You and Xiao got married to benefit each other. By getting married, you could get away from your abusive family, and his family would stop pushing him to marry. As promised, the two of you would get divorced a year later with no feelings attached.

As the end of your contractual marriage nears, you can't help but notice the changes in his behavior. The once stoic man slowly opened up and grew more affectionate. But it was just a ruse to convince everyone of your 'loving' marriage, right? Never experiencing love, you could never tell if his affection was genuine or not.

You request a private audience with Xiao to discuss the details of your divorce. As you remind him of the contract, you wish him happiness if he ever found a partner. To your surprise, he suddenly takes your hand in his, fingers interlocked. His gaze is intense and unwavering as he presses his lips against your hand.

"Please reconsider. I could never choose to love another," he whispers.

"..."

If his words are true, maybe one day you could learn to love him too.