Maira turned to Surya, her gaze steady. "I have no problem with this marriage. But I have a daughter. If you don't treat her well, that's one thing, but promise me you will never treat her badly."
Surya's expression shifted to seriousness as he replied, "I promise." His few words carried the weight of sincerity.
Maira hesitated, battling her fears. "If you ever fall for someone else, just tell me directly. I can't forget my ex-husband who cheated on me for 15 years. I can't shake this fear... What if...?"
Surya understood the gravity of her past. "I will never fall for anyone except my wife."
Maira felt warmth flood her cheeks. Is he confessing to me? His face remained expressionless, but his words were unwavering.
Looking up at him, she nodded, hope mingling with uncertainty.
Surya continued, "Let's get married tomorrow."
Eagerly, he pressed forward, driven by the fear of losing her—fearing that someone else might take her away or that her ex-husband might return. He had already lost her once; he wouldn't let it happen again.
Maira wanted to hesitate, but just then, her daughter began to cry loudly. The sound cut through her doubts.
The next day, they exchanged their wedding vows, feeling a sense of peace in their decision, believing they could hold a larger celebration later.
Surya was overjoyed—finally, he had everything he had ever wanted.
Maira and Pari moved into his mansion, a spacious abode, grander than her ex-husband's home. Surya had been wealthy long before his rise to general, but the house felt too austere for their taste. Maira envisioned ways to infuse it with warmth, and Pari eagerly joined her in the endeavor.
The following day, Surya left home to attend to work. When he returned, he was greeted with a pleasant surprise; he double-checked to ensure he was indeed at his house.
It looked so... lively.
As he approached the entrance, a voice rang out, "Remove your shoes and change them!"
Surprised, he realized the commanding voice belonged to his wife. Without hesitation, he complied, slipping off his shoes and noticing a shelf that hadn't been there before.
Maira approached him, her beauty striking. She looked lovely, even more youthful, dressed in clothes her daughter had gifted her, enhancing her presence.
Surya felt a swell of joy, though his expression remained composed.
"Take a bath," Maira instructed gently. "I've prepared your clothes."
He nodded, eager to comply, and retreated to the bathroom, where their bedroom awaited, transformed into a bright and inviting place.
After showering, he donned the new, comfortable attire Maira had laid out for him, gratitude blooming within.
When Maira saw him dressed, her cheeks flushed adorably. He looked incredibly handsome; the clothes fit him perfectly, showcasing his well-built figure.
Surya noticed her reaction and felt delighted.
Maira then served him a meal, and as he savored each bite, he was enveloped in a profound sense of gratitude. He felt incredibly lucky to have a wife who was so gentle and caring. I vow that we will live together happily, he promised himself. Yet, despite the contentment surging within him, his expression remained slightly paralyzed.