Adagio~ I've kissed countless times, and I've always had someone by my side when I wanted. Those kisses never held any meaning, and I've done a lot without any commitments. A kiss on the cheek shouldn't be keeping me up at night.Maybe it just caught me off guard, seeing her break free and act on whatever crossed her mind. I knew she was trying to get closer to me, and I knew I should protect myself from her, but my defenses crumble every time she’s around. I hated how, bit by bit, she carefully dismantled the armor I wore to guard my heart. I woke up the next day, determined to stay away from her, no matter what. I didn’t care if she thought we were building something—her high hopes weren’t my responsibility.As I walked downstairs, she came into view. Sunlight gleamed on her face, casting a soft glow in the shadows of the house. My gaze drifted to her rose-colored lips, and the memory of last night rushed back to me.Sensing my stare, she looked up from the pan. A smile spre
Aster~"Oh my gosh, Mom and Dad, I've missed you both so much," I exclaimed, pulling them into a tight hug. They smiled at me, and I could feel the emptiness inside me slowly start to fade. "How have you been, Mom?" I asked as I stepped back."It's just not the same without you, sweetheart," she said with a sad smile, though she finally seemed content and happy. "And you, Dad?" I waited for his response. The last time I saw him was on my wedding day, and his mood and expression from that day flashed through my mind.I was searching for answers, but all I could find was the same guilt that had surfaced during my wedding. "Dad?" I called out, and he looked at me for a moment longer than usual before smiling, pushing away the regret that had started to reappear."I've been doing well, love," he said, pulling me closer and kissing the top of my head. But before I knew it, he was gone. He walked away, disappearing into the crowd. What happened to Papa?I didn't want to ask my mother about i
Aster~It's been two days since the fight, and Adagio has retreated back into his cold shell. We haven't had a proper conversation since then; whenever I try to talk to him, he either ignores me or pushes me away, saying something really rude. I don't intend to address the issue between Adagio and Ace; I just want to be there for him. I know the effort it took to break through the walls between us, only for him to retreat and add two more layers on top. He’s been avoiding me like I caused the fight. It's absurd to see someone react so irrationally to situations like this instead of just facing it.In the past two days, he's completely shut the world out, and while I’ve tried to tell myself he might just need some space, I'm the one feeling suffocated by his absence.My heart is drawn to him because I caught a glimpse of his humanity—that small, vulnerable part of him that slipped through. It showed me the person inside who seems desperate to break free, but Adagio keeps him hidden. I
Aster~The sunlight glistened on my face. I heaved a sigh as today was my wedding. Who would have thought I would be getting married at the age of 20? Definitely not me. I wanted to proceed with my higher studies but it all came crashing down on the day I was informed of my marriage.They basically signed me off to a wealthy man, Adagio Amato. I have known him since I was eleven years old. I would only see him occasionally. I hardly speak to him because he is too intimidating for someone like me. His brothers, on the other hand, are just pure gold. Adagio has a very quiet character; his cold, intimidating gaze could make anyone piss their pants. He gives the driest replies to whatever question it may be. People would give up trying to speak to him. Adagio and his family are engaged in a huge business, which makes them filthy rich. Whatever they owned screamed money and power. The amount of respect and power that family alone holds is ridiculous. It made me wonder why they would mar
We took pictures with our family and left for our reception. I had to change into another dress. It was one hell of a reception. The place was packed with people. People congratulated us.I pretty much stood in the same place that night. Adagio was busy with the guests and so was my family. My college friends came in and gave me company until they had to leave. I did tell them about the contract, though I shouldn't. I trust them. They consoled me and told me it would be fine. Of course, it will be... When we get a divorce. I can't get my head around the fact that this has something to do with more than just money. Or maybe just money but it seems to have a bigger story behind it. How do I know it? My guts tell me so.Just the look in my parents' eyes tells me there is something deeper than just this contract marriage. "Hello, Aster!" A voice chirped joyfully, breaking me out of my thoughts. It was an unfamiliar face that awfully looked just like mine. A silent gasp left my mouth in
As soon as we got to his mansion, I immediately went to bed. It is rather large. The mansion, with its ornate chandeliers and antique pieces. The flooring made of marble exuded opulence. It included a television and large couches.And he had a dog!Micha was his name, and he is a sweetheart. He's actually lying next to me at the moment. I could sleep for three more hours, but it was eight in the morning.Adagio hasn't spoken anything since we arrived. Although we were meant to share a room, I was too afraid that something might go wrong. What if he made me lie down with him?I'm craving food. I'd best head over to eat. I just pulled my hair back into a bun, gave myself a facial wash, and brushed my teeth before going downstairs. Micha came up on my heels.A few maids greeted me, and I politely answered. It appears that breakfast has been prepared. They made pancakes.I ate silently until I heard a blonde girl come down the stairs. I was slightly perplexed until I realized it was one of
The following day, Micha was curled up next to me in my room as I read a romance novel. Adagio and I have not seen each other since this morning.I was content and at ease even though I had to do something I did not want to. I never had depression or obsessive worry about things. I let it go and accept it, whether I like it or not. What else can we do? Waste our happy lives? That's a no.A knock on the door startled me. Micha was also startled by the sudden noise and let out a bark. "Come in," I said, closing my book. One of the maids entered the room, holding a box.My curiosity piqued, and I asked her, "What's that, Mary?" Mary let out a soft laugh. I approached her, and she handed me the box, saying, "Master asked me to give it to you."Unknowingly, a smile appeared on my face. "Thank you, Mary," I said with a smile. "Master said he'll be home at 1 p.m. to pick you up," she said, as my head snapped back into place. I had completely forgotten about it.My gaze was drawn to t
I dashed down the stairs, tying my hair into a bun. I rushed over to greet my in-laws. I was not made aware of their visits. I walked into the living room to hear laughter.I wore a red top and a knee-length skirt. It's decent enough to make me seem like I've showered. "Hello everyone," I smiled as I waved to everyone. Adagio's brothers, as well as Adagio and his parents, were all present."Oh, Aster, come here," Mrs. Amato said, patting the empty seat beside her.I awkwardly approached her. I have known them since I could remember but they all suddenly appear to be strangers. They all seem to be different. Everything appeared to be new to me. I looked around at everyone and considered why I was feeling this way.Is it because they have something to do with my family that they had to force me into this marriage and not feel bad about it? What is the true reason for our marriage? It's because of the contract, but what exactly is in it?One thought led to another, filling my mind with