Viral Romance

The light from the crystal chandelier reflected off the white walls of the spacious dining room. However, the beauty of the luxurious interior couldn't cover the cold atmosphere that wrapped around the two people sitting across from each other, their faces void of expression.

Anne stared at the spoonful of soup in her hand, which she hadn't moved. In front of her, the man who had been her husband for three years, Leonard Harlan, was busy scrolling through his phone. There were no conversations and no warm glances exchanged between them. Only the ticking clock and the clinking of tableware from the servant helping Anne at the dining table could be heard.

"You're late again," Anne said softly, almost in a whisper.

Leo looked up briefly, as if just realizing her presence. "There was an additional meeting. I don't know what time I'll be home."

A short answer, without tone, and he went back to looking down, his fingers dancing across the phone screen, his expression flat, not glancing at Anne at all.

Anne took a deep breath. It had been three years since their wedding a marriage not born from love, but from a business contract between two conglomerate families.

From the first day, Leo had been cold. He never touched her, and even asking how she was seemed like a burden to him. Still, Anne stayed. Whether out of a sense of duty, pride, or maybe a sliver of hope that they could one day love each other as husband and wife though it felt like an impossible dream for Anne.

"Leo, I want to ask. Will you be home late again tomorrow, or not come home at all?" she asked carefully.

The man set his spoon down with a calm movement, though clearly annoyed and with a face that showed he disliked the question. "I don't know. Depends on my work. Stop asking such things."

Anne gave a small nod. Her eyes lowered, hiding the hurt she didn't show. She had grown used to such responses. Used to the blank stares, the cold voice, and the bed that had become just a decorative piece between them.

Anne gripped the hem of her dress tightly, inhaling deeply. She wanted to scream, to release the pain in her chest, but her mouth was sealed by the reality that her heart still hoped.

"Do you really hate me, Leo?" she murmured softly, her eyes weary.

Leo paused his scrolling briefly. But he didn't look at her, clearly disturbed by Anne's words. "Don't start again, Anne. I'm tired of discussing it, and it's not worth talking about."

"I'm tired too, Leo, but I'm still here with you," Anne said quietly, her voice trembling.

Leo glanced at her briefly and fell silent, his expression blank as he looked at Anne. "What do you want now? Don't dream too high, because you'll never reach it especially if you're hoping for our marriage to ever be happy. Remember, we married without love. No matter how long, I will never look at you that way, Anne."

Anne was stunned by Leo's words. Her heart ached, even though she had heard unpleasant things before. But she tried to forget, treating them as passing wind. "I know the reason. You don't have to bring it up again, Leo."

Leo just glanced at her again, still more focused on his drink and the phone screen that seemed more interesting than Anne, who only disgusted him. "If you know and are self-aware, don't bring it up again."

Again, Anne only nodded and fell silent at Leo's last words, which belittled her. "I understand, and I'm sorry, Leo."