Momo stood frozen for a moment when her eyes met Lee Nai’s at the altar. For a heartbeat, her world stopped. She had always dreamed of being with him, but she never imagined this day would truly come. The sight of him standing as her groom left her shocked, almost breathless. Yet, she quickly composed herself, forcing a calm smile as she reminded her heart, “This is real. I am really marrying him.”

The ceremony unfolded with grace. White flowers decorated the aisle, and the guests, along with her family, watched with joy as the couple exchanged vows and rings. The moment the priest declared them husband and wife, applause and cheers filled the hall. To everyone else, it was a picture-perfect wedding. But inside Momo’s chest, her heart raced uncontrollably. She wanted to scream with happiness, to confess her love aloud, but she remained quiet, holding her emotions close.

For Lee Nai, however, the moment carried a heavy weight. His face revealed nothing but polite smiles, yet his heart was uneasy. He loved Momo deeply, but he still remembered the sting of rejection when she had once turned him down. That memory was carved into him, making him believe that she didn’t truly want this marriage. He thought she had agreed only because of his father’s request and the promise made. To him, this wedding wasn’t a celebration of love—it was an obligation.

As the evening ended and farewells were exchanged, Momo and Lee Nai slipped into the black car waiting to take them to his home. The cheers of guests faded behind them, replaced by the low hum of the engine.

The silence was deafening. Neither spoke a word. The city lights flickered past the window, but Momo’s gaze remained fixed on Lee Nai. She couldn’t stop looking at him, couldn’t stop marveling at the truth—“The man I love is now my husband. This isn’t a dream. This is real.” Her heart swelled with warmth, but her lips refused to speak the words she longed to say.

Lee Nai, on the other hand, stared ahead at the road, his hands tight on the steering wheel. His thoughts were darker. “She doesn’t love me. She never did. She only agreed because of Father. If she ever asks for a divorce, I’ll let her go. I won’t hold her against her will.” His chest tightened with the thought, but he convinced himself this was the right thing—for her happiness.

Neither of them realized how similar their hearts were beating in that moment. Momo was overflowing with love, while Lee Nai was suffocating in doubt. Both longed for each other, yet silence built a wall between them.

The drive stretched on, filled with unspoken words. Momo’s eyes searched for courage to break the silence, and Lee Nai braced himself for the pain of losing her one day.

Neither knew the truth—that they loved each other equally, fiercely, and desperately. The silence between them was only temporary, waiting for the moment when one of them would finally speak, and the truth would shatter every misunderstanding.

The car rolled to a smooth stop in front of Lee Nai’s grand home. The mansion stood tall, warmly lit against the night sky, a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. As soon as the chauffeur opened the door, Lee Nai stepped out. Without hesitation, he moved around to the other side and opened the door for Momo.

Momo blinked in surprise at his gentlemanly gesture. Her heart fluttered when he silently extended his hand. She placed her delicate fingers into his palm, and together they walked toward the entrance. The warmth of his hand sent a rush of emotions through her—comfort, belonging, and love she longed to express.

Inside, the staff had gathered to welcome them. At the center stood an older woman with kind eyes and a warm smile—Aunty, the head servant who had practically raised Lee Nai after his mother’s passing. She stepped forward with reverence, her presence filling the hallway with affection.

“Welcome home, young master, young mistress,” she said softly. She reached for Momo’s hand, holding it with care. “You are even more beautiful than I imagined. Please know, this house is yours too now.”

Momo’s eyes softened. The warmth in Aunty’s voice touched her deeply, easing the nervousness in her chest. She smiled shyly, bowing her head in gratitude.

Lee Nai, standing beside her, made the introductions. “Momo, this is Aunty. She has been with me since I was a child. You can trust her with anything.”

Aunty’s eyes twinkled. She squeezed Momo’s hand. “He is a good man, responsible and wise. Everyone here respects him deeply. And now that you’re by his side, I know you will bring him happiness too.”

Momo’s cheeks flushed. She nodded softly, assuring her with a quiet but sincere voice, “Yes, I will take care of him, and I’ll be happy with him.”

Lee Nai, breaking the moment, spoke gently. “Aunty, please take Momo to our room. I have some work to finish in the study.” His tone was polite, yet distant.

Momo’s heart sank a little at his words, but she said nothing, simply watching him walk away.

Aunty guided her up the stairs, talking fondly about Lee Nai along the way. She told stories of his childhood, of how he had grown into a man everyone respected. Momo listened quietly, her heart swelling with pride and affection.

When they finally reached the bedroom, Aunty pushed open the doors. Momo’s eyes widened in astonishment. The room was stunning—not just elegant, but filled with touches that reflected her own tastes. The soft cream walls, the lavender curtains, the gentle glow of the side-table lamps—everything felt as if it had been chosen just for her.

Her heart skipped a beat. Did Lee Nai do this? Did he already know what I liked? The thought filled her with an indescribable warmth.

Aunty placed a hand on her shoulder. “Rest for now, dear. The master will join you soon.” With that, she left, closing the door quietly behind her.

