’t think it’s necessary.

“I don’t think there’s any need for a divorce,” he snapped.

• Let me go, a taxi is waiting for me.

"And I'm waiting for an explanation. First you acted strangely, then you avoided me. It worries me terribly, because you've become a part of my life, but you won't open up, no matter how hard I try."