The streets were eerily quiet as Ethan followed Lila through the dim glow of the morning. Her pace was quick, her posture composed, as though she hadn't just turned his life upside down in the span of a few hours. He trailed a step behind, his thoughts racing.
What just happened?
The courthouse. The vows. The system. Every piece of it felt surreal, and yet the cold marriage certificate tucked into his pocket reminded him it was all real. A voice in his head, telling him to spoil his wife for rewards? It sounded insane.
Lila glanced back, catching him lost in thought. "Are you coming or what?"
Ethan blinked and hurried to catch up. "You're acting awfully calm for someone who just dragged a stranger into marriage."
She smirked faintly but didn't respond. Instead, she stopped in front of a modest corner diner with a flickering neon "Open 24 Hours" sign.
"Here," she said simply, pushing the door open.
The aroma of fresh coffee, sizzling bacon, and buttery pancakes wafted over him as they entered. The place was nearly empty except for a lone waitress wiping down tables and an older man nursing a cup of coffee at the counter.
Lila slid into a booth by the window, and Ethan hesitated before joining her. The vinyl seats squeaked slightly under his weight as he sat across from her.
"So… now what?" Ethan asked, breaking the silence.
Lila picked up a menu, scanning it with an air of disinterest. "We eat."
Ethan frowned, leaning forward. "I mean now that we're… married." He still felt strange saying the word. "Don't people usually discuss things like plans or, I don't know, why they got married in the first place?"
Lila lowered the menu, meeting his gaze. "I told you why. Fate. You stopped me last night. That's enough for now."
"That's not an explanation—it's a riddle," Ethan muttered, running a hand through his hair.
She raised an eyebrow. "Do you regret it already?"
Ethan opened his mouth to reply but hesitated. Regret wasn't the right word. He was confused, sure, and overwhelmed, definitely. But there was something about Lila's confidence—her unwavering certainty—that made him curious. Against all logic, he wanted to see where this strange path might lead.
Before he could answer, the waitress approached, her notepad in hand. "Morning! What can I get you two?"
Lila ordered coffee and an omelet without hesitation. Ethan, distracted by his thoughts, blurted out, "I'll have the same."
The waitress scribbled down their order and walked off, leaving them in silence.
"You know," Ethan said after a moment, "I could cook for you instead. A proper breakfast. It's… something I'm decent at."
Lila tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "You cook?"
"Yeah," Ethan said, shrugging. "Nothing fancy, but I'm not terrible. Besides, we just got married. I might as well try to make a good first impression."
For the first time, Lila's lips curved into a small, genuine smile. "Fair enough. Let's see what you've got."
Minutes later, they stood outside Lila's apartment. It was a modest building, the kind you'd walk past without a second glance. She unlocked the door and led him inside.
The space was neat, almost too neat—minimalistic to the point of feeling sterile. There were no personal touches, no photos or decorations, just the bare essentials.
"This is… cozy," Ethan said, glancing around.
"I'm not here much," Lila replied curtly, motioning toward the kitchen. "It's functional."
Ethan stepped into the small but well-equipped kitchen and opened the fridge. He was relieved to find eggs, bread, butter, and a few other staples. The cabinets held a decent selection of spices. He began pulling things out, falling into a rhythm.
"What are you making?" Lila asked, leaning against the counter.
"An omelet," Ethan replied, whisking eggs in a bowl. "With some toast on the side. Simple but satisfying."
Lila folded her arms, watching him work. "You seem oddly comfortable in the kitchen for someone who looked like his world was ending an hour ago."
Ethan chuckled dryly. "Cooking's easier than life. At least here, I know what to expect."
Lila didn't respond, her eyes studying him in a way that made him feel oddly exposed. Ethan focused on the task at hand, chopping vegetables, toasting bread, and seasoning the eggs with precision.
As he worked, the system's voice chimed in his head again:
"Reminder: Task nearing completion. Final step: serve your wife with a smile."
Ethan groaned internally. *Serve her with a smile? Is this system for real?*
He plated the food and carried it to the small dining table where Lila had seated herself. Setting the plate in front of her, he forced a smile.
"Breakfast is served," he said, trying to sound lighthearted.
Lila arched an eyebrow but didn't comment. She picked up her fork and took a bite, chewing thoughtfully. Ethan watched her nervously, waiting for her verdict.
"Well?" he prompted after a moment.
"It's good," she said simply, taking another bite.
Ethan let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
As she continued eating, the system's voice returned, now celebratory:
"Task completed: Make your wife breakfast. Reward: $500 has been deposited into your bank account."
Ethan froze. His heart raced as he pulled out his phone and opened his banking app. His eyes widened as he saw the deposit: $500 labeled "SYS REWARD."
"What's wrong?" Lila asked, noticing his stunned expression.
"Nothing," Ethan said quickly, shoving his phone back into his pocket. He couldn't explain this to her—not yet, anyway.
Instead, he watched her eat, his mind swirling with questions. The system was real. The money was real. And his entire life seemed to hinge on this enigmatic woman he'd married.
As Lila finished her breakfast, she leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. "Not bad, husband. You might actually have some use after all."
Ethan laughed nervously, unsure if she was joking or serious.
But one thing was clear—his journey with Lila and the mysterious system was only beginning, and he had no idea where it would lead.