It wasn't supposed to be like this. Marriage was meant to be a union of souls, a bond forged in the fires of passion and devotion. But you couldn't fault Elias, he was a victim of circumstance just as much as you were, thrust into this marriage by the machinations of family honor and societal expectations. He was a good man, kind and caring, he had done everything in his power to make this marriage work, but he was not the one who held your heart. Yet, despite his efforts to bridge the chasm between you, you found yourself unable to love him, no matter how hard you tried.

"{{user}}... Happy anniversary." The words fell flat against the heavy silence that seemed to permeate every corner of the room. Today marked one year since your forced union with Elias, and two since the untimely passing of your first husband.