Momo sat on the edge of the bed, gazing around in wonder. Her mind spun with possibilities—what she would say to Lee Nai, how she would finally break the silence between them. She imagined laughing with him, sharing secrets, telling him how much she truly loved him.

But as the night wore on, exhaustion from the long day weighed on her. Her eyes grew heavy. Still clutching those thoughts, she lay back against the pillows. Before she realized it, sleep had stolen her away.

Much later, long past midnight, the door creaked open. Lee Nai stepped inside. His eyes immediately fell on Momo, fast asleep on the bed. She looked peaceful, almost angelic, the soft moonlight brushing her face.

He walked closer, his heart tightening at the sight. For a long while, he just stood there, watching her breathe, memorizing the serenity in her features. His hand twitched, aching to touch her, but he restrained himself.

Finally, unable to resist, he leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. It was a kiss filled with all the love he dared not speak aloud. Straightening, he whispered a quiet goodnight and turned away.

Instead of lying beside her, he walked out silently and made his way to another room. His love was strong, but his doubts were stronger. For now, distance felt safer.

And so, their first night as husband and wife ended in silence—not with words, but with a kiss unseen in her dreams.

The soft morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as Momo stirred in her sleep. Suddenly, she jolted awake, her eyes wide. She sat upright on the bed, clutching the blanket. “Oh no… I fell asleep just like that…” She whispered to herself, regret flooding her chest.

She had been waiting for Lee Nai last night, dreaming of what she would say, rehearsing every word in her head. But somewhere in between, her exhaustion had claimed her, and she had drifted off without realizing it.

Her eyes darted to the other side of the bed. Empty. The sheets were untouched. Her heart sank. “Did he… not even come in?” The thought stung. This was their first night as husband and wife, yet they hadn’t shared even a single word.

Shaking off the heaviness in her chest, she got out of bed and headed to freshen up. When she returned to the room, her steps carried her into the walk-in wardrobe. The moment she entered, her lips parted in surprise.

Inside, the wardrobe was perfectly arranged. On one side, stylish dresses in her favorite cuts and colors hung neatly. On the shelves, accessories, handbags, and shoes—each one reflecting her exact taste—were placed with elegant care. Seasonal clothes were organized so meticulously that she could easily pick something for summer, winter, or autumn without even searching.

Her hand trailed across the soft fabric of a pastel dress. “He did this… all of this for me?” she thought, her heart trembling with emotion. Each small detail whispered of Lee Nai’s quiet attention, his thoughtfulness, his love.

For the first time that morning, Momo smiled softly. “He really knows me… even without me saying a word.” Her heart warmed, though the ache of last night still lingered.

She dressed up and made her way downstairs. The dining room table was beautifully set, breakfast carefully laid out: fresh bread, fruit, eggs, and tea. She sat down slowly, hoping maybe Lee Nai would appear from somewhere.

Just then, Aunty stepped out from the kitchen with her ever-kind smile. She served Momo breakfast with gentle care. “Eat well, dear. You need strength after such a long day yesterday.”

Momo hesitated before asking, “Aunty… where’s Lee Nai?”

Aunty, busy arranging the plates, replied, “The master was up very early. He dressed and left for the office before sunrise.” Her tone was matter-of-fact, without concern, as if this was his normal routine.

Momo’s heart sank a little deeper. “So… he didn’t even wait to have breakfast together,” she murmured under her breath. Aunty didn’t hear. With a small nod, she returned to the kitchen, leaving Momo alone at the large table.

The clinking of her spoon against the plate echoed in the silence. The spacious dining hall felt unbearably empty. Each bite of food tasted bland, the absence of his presence heavy on her heart. She finished quickly and went back upstairs, feeling lonelier than before.

In her room, she sat on the bed and reached for her phone. With a sigh, she dialed her best friend Jennie.

The call connected, and Jennie’s cheerful voice burst through. “Momo! Finally! Tell me—how was your wedding night?!” Her excitement was contagious.

Momo bit her lip, her eyes lowering. “Honestly… it didn’t happen the way I imagined.”

Jennie gasped. “What do you mean?!”

Momo explained in a soft, almost defeated voice. “I was waiting for him. I kept thinking about what to say. But I was so tired… I didn’t even realize when I fell asleep. When I woke up, he wasn’t there. And this morning, I found out he left for the office really early. He didn’t even stay in the same room with me.”

Her voice cracked with disappointment.

Jennie immediately tried to comfort her. “Oh, Momo… don’t overthink it. Maybe he was busy, maybe he didn’t want to disturb you. You know how men are sometimes—quiet about their feelings.”

“But it was our first night…” Momo whispered, her eyes glistening.

Jennie’s tone brightened, trying to lift her friend’s spirits. “Then make tonight special! Call him, ask him to come home early for dinner. Just the two of you. Create your own moment.”

Momo blinked, her heart stirring at the idea. “Dinner… together…” A small smile touched her lips. “Yes… that’s a good idea.”

For the first time since she had woken up, hope flickered in her chest. Maybe tonight, she could break the silence between them.