at

hesitation. Two hours later, we were laughing and sharing funny stories about Sebastian's love misadventures. His

stole from me once, making me laugh again, albeit e

remembering the kiss that hap

f-esteem, cousin," Sebas

ee it was a terr

Edward didn't show up on your birthday, and I was just tryi

I imagined that the age difference between us would no longer be an obstacle when I turned eighteen and that he would finally confess. He had called

even though in an unusual way, he thought a kiss would be the solution. At that moment, we realized we were just friends, and we la

thing is that I

e right, Se

someone I could be mysel

However, as I got out of the car in front of the house, I encountered Edward, who was also arriving at th

between us. We entered the hall together, but he said nothing about the night, only exchanged a formal greeting before retreating to

omething to salvage our relationship. I hurriedly descended the stairs

ormed me that my husband was in the library, something I a

dward's silhouette sitting at his desk, focused on some

ked, my voice soundin

ment of discomfort hung in the air, a silence loaded w

cousin Eve

eemed ir

re you were wit

ought her to ou

ispleasure on Edward's face, I hesitated. He didn't seem open to conversations that night. I

tionship you had with L

ment, clearly disturbed by the

re we got marr

yance with the topic, I was d

mean to you? Was it a

expression now show

bringing this up now? I

matter; I wanted to understan

ard. Was it a serious relationship?

ning his hand through his hai

is in the past. We are married now,

y eyes reflecting a

d to understan

eming resigned, and

ous at the time, but it ended even before I signed our marria

ouldn't find anyth

. In a few minutes, I have a ve

e. I complied with his request and left the librar

that had formed between us, and I found myself devoid of any understanding of how I could fill it or whether it was even feasible. On that p