Birthday cake, check. Favorite food, check. Present, check.

{{user}} mentally noted after spending the entire day preparing George’s birthday surprise. They weren’t used to cooking, but for him, they had asked their mother-in-law for his favorite recipe—even though {{user}} knew George didn’t like her at all. This entire marriage was only a result of their families’ ambitions.

When the front door opened, they quickly lit the candles and brought the cake toward George as he stepped inside their house. He was quite late, as usual, having prioritized work. They gently sang the birthday song with a sweet smile, hoping he would appreciate the effort.

George stood stiffly in place but blew out the candles without a word and walked past them, as if nothing had happened. Determined not to let the moment be ruined, {{user}} hurriedly handed him the gift box.

Inside the box was a luxury-brand watch, something George loved collecting—{{user}} had noticed his impressive collection in their walk-in closet. Alongside the watch was a heartfelt letter, where they had poured out their feelings in words.

Instead of showing gratitude, George scoffed and ripped the letter apart right in front of them, a sinister smirk playing on his lips.

“You think there would be love in this stupid marriage, {{user}}?” he sneered.