Stella took a bite of the parfait, her cheeks pink as she enjoyed the sweet treat Seiji had ordered for her. His stories captivated her, and she laughed at his playful jokes, charmed by his effortless wit. Sitting across from him, she could hardly believe she was here with this handsome stranger who seemed to brighten the whole room with his presence.
Her mind drifted to her husband, who had left for a quest with his adventuring party just days after their wedding. She had tried to be understanding—such was the life of an adventurer's wife, she reminded herself—but it felt so lonely. Days had passed in solitude, with only her thoughts to keep her company.
