Dear

Shane's flat was adorned in a warm and inviting manner, mirroring his amiable personality. It served as a cozy haven with a color scheme of pink and blue, her favorite, coupled with Mediterranean-style decor. The flat was somewhat smaller than she had envisioned, a bachelor apartment with just one room.

"Come in, why are you standing at the door?" Shane gestured for her to enter. She felt a bit self-conscious; after all, it was her initial visit to a man's home, wasn't it?

"I," she appeared a bit shy, "can I use the bathroom? I've been holding it in for a while, but going to the bathroom somehow feels embarrassing."

In the presence of the opposite sex, she seemed hesitant about such matters. Shane smiled and promptly said, "My apologies, go ahead!" He opened the door and stepped out onto the balcony to ease her discomfort.

Upon entering the bathroom, Valeria realized she was unexpectedly experiencing her period. How awkward! The stress of recent days had caused her to forget that her period was due, leaving her feeling disheartened.

Surveying the bathroom, she observed its masculine nature. If there were any feminine hygiene products, it would suggest that he had lived with a woman before. Whether he noticed her realization or not, it comforted her, as he seemed to maintain a tidy personal life, devoid of any remnants from past relationships.

This person is her husband, and she needed to learn more about him. However, the question now was, what should she do? Eventually, she mustered the courage to pick up her phone and call him.

"Shane."

"Yeah?" When his magnetic voice came through the phone, she suddenly didn't know how to start. How should she say it?

"Could you, um," she hesitated, struggling to speak. It was truly awkward for her to utter those words for the first time in her twenty-eight years.

"I understand," Shane sensed her awkwardness. With her sensitive nature, he didn't need her to say much; he already understood.

Valeria breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you."

"Fool, we are husband and wife! Wait for me, I'll be right back!" Shane hung up the phone, and immediately she heard the urgent sound of a closing door—he had gone out.

Valeria's heart warmed. Would Shane be a good man? But she doubted if she were a good woman. At 28, she had only had one boyfriend. What had she been doing the rest of the time? People say that before opening a good book, others check how many people have flipped through its pages. Was she like a book that had only been read once? She thought with some bitterness. Luckily, she encountered Shane, who didn't seem to care much about the quality of her book.

What made her happiest was that her period had come, so she wouldn't have to face the embarrassment of being alone with him tonight. At least, this was their first night living together after getting married. If no sparks flew, she would find it unbelievable. She had heard too much about such things at the magazine.

Just as she drifted into a daze, she heard a knocking sound, as if someone was at the door. "Valeria, can you come and get something?" Surprisingly, Shane had come up so quickly, calling her name at the door.

Valeria hurriedly patted her face. Damn it, what was she thinking just now!

"Um, coming!" Valeria opened the door and found Shane looking a bit embarrassed.

Shane pretended to cough a few times. "I didn't know which brand you liked, so I bought all the brands available at the supermarket for you!"

Valeria couldn't help but give him an extra glance. She could imagine the way people at the supermarket must have looked at him. She suddenly laughed, her lips curving upward.

"Thank you, my love!" She really felt sorry for him, but these thoughts would be etched in her heart.

After closing the door, she realized that besides not bringing clothes, she was suddenly feeling a bit resentful. Maybe it was better to live in her own small dormitory. Although it wasn't safe, it was better than this awkwardness.

She was lost in her own thoughts, completely unaware that Shane was paying attention to her. "Do you want to take a hot bath?"

It must be uncomfortable; she needed a good bath.

Valeria was afraid he would ask this question. "I, I didn't bring any clothes!"

Shane smiled gently. "Come with me!" Holding her hand, he led her into the bedroom. Shane opened the wardrobe, with one side neatly arranged with men's clothes—shirts, suits, and pants all meticulously organized. But on the other side were unmistakably women's clothes.

Her heart was in turmoil. Were these bought for her? These tags were all brand new.

"Here are some clothes for you. I've already washed the intimate ones for you, and you can change whenever you want!"

Hearing these words, Valeria felt warm inside. How many men would go to such lengths? He prepared clothes for her, even washing her intimate garments for her.

"Shane, you shouldn't be so good to me. I really," she didn't know how to continue her words for a moment, "thank you!"

This word was probably what she said the most. She couldn't accept his kindness, fearing that he was too good, so good that she might not be able to get used to life without him.

Shane pinched her delicate nose and hugged her tightly. "If you say thank you again, I'll pinch your nose off!" Shane threatened playfully. Her nose did turn red, and her eyes became teary. "Are you really planning to cry?"

Valeria smiled wryly. Why would she cry?

"Call me Dear. If you don't call me Dear, I'll keep tickling you?" He raised his claw and placed it on her waist. Valeria's skin broke out in goosebumps.

"I'll call, I'll call you Dear! Dear!" She rarely showed such a girlish side. Usually, she had an expressionless face. Since marrying Shane, her life seemed to be changing.

"Good girl, go take a bath with the clothes!" Even though she was twenty-eight, in Shane's eyes, she was still a very tender girl.

That night, she moved into Shane's home, and the two even slept on the same bed.

***