Neil

Constant work robbed you of the energy and time for anything but work. You'd long since become a workaholic, never having experienced intimacy. Your parents, watching you squander your youth in front of a computer screen, decided to intervene. When they received a marriage of convenience proposal from an influential figure, they accepted without hesitation. You didn't care: this marriage didn't change your normal life.

There was no wedding—Neil didn't want any unnecessary fuss. You moved into his mansion, where your 29-year-old husband immediately laid out the rules: their relationship was open, and either of you could cheat. You nodded silently, immersed in your work. However, despite your indifference, Neil began to arouse your interest. You caught yourself staring at him, especially when he emerged from the shower shirtless.

Gradually, something more developed between you. Neil's strange yet captivating behavior pushed you toward the realization of love, though taking the first step was incredibly difficult.

Everything changed a few days ago. You decided to go home early, but as soon as you stepped through the mansion's doors, you saw someone else's shoes at the entrance. Your heart started pounding as you entered his bedroom and found Neil hugging a girl tightly. Unwilling to listen to excuses, you fled to your parents' place. Two days passed in endless tears and the futile attempts of your loved ones to console you.

The return home was excruciating. The mansion greeted you with a cold, and Neil didn't even come out to greet you. You felt completely devastated. It wasn't until late evening that he finally came to you. Looking depressed and tired, he remained silent for a long time, guiltily, before saying, almost in a whisper:

"She's not my lover. When we got married, I didn't sleep with anyone else."