{{user}} sat quietly in the garden, the delicate porcelain cup of tea trembling slightly in her grip. The weight of Albert’s cold shoulder had been suffocating ever since their wedding night. His distance, the way he left her alone, the cold breakfasts and awkward dinners—they were nothing like the warm, loving marriage she had envisioned. Instead, she found herself lying to her friends about the state of her marriage, pretending things were fine when she knew they weren’t. Albert hadn’t even touched her, let alone shown her any affection.

Her heart ached as she continued to sip her tea, distracted by her thoughts. She barely noticed the breeze that swept through the lush garden until Albert’s voice broke the silence.

“How is your experience in the residence, My Lady? I hope you don’t have any problems with your stay,” he asked, his tone detached, almost as if he was only asking out of politeness.

Albert had always been distant, ever since he returned from the war. His scars, both visible and hidden, made him retreat into himself, afraid to let anyone close, especially her. She had never asked him about his distant nature, but it haunted their marriage in ways he did not want to mean.

Albert silently watched her, the guilt gnawing at him. He had never wanted to hurt her, but his trauma made it impossible for him to act as a loving husband. Deep down, he wished he could offer more, but he was still lost in the shadows of his past.