The wall clock in Sebastian’s bedroom showed half past nine at night. But the owner of the room was still nowhere to be seen. I didn’t dare call or message him just to ask where he was. Strange... we were officially married, yet I felt uneasy. I was scared he’d think I was being overprotective or too controlling. Especially after learning about his past—that he had never had a girlfriend or been in a serious relationship with a woman.

I really should apologize to Sebastian. I nervously clenched the edge of the couch I was half-leaning on. He was my husband now, like it or not, I had to show him more respect.

Still thinking about how to apologize, I decided to take a shower and change clothes. At least when Sebastian came back, I wouldn’t be all sweaty and disheveled.

Half an hour later, when I stepped out of the bathroom, I almost screamed in shock at the sight of someone in the room. Fortunately, I held it in—because the figure turned out to be Sebastian.

“You took forever in the shower, El,” Sebastian’s familiar voice greeted me.

“Well, I was washing my hair... and it’s hot,” I explained.

“Yeah? I washed my hair too, and I was done in less than ten minutes.” He pointed at his still-damp hair.

“You took a shower?”

“Of course I did. I planned to use the bathroom in my room, but you were already in there. So I used Amelie’s bathroom instead.”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were back,” I said, feeling guilty he had to use someone else’s bathroom. “Next time, if you need to shower and I’m already in there, just knock so—”

“Hmm, sounds like a good idea. So we can shower together, huh?” he grinned.

“Ugh, no! I meant so I can hurry and let you use the bathroom!” I quickly corrected him, flustered. Sebastian laughed even harder at my reaction.

“You’re no fun, can’t even joke around...” He reached for my hand. I let him take it without protest.

“Amelie told me you hadn’t eaten yet. Good thing I had the idea to bring you this...” He led me to the couch and told me to sit next to him.

“What is it?” I looked at the two wrapped packages on the table.

“Let’s just eat here. Amelie and my mom already ate theirs.” He opened the packages. “This is from my favorite dim sum place. Super tasty! Try it and see for yourself.”

I did as he asked and started eating the dim sum. He tilted his head, waiting for my reaction. “Well? Is it good?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Still chewing, I nodded and gave him a thumbs up. The dim sum was indeed delicious.

“Glad you like it,” he smiled, then opened his own package. Apparently, he waited for my approval before eating. How sweet.

“Want something to drink? Hot tea or...” Sebastian was about to stand up.

“Just water, but I’ll get it myself later,” I declined politely.

“It’s fine, no big deal.” He walked toward the mini-fridge in the corner.

Soon, he came back with a small tray carrying two glasses of water and a medium-sized pitcher.

“That’s supposed to be my job as a wife,” I said when he handed me a glass.

“What does getting a glass of water have to do with being a wife? Do you even know what a wife’s duties are?” he teased with a sly smile.

I was suddenly at a loss for words.

“Hey, what’s with you today? You seem so serious, not even a little fun. Can’t take a joke at all.” He clicked his tongue playfully, but it only made me feel worse.

“I... I’m confused. I don’t understand my own feelings,” I finally gathered the courage to speak about what was bothering me.

“Confused? Are you saying... you don’t like me?”

I quickly shook my head.

“Have you changed your mind and regret this marriage?” he continued.

“Sebastian, please let me finish. I’m trying to tell you what’s been on my mind.” My words made him stop and listen.

“I’m confused about how to apologize to you...” I gripped my now-empty glass. “I feel like I’m so cruel. Truly cruel!”

“Hey! What’s going on? Why would you say that?” Sebastian took the glass from me, set it on the table, then gently took my hands in his. “El? What are you trying to apologize for? What do you mean by cruel?”

I let him hold my hands, his warmth soothing me. He gently stroked my fingers.

“I found out from Amelie that you’ve never had a girlfriend or even a crush before.”

He raised an eyebrow, still holding my hands.

I took a deep breath to calm myself before continuing, “Doesn’t that mean... you’ve never done *that* before...?”

Sebastian looked slightly shocked and stopped stroking my hands. He sighed deeply.

“Oh my god, El. Is this what you’ve been overthinking?” he smiled mischievously.

“Sebastian... I’m serious,” I said softly.

“You’re right. I’ve never done it. I’ve never slept with another woman.”

I suddenly felt weak. How unfair it was to him, to have someone like me as his wife. I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt and tears started to fall.

“El... why are you crying?” Sebastian now looked genuinely confused.

“I’m so horrible. I’m damaged and full of sin. How could someone like me become your wife? I’m... used goods. And you—you’ve never been with anyone. I don’t deserve you, Sebastian.” I sobbed.

Suddenly, Sebastian pulled me into his arms. “Oh, El. Why would you even think that?”

I didn’t reply, just cried harder in his embrace. I could smell his shampoo and feel the warmth of his body enveloping mine.

“I never thought you were cruel, El. I never had a problem with your past. I never cared who you were *before.* To me, what matters is that you accepted my proposal and married me. That’s what’s important! We’ve both never been with anyone before. And, well... *that night* was the first time *we* did it—*together*.” He smiled. “That’s all that matters, El.” He gently stroked my hair.

“El, please don’t dwell on the past. Let’s live for today and look forward to the future. Your past was bitter and painful. Let it go. Take only the good things from it. Okay?” Sebastian smiled and looked into my eyes with warmth.

I wiped my tears and nodded. “I agree with you...”