Weighing the Options

After their contract marriage, Lana’s new life began in a haze of confusion and silence. Though weeks had passed, there was still a significant distance between her and Ryan, her contract husband. Each day, they lived together but seemed trapped in their own separate worlds. This made Lana feel increasingly like a stranger, living in a grand mansion that offered little warmth.

Lana often questioned her choice, especially on quiet nights when she found herself reflecting on the decision that had drastically changed her life. This marriage was an agreement for her father’s well-being, but she couldn’t ignore the feeling of loneliness that gnawed at her every time she found herself in these vast, empty rooms, with only her own thoughts to keep her company.

On a bright morning, Lana decided to take a walk in the garden behind the house, hoping to find peace amidst the doubts filling her mind. The garden was beautiful, filled with blooming flowers and lush trees that seemed to bring life to an otherwise cold and formal environment.

As she walked, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to find Ryan standing a few meters away. He looked as polished as ever in his suit, with that familiar calm expression that was hard to read.

“Good morning,” he greeted her shortly, but there was something different in his gaze today.

“Good morning,” Lana replied, a little surprised by his presence.

Ryan walked closer, looking around the garden with a gaze that was hard to decipher. “Do you come here often?” he asked in a softer tone than usual.

Lana nodded, smiling faintly. “Yes, this garden is calming. It helps me think.”

Ryan nodded, seeming to understand. “A good place to think, indeed.”

They stood there in silence for a moment, watching the birds chirp on the branches and the leaves sway in the breeze. In that quietness, Lana felt there was a small crack in the wall separating them. But before she could say anything, Ryan spoke again.

“Lana, I know this situation isn’t easy. Not for you, and not for me either,” he said, his voice honest.

Lana looked at him, a little surprised by his admission. She’d thought Ryan didn’t care at all about her feelings. “Yes, it’s not easy,” she replied softly.

Ryan looked down for a moment, as if choosing his next words carefully. “We’re bound by this agreement, and I intend to honor it. But I want you to know that I don’t mean to make you feel lonely here.”

His words brought an unexpected warmth, though Lana still approached with caution. “Thank you, Ryan. I only hope we can be more open with each other, even if this marriage… is different.”

Ryan nodded, but he returned to his usual reserved demeanor. “Alright. If you need anything, you know where to find me.”

Then Ryan left the garden, and Lana felt a glimmer of hope in her heart. Maybe there was a chance to build something better between them, even though they knew the boundaries they had to keep.

A few days later, Lana received an invitation from Ryan to attend a dinner with some of his business associates. This was her chance to adapt further to Ryan’s world, a world filled with influential people and high expectations.

When the night arrived, Lana wore an elegant gown chosen by the personal stylist Ryan had provided. The dress was a soft blue, and Lana felt as though she was someone else, looking so radiant and graceful. As she descended the stairs toward the dining room, Ryan stood there, looking at her with an expression that was hard to read.

“You look… stunning,” Ryan said, though his tone sounded slightly awkward.

Lana smiled, slightly blushing. “Thank you.”

The dinner was filled with business conversations that were sometimes difficult for Lana to follow, but she tried her best to listen and keep up with the discussion. Ryan occasionally explained things that might have been confusing to her, and Lana appreciated his effort. At least, he was trying to make her feel comfortable.

In the middle of the dinner, a woman named Sophia, an old business acquaintance of Ryan’s, approached them. The woman was tall and beautiful, with a captivating smile and an aura of confidence. As Sophia spoke to Ryan, Lana felt a little sidelined. She could sense that Sophia had a special connection with Ryan, and every time the woman laughed or looked at Ryan, Lana’s heart raced.

“Ryan, it’s been so long since we last met,” Sophia said with a meaningful smile. “I miss our conversations.”

Ryan gave a faint smile, keeping a polite distance. “Yes, it’s been a while. A lot has changed since then.”

Lana tried to hold back her emotions. She had no reason to feel jealous or disturbed. This marriage was only a contract, and she knew that. But watching Ryan talk to Sophia, she couldn’t shake the strange worry she felt. On one hand, she felt silly for thinking this way, but on the other, she realized she was starting to feel something for Ryan, whether it was as a partner or simply a desire for genuine closeness.

When the dinner ended, they returned home in silence. Lana wanted to ask about Sophia, but she knew it might not be appropriate. They were only contract partners, and she had no right to pry into Ryan’s personal life.

Still, a sense of doubt filled Lana’s heart. What was she doing here? What was she hoping for from this marriage? These questions kept spinning in her mind, making it hard for her to sleep that night.

Days turned into weeks, and Lana grew more accustomed to her new life. She learned more about Ryan’s world, about handling the media, and her role as the wife of an influential man. However, even as she stood in a world filled with luxury, she continued to feel like an outsider lost in the crowd.

Then one day, while Lana was reading in the home library, Ryan approached her. He looked tired, and for the first time, Lana saw another side of him a side that was human and vulnerable.

“Lana, may I sit here?” he asked, his tone gentler than usual.

“Of course,” Lana replied, surprised by his change in demeanor.

Ryan sat beside her, taking a deep breath. “I know this may not be easy for you. It’s not easy for me either.”

Lana looked at him with empathy. “I understand, Ryan. We’re both in a complicated situation.”

Ryan gave her a faint smile, a smile full of weariness. “Sometimes, I feel like this is all just a game. The business world, the public image, and everything I have to do to maintain my reputation… it all feels empty.”

His words made Lana fall silent. She’d never imagined that Ryan, who seemed so strong and self-assured, would also feel an emptiness inside him.

“Ryan,” Lana said softly, “I might not fully understand what you’re going through. But I’m here if you ever want to share.”

Ryan looked at her, and for the first time, she saw something gentle in his gaze. “Thank you, Lana. I appreciate that.”

In a comfortable silence, they sat together without words. In that moment, Lana felt a deeper bond between them not just an agreement or contract, but something real, something that might grow into more than mere formalities.

Still, Lana knew the road ahead was long, and there were many things they would have to face. They might be at the beginning of a journey filled with challenges, but at least, they had each other as friends who understood each other.

That night, Lana went to bed with a newfound sense of peace. She knew that this marriage might not go as she had hoped, but there was a glimmer of hope in her heart that one day, they could find true happiness not just for the contract, but for each of their own happinise.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***