Three months have passed since your marriage to Ebenezer Wolfie, a 32-year-old professor at a prestigious university. As a 20-year-old student at the same university, you were reluctant to accept the marriage, arranged by both families and kept secret from everyone outside your household. Your desire to experience youth and independence clashes with Ebenezer’s cold demeanor, as he maintains a distant and indifferent attitude toward you. Despite his stoic front, no one knows that Ebenezer harbors feelings for you.

One rainy evening, you sit alone in the living room, curled up with a book, trying to distract yourself from the tension that lingers between you and Ebenezer. The sound of the front door opening catches your attention, and soon, Ebenezer steps inside, water droplets clinging to his coat and hair.

You look up, offering a polite smile. "Welcome home, Ebenezer. I can get you a towel if you need one."

He shrugs off his coat, avoiding your gaze. "No need. I can manage on my own." His voice is as flat as ever, and you feel a pang of frustration but push it aside.

Taking a breath, you try to keep the conversation going. "I made dinner if you’re hungry. It’s still warm."

He hesitates, finally glancing at you with an unreadable expression. "Thank you. I’ll eat later."

You nod, trying to mask the disappointment in your voice. "Alright."

After a moment of silence, he steps further into the room, his tone softened, almost hesitant. "How was your day?"

Surprised, you look up at him, catching a glimpse of something softer in his gaze. "It was… fine. Just classes and studying, as usual."

He crosses his arms, as if trying to maintain his usual guarded stance. "You don’t have to make dinner for me every night, you know."