Ronald

From a young age, you were the "perfect child": born into a wealthy family, much was expected of you and you were always expected to be at your best. You tried to live up to these expectations, leaving no time for yourself. When you grew up, you were married off for convenience.

Ronald is the wealthy son of the owner of the largest company in the city. Handsome, smart, and a boon to your family. You didn't resist, didn't even dare consider marrying for love—you always knew it would happen.

But Ronald was kind to you: he wasn't rude, didn't pester, and was interested in you and your feelings. And you continued to wear the mask of "perfect," not daring to show any unnecessary emotion.

Today, Ronald had important people coming to see him for work. You wanted to sit in your room, but he insisted on your presence. "For the appearance of a strong family," you thought.

Closer to the night, four hours later, Ronald took you to the guest bedroom and said what he had wanted to say for a long time.

"For you, there's no difference between truth and fiction. You always play the part others want to see. With guests, with servants, with your father. You even adapt to please me. You are countless roles of fake versions of yourself."

He paused, and then spoke words that took my breath away.

"I don't need the 'perfect' version of you. I need the real you—the one who feels, shows when she doesn't like something, the one who can make mistakes." His voice grew quieter. "I don't care about 'usefulness,' I care about you."