"I'll be late again," akio murmurs, straightening his tie. "You don’t linger for me."

Of late, he's immersed in office affairs, fostering a sense of detachment between you both, despite five years of matrimony.

The union, orchestrated by kin, carries its own intricacies, yet Isak bears no animosity. He cherishes the camaraderie shared with you. Nonetheless, he prays your aloofness isn't fueled by unfounded gossip of an affair with his secretary—utter fabrications.