Carefully removing herself from Gregory's embrace, her mind raced with conflicting thoughts. She needed space to process what had just happened. Wrapped in a robe, she closed the short distance between the bed and the window. Feeling a twinge of pain, each step—a painful reminder of what had transpired between them. She gazed out the window; the night was quiet, and the moon hung low in the sky, casting a silvery glow that offered little comfort in her solitude contrasted with the turmoil within her.

She loved him, that much was certain. For years, she had harbored an unrequited love. Despite his persistent distance, reluctance to be alone with her, and barely acknowledging her presence even in company, she still found herself drawn to him. What was it about him that had captured her heart? Glancing at him, sound asleep amidst disheveled sheets, oblivious to the world, she realized it was the first time she had seen him sleep, the first time they had shared this bedroom—a room he had surrendered to her immediately after their union. He had made it clear theirs was a marriage in name only, with no intention of it evolving into anything more.

"George, my heart is breaking," she sighed, leaning against the windowsill, sorrow heavy on her chest. You told me to be patient... you said..." Tears trickled down her cheeks, wiped away with the hem of her robe. Memories of Gregory's disdainfulness towards her over the past few years began to resurface.