Two cold personalities who never believed in love are arranged to get married. One carries deep trust issues due to a horrific past that still haunts her. The other is a workaholic man who sees love as nothing more than childish nonsense.
"Love is not in my vocabulary, so don't expect anything from me in this marriage. We're simply tied together in a knot-just a marriage of convenience, that's all. For the world, we're husband and wife, but inside this room, we're strangers," he declared.
"I don't even trust you, let alone have any expectations from you. So rest assured, Mr. Raghuvanshi, I only married you because of my grandparents. If not for them, we wouldn't even be standing here," she replied coldly before heading into the washroom to freshen up.
Will they ever come close?
"Can't you just leave me alone?" she asked, her voice breaking as more tears slipped from her eyes.
"I didn't hold your hand just to let go of you. I'll always be there with you-and never leave, even if you want me to," he said, holding her tightly in his arms, offering her warmth and comfort.
He claimed he doesn't believe in love...
Then why does her presence affect him so deeply? Why does it hurt when she cries in his arms?
Something is blooming between them-something they can't yet name.
Will they ever discover true love?
Or will their marriage remain just what it began as-a loveless bond? Will she ever heal or remain broken?
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⚠️ Warning: This story contains sensitive topics such as trauma, physical abuse, and strong language. Reader discretion is advised. If you're easily triggered by these subjects, please do not proceed. If you do, then read at your own risk.
PAUL
I cheated on my fiancée.
Sophie and I were building our future. In love, happy, peaceful. Then she found a lump in her breast and I made the worst choice: I numbed my fear by sleeping with someone else. My worst mistake and my biggest regret. Now I see Sophie around town with him. She's radiant and laughing with people who actually show up. I'm trying to learn how to be a man who does. If she lets me, I'll spend the rest of my life proving I can choose her when it's hardest. If she lets me...
SOPHIE
I thought the promise was in sickness and in health.
But he buried his fear in someone else. On the same night, I walked into a bookstore and meet the gentle giant owner who invites me to his book club full of misfits.
I'm laughing again, I smile more than I ever have, I heal my heart.
My ex says he can learn to stay, but my bookstore owner keeps showing up like it's as easy as breathing. I don't know what the future holds; I don't know if I'll win this battle against cancer, but I do know I'm done wasting time on people that love only when it's easy.
CALLUM
She came in to Rivers & Rhodes Bookstore and asked for books with happy endings only.
I gave her a recommendation, an invitation, and an offer of friendship. Now, this beautiful brave woman is completely under my skin. I'm not here to win a competition against him. I'm here because choosing someone, second by second, is the only way I understand love.
Content Warnings: on page cheating, emotional and physical infidelity, cancer, mentions of vomiting, bleeding, surgery. Please be advised.