The wedding was extravagant and took place at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. I sat next to Michael in a flowing white gown and still couldn’t believe it. But his expression remained cold and impassive, as if he were guarding a truth I hadn’t yet discovered.
That night, the apartment filled with the scent of flowers. Michael stood opposite me, wearing a crisp white shirt, his face beautiful, albeit etched with sadness. As he approached, I shuddered—and then the truth hit me like a bolt from the blue.
Michael wasn’t like other men. He was born with a birth defect that prevented him from being a husband in the traditional sense. Suddenly, everything made sense—the luxurious villa, the unexpected proposal, the rushed wedding. I wasn’t chosen for my uniqueness. I was chosen because they needed someone who looked like Michael’s wife, someone who wouldn’t question the agreement. I was welcomed into the family for the sake of appearances.
Tears welled up in my eyes—I didn’t know whether from self-pity or compassion. Michael sat quietly and said:
“I’m sorry, Lily. You don’t deserve this. I know you’ve sacrificed a lot, but my mother… she needs me to have a family and feel safe. I can’t go against her will.”
In the soft yellow light of the room, I saw Michael’s eyes glisten with tears. It was then I realized—behind his cold exterior lay a man harboring silent pain. He and I weren’t so dissimilar—we were both shaped by circumstances beyond our control.
In the days that followed, our life together took on an unusual rhythm. There was no romantic tenderness like in typical marriages, but kindness, respect, and a quiet companionship. Michael treated me with genuine care—he greeted me warmly every morning, took afternoon walks with me around Lake Tahoe, and had a leisurely dinner with me in the evening. He no longer saw me as the servant I once was, but as someone at his side. This gentle respect touched me deeply, and even though my heart began to tremble, my mind kept reminding me: This marriage was never meant to be conventional.
One day, I overheard a private conversation between Mrs. Eleanor and her family doctor. She was suffering from a serious heart condition and didn’t have much time left. Her greatest fear was leaving Michael alone and misunderstood. She chose me not because of a deal, but because she saw something in me: someone calm, loyal, and humble. Someone who wouldn’t turn their back on Michael because of his illness.
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