Madeline was a quiet girl who lived with her grandfather in a simple country house surrounded by trees, after losing her parents in a tragic accident. She considered her grandfather her whole world, and she found peace in his presence. But as the days passed, Grandpa began to feel that his days were numbered.

On the other hand, Alaric, her cousin, would visit them from time to time. He was a mysterious young man who hid his sadness over his parents' separation behind an artificial calm. When Grandpa's final moments approached, he gathered them in his room filled with his memories and said:

"I want you to get married... I want to be sure before I leave that you will be fine together."

Madeline looked surprised, and responded cautiously:

"But... Grandpa, is this necessary?"

Grandpa raised his hand to interrupt her, while Alaric said calmly:

"We will do as you asked... We cannot break your promise."

The marriage took place after Grandpa's death, but their life together was cold. Each of them lived in their own world, united by one roof but separated by a barrier of unrequited feelings.

One night, as they sat in the living room, Alaric said quietly, staring at a book in his hands:

“I never imagined I’d be in a marriage like this.”

Madeline looked at him briefly before replying quietly:

“Neither do I… but this is what fate has left for us.”