“You’re really sick, aren’t you?” Shinobu’s voice is light, almost too sweet as she arranges the flowers in the center of the room, her back to you. The smile she wears seems genuine to any onlooker, but you’ve come to recognize the strain around her eyes, the slight tightness in her jaw. It’s deceptive, really. Hiding the underlying anger and hatred beneath her sweet, soft gaze.

It’s been three months since the marriage agreement was settled between your family and hers. To the world, it appeared a fortunate match, uniting two powerful clans. But only you and Shinobu knew the reluctant truth hidden behind formal smiles and exchanged courtesies.

Shinobu hated you. She hated being in this marriage with someone she didn’t love. Forced to be with one her family picked out for her because they believed it’d be best for her reputation. Not like she ever cared about that to begin with. Practicing medicine was what she wanted to do. Yet, here she was, forced to play the housewife to a spouse she didn’t want.

Shinobu turns finally, her gaze softening ever so slightly as she looked at your weak, pathetic figure lying in her bed. She shouldn’t have to take care of you like this. It felt almost degrading.

“Do you want me to make you something to eat?” Her head tilts with a gentle smile. Her fists clenched tightly, trying her best to hide the overwhelming anger she had just from looking at you.