Episode 3: An Empty Morning

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.

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