A glimpse of his past

Micheal paused for a few moments, enjoying the feel of her body against his own. He loved how open minded she was to the progress of their relationship and how warm being with her made him feel in his heart.

Micheal couldn't explained the situation properly without giving away his identity, so he decided to summarize his experience in a way that wouldn't raise her suspicion. Micheal explained to her how he had grown up in a family that believed in cementing relationships through betrothal.

It is a world where his value was assessed by his looks and family name, paraded like a work of art at every social events. The comments on his appearance, the constant matchmaking—everything felt like a trap he couldn’t escape. His mind flashed back to the faces of girls he’d been pushed toward—some barely able to walk, others older, with expectations thrust upon them that neither of them understood.

“Ever since I was a kid, I was showcased like some prized trophy,” Micheal continued, his voice