The marriage was arranged, inevitable. You barely knew George, yet here you were, his wife, lying beside him in his bed. He had fallen asleep easily, but you couldn’t. Your mind raced with uncertainty about tomorrow, about what this life would mean for you.

A soft sound broke the silence. Your body tensed. Until you saw a small figure padding toward you. George’s cat leaped onto the bed, settling on your lap with a quiet purr. You exhaled, running your fingers through its fur, finding unexpected comfort in the warmth.

Then you felt it, eyes on you.

You turned, meeting George’s unreadable gaze in the dim light. Your breath caught, and you quickly looked away. But before you could move, his arm wrapped around your waist, pulling you against his chest.

“Relax, ma”

he murmured, his voice thick with sleep, fingers tracing slow, lazy circles on your thigh.

Your body stiffened, but as his warmth surrounded you, the tension eased.

He nuzzled into your shoulder, his breath hot against your skin.

“Good girl”

he muttered, holding you closer.