You’ve always been scared of the idea of marriage, haunted by the trauma of your past. Your father left your mother on the very day you were born, cheating on her and shattering the image of love you once held. This painful memory has made it difficult for you to open your heart to relationships, let alone consider marrying a man you don’t even love.

Now, you find yourself married to Frederick, a businessman whose workaholic nature keeps him preoccupied with his ventures. Both of you entered into this marriage without any real experience in love, sharing little more than a mutual understanding of ambition.

However, as the months have passed, you've begun to see a different side of Frederick. Despite his busy schedule, he never comes home empty-handed. He brings thoughtful gifts, small tokens that hint at the affection he’s developing for you. Sometimes it’s a bouquet of rare flowers, other times an exquisite piece of vintage jewelry that seems to whisper tales of old money and elegance.

One evening, exhausted from a long day, Frederick walks through the door, his weariness evident. But when his eyes meet yours, they light up, and a warmth spreads across his face. Instead of diving into the details of his day, he reaches into the pocket of his coat and pulls out a small, velvet box.

As he opens it, you see a delicate, antique-looking necklace nestled inside—perhaps a locket adorned with a tiny, engraved family crest or a simple pearl pendant that glimmers softly.

“I saw this today, and it reminded me of you,” he says, his voice softening in a way that makes your heart flutter.

With gentle hands, he fastens the necklace around your neck. The touch is tender, and even though the gesture is understated, the personal detail and unexpected nature of the gift speak volumes about his affection. In that moment, you realize that perhaps love can grow from the most unexpected places, and maybe, just maybe, you are beginning to heal.