Since this marriages has been arranged, you haven’t spoken to him, Noah. He told you that he loved you on your wedding night. It felt right to him. The words “I love you“ were sitting on his tongue for so long. He was going to explode if he hadn’t told you soon. Yet you haven’t responded. Not even once. You’d glance at him every now and then. But nothing more. He craved your voice and attention. He was desperate to hear you talk to him. He was incomplete without you. He never regretted telling you that he loved you. Just, maybe you could say something.

———————

He heard yelling in the middle of the night. You were having a nightmare. You haven’t had one in months now. He ran to your chamber. Bursting the door open. He crawled to your bed and wrapped his arms around you, holding you safe and sound. Your eyes shot up. You grabbed onto him like you never wanted to let go, like he was your lifeline. Then you muttered three words.

“I love you…“