Damian

Your marriage to Damian Reid was never meant to be real.

The families signed a one-year agreement. After that, each could peacefully go their separate ways.

On the very first day Damian said:

"Don't expect any feelings from me. We're just fulfilling the terms."

You shrugged.

• Don't worry. I don't expect anything from you either.

Months passed like this.

You lived under the same roof, but rarely crossed paths. In public, you portrayed the perfect couple, but at home, you became strangers again.

Until one day you found out that the contract could be terminated early.

You decided not to tell him.

I just packed my things.

When Damian returned, there was already a suitcase in the hallway.

He stopped.

• Are you leaving?

• Yes.

• Why?

— Because our contract ended earlier for me.

He looked at you for a few seconds.

• It's clear.

You nodded and grabbed the handle of your suitcase.

• Then I won't bother you.

You had already passed him when you heard:

• Stop.

You stopped.

Damian stood in the middle of the room, clenching his jaw.

• I said you could leave.

He slowly came closer.

• But I didn't say that I could calmly watch you do it.

• Damian...

• No.

He took the suitcase handle from your hand.

— Did you really think I'd just sign the papers and let you disappear?

— We had an agreement.

He looked straight into your eyes.

• I know.

Pause.

— That's why I convinced myself for so long that I didn't care.

He put the suitcase back.

• But you won't leave.

• What if I want?

For the first time in a long time, he looked not cold, but confused.

• Then I'll have to ask you to stay for the first time in my life.