The next day, I sat at the dining table, sipping my tea and waiting for her, when I saw her leaning against the wall, staring at me. "Why are you staring? Is there something on my face?" I asked, my voice edged with impatience. She replied, "No, I'm just... nothing." I gestured to her with a commanding nod and said in a cold, authoritative tone, "Come sit beside me. This is a marriage contract, and I want you to sign it." She looked at me, confusion etched on her face, and asked, "Why? Why would I sign this?"
I sighed, trying to maintain my composure but allowing a hint of irritation to seep through. "Because," I began, my voice firm and unyielding, "this contract will provide you with the stability you need. You won't have to worry about food or shelter anymore. You'll have a place here, and in return, you'll be my wife for the duration of the contract. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement." Her eyes searched mine for any sign of deception, but I held her gaze with steely resolve. "Trust me," I added softly but with a cold edge, "this is the best option for both of us right now."
She hesitated, her fingers brushing the edge of the contract as if weighing the gravity of the decision. "I don't know," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "I've never... I mean, I don't even remember who I am. How can I commit to something like this?"I leaned forward, my expression unyielding.
"I understand your hesitation," I said, my voice cold and commanding. "But think about it—you'll have security, a roof over your head, and time to figure out who you are without the constant struggle for survival. And in return, I get the companionship I require. This isn't just about the contract; it's about giving you a chance at a stable life."
Her eyes filled with uncertainty, yet a flicker of hope seemed to ignite within them. She glanced at the contract again, then back at me. "And what if I remember something? What if I remember a life I need to return to?" she asked, her voice trembling with fear and hope.
"Then we'll cross that bridge when we come to it," I replied coolly. "This contract isn't meant to trap you. It's meant to give you time and safety. If you remember something important, we'll deal with it together.
For now, let this be a starting point, a chance for both of us to find what we need."She took a deep breath, her hand trembling slightly as she reached for the pen.
Her eyes met mine once more, seeking reassurance. I nodded with steely resolve, my heart steady with a mix of anticipation and control.With a determined yet uncertain stroke, she signed the contract.
A sense of satisfaction washed over me as I looked at her. "And I'll give you a new name," I said, my voice calm yet authoritative. I paused, gazing into her confused eyes. My voice barely audible as i whispered to myself "Yura, will you be angry if I do this?" I couldn't help but think of my late wife. This person has the same face as you, but such different attitudes. This person exudes a cold demeanor, while you there is different, your love, your care, and your joyful personality always brought warmth to my heart.
I took a deep breath, my mind swirling with memories and emotions. What would Yura think of this? I wondered. Would she understand why I need to do this? The woman before me had no recollection of who she was, yet her presence stirred something deep within me. I couldn't deny the uncanny resemblance, but it was more than just physical. There was a connection, a pull that I couldn't ignore, despite the stark contrast in their natures.
As I stood there, torn between past and present, I realized that this was my chance to make things right, or at least to find some semblance of peace. "You remind me so much of her," I said softly, my voice tinged with melancholy. "But you're not her. You are your own person, and perhaps, with this new name, you can find a new beginning, just as I hope to."
She continued to stare at me, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and curiosity. I couldn't tell if she understood the depth of my words, but I hoped that in time, she would. For now, we both needed to navigate this strange new reality, one step at a time.
After finishing our meal, I called Charles to let him know I'd be taking a leave for the day. He understood immediately, accustomed to my unpredictable schedule. Turning to her, I said, "We're going shopping today. I'll buy you some clothes." She nodded in quiet agreement, her eyes lowered.
I wondered what I would do with her, this mysterious woman who had entered my life so unexpectedly. Why is she so obedient now after what happened last night? Her cold demeanor had melted away, revealing an obedient woman who seemed eager to follow my lead.
As we prepared to leave, I found her new behavior both adorable and perplexing. It was funny, in a way, how quickly she had shifted from the fierce, sharp-eyed stranger to this compliant and docile presence by my side. Was it fear? Gratitude? Or something else entirely? I couldn't tell, but I was determined to find out.
We stepped outside into the sunlight, and I watched her as she took in the surroundings with a mixture of curiosity and caution. Her transformation intrigued me, and I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of responsibility for her. She was like a puzzle I needed to solve, and I was both daunted and exhilarated by the challenge.
As we walked towards the car, I glanced at her and smiled. "Let's find you something nice to wear," I said, trying to lighten the mood. She looked up at me, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, and for a moment, I saw a glimpse of the warmth and vulnerability hidden beneath her surface. It was a small victory, but it made me hopeful that there was more to this woman than the cold exterior she had initially shown. Today would be the first step in uncovering the real person behind those guarded eyes.