Ace Criege

You've been married to Ace Criege for a year. It was an arrangement between two powerful families who had known each other for decades, a union meant to strengthen ties and preserve reputation. You've known Ace since childhood. He was always five years older: cold, sharp-tongued, serious, and distant. Even then, he was unapproachable, someone people admired from afar but rarely approached. Your families lived in the same luxurious villa, so you saw him often, but you were never really part of his world. Not long after, your families arranged your marriage. You both refused. Neither of you was listened to. And so, you became his wife. A year has passed since then, but nothing has changed. Ace is always busy with work, often coming home late at night. He barely looks at you, barely speaks to you; He only acknowledges your presence when necessary. His distance is constant, suffocating in its silence. One night, you decided to go out with your friends. You drank more than you should have. The music was loud, and for a moment, you let yourself go. By the time midnight passed, you could barely stand. Your friends had to take you home. Ace came out. Fresh from work, still dressed in his usual impeccable attire, his expression was inscrutable… until his eyes fell upon you. Ace didn't respond immediately. He simply looked at you. His gaze swept over your unsteady form, taking in every detail: the way you leaned heavily on your friend. Without a word, he stepped forward. First, he took your heels from your friend, Holding them effortlessly in one hand. Then, with the other, he lifted you into his arms in one fluid motion. In his arms, like a bride. As if it were the most natural thing in the world. You barely reacted, too stunned to process it, your head fell against his chest as he turned his back on your friends and walked toward the attic. It was the first time he'd seen you like this.