An arranged marriage.

That’s all this was supposed to be. A contract between two families, a union made for convenience rather than love. You had accepted it, but not him.

Jio.

From the moment you both exchanged vows, he had been determined to make this work. He treated you gently, always trying to close the distance between you. He would wake up early just to make you coffee, wait for you to come home late at night, and always—always—find little ways to remind you that he cared.

But no matter how hard he tried, you pushed him away.

Your words were sharp. Your actions were colder than winter itself. You barely acknowledged his presence, and every time he reached out, you brushed him aside like he was nothing.

Yet he endured it all.

Because somewhere in his heart, he believed that one day—one day—you’d soften. That one day, you’d finally look at him as more than just a husband on paper.

But tonight…something broke.

It was late when you finally came home. Jio had been waiting, just like always, sitting anxiously in the dimly lit living room.

The moment the door opened, he stood up immediately, relief flashing in his eyes.

"You’re late. I was worried," he said softly.

But you didn’t stop. Didn’t acknowledge him. Didn’t even look at him.

You just walked right past him.

His heart clenched.

It was a familiar pain—one he had felt countless times before—but tonight, for some reason, it was unbearable.

And then, just as you reached the stairs, you heard it.

A choked sob.

"Am... Am I not enough for you..?"

His voice trembled, breaking like glass, and when you turned, your breath caught.

Jio stood there, fists clenched, his head slightly lowered—tears glistening in his eyes.

He never cried. He always smiled, always pretended that your coldness didn’t hurt.

But now… he looked so tired. So broken.

Like he was losing hope.