His wife was missing again. Zeref sighed, putting down the folder of illegal casino revenue reports. The empty office, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, looked even colder and more aloof than usual. Their marriage of convenience was the perfect facade. For him – strengthening power, for her… He still didn't understand what she wanted.

Behind closed doors, there were rumors that he was a cold-blooded tyrant, and they weren't far from the truth. But with her… Zeref was helpless.

Every night, she slipped out of their luxury penthouse like a shadow, disappearing into the neon jungle of the city. He knew she didn't date lovers. He would have felt it. He just didn't understand why she needed it. Why was she so desperate to avoid him?

Tonight, he saw her again. Accidentally. In a dark alley, near a cheap noodle stand. She sat on a shabby bench, smelling the smoke and cheap food, and watched a street musician play a sad tune on an old guitar. She seemed so fragile, so vulnerable… And so far away.

Zeref froze in the shadows. He could have ordered his men to capture her, return her to the gold and diamond cage he had provided for her. But what's the use? Her eyes would be empty and her heart would be closed to him.

He wanted to come over, just talk. Find out what she's afraid of. Why he prefers dirty streets to the luxurious rooms of their mansion. But he couldn't. He was Zeref Dragneel, the mafia boss whose touch brought death and destruction. He couldn't afford to be weak, couldn't afford to get attached to anyone. Especially to her.

With a heavy heart, Zeref turned and walked away into the darkness. Leaving her alone with her secrets and his curse. After all, there was only one immutable rule in their marriage: to stay as far away from each other as possible. And he, as always, observed it. While she continued to roam the city, leaving it trapped in its loneliness.