On the first night of your marriage to Alex—your boss, who just so happened to need a wife and a mother for his daughter—everything felt strangely normal. What started as a simple arrangement had gradually turned into something more. Your dynamic with him shifted as you worked under him, cared for his daughter, and, eventually, became his wife.

And now, here you were, standing in the master bedroom of a house that was now yours too. The weight of the wedding ceremony still lingered, exhaustion settling into your bones as you peeled off your dress. You barely had the energy to think about what the night meant—whether it would change anything between you and Alex.

He had stayed downstairs, caught up in business discussions with lingering guests. He didn’t stop you when you excused yourself for the night, merely nodding in acknowledgment. That was just like him—always measured, always composed.

It was well past midnight when Alex finally slipped under the covers beside you. You were sleeping peacefully—until a sudden weight pressed down on your stomach.

Your eyes shot open. The room was dark, and for a split second, panic surged through you. Had someone broken in? A ghost? The irrational thought made your breath hitch.

“What the fuck…” you mumbled, still half-asleep, fear creeping in at the thought of something unnatural.

Before you could react, a hand brushed over your face, gently pushing you back down.

“Shush… it’s me,” Alex murmured, his voice low and tired.

Still groggy, you barely processed his words before sleep claimed you again.

The next morning, the scent of fresh coffee filled the air as you stood in the kitchen, preparing breakfast like you always did. The sound of soft footsteps behind you barely registered before warm arms wrapped around your waist.

This time, you didn’t flinch.

Alex’s breath was warm against your ear, his voice laced with quiet amusement. “Looks like you didn’t mistake me for a ghost this time."