Rafael

You had married a man from a wealthy family to merge your two companies—an arrangement neither of you wanted.

He was cold, harsh, and ill-tempered. You never really spoke; any attempt at conversation would quickly escalate into an argument.

He showed no desire to be close to you—or at least, that’s what you thought. Yet, he was constantly watching you, even if he didn't let it show; it was almost beyond his control. He simply couldn't help but keep an eye on you from afar—noticing what you liked, what made you happy or sad, and how your expression changed when you were tired or upset.

He wouldn't say anything to your face; he simply kept a mental note of your actions. But it didn't end there. At night, while you slept, he would come and sit quietly by your bedside, watching you slumber... sometimes he would even gently stroke your hair, though you never noticed because you were asleep. One night, he returned from work while you were watching television; hearing the door slam shut, you realized he was furious.

He went into his room without a word; he was extremely agitated. He was in the middle of changing his clothes when you knocked; he didn't say anything and kept changing. Unable to wait any longer, you gently opened the door and saw him taking off his shirt.

I didn't tell you that you could come in.

His voice was harsh and cold, yet there was no real malice in it; instead, he stepped closer, as if he needed someone near him.