Married strangers

d, filled with late nights, high-stakes deals, and cultural exchanges that had broadened his perspective in ways he hadn't anticipated. But now, standing in th

ll. Over the past year, his thoughts had often drifted to Lily, the woman he had married in haste and left with little more than a promise to return. They had spoken only occasionally, their

onal. It was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions he felt inside. He dropped his luggage by the door and walked through the spacious livi

ated on the major developments, but Aaron was eager to see the changes for himself. And then there was Lily-now a key player in his newly acquired tech startup, a position she had

m up to speed. As he entered the sleek, modern building, he was greeted by familiar faces-executives, assistants, and staff who wel

ded him the schedule for the day. "You have a meeting with the new acquisitions team at 2

felt. He knew Lily had been doing well, but he hadn't expected to see her so so

rs were already seated, reviewing documents and preparing for the presentation. Aaron took a seat at the head of the table, exchanging bri

k bun, her professional attire sharp and sophisticated. There was a quiet confidence about her that immediately commanded the room's attention, and A

n displayed the company's latest figures. When her gaze met Aaron's, there was a brie

I'll be discussing the progress we've made in integrating the new acquisition

ex topics. She was articulate, knowledgeable, and unflinchingly professional. There was no trace of the uncertainty he had seen

yone for their attention and began gathering her materials. As the other executives file

's gaze. There was a moment of silence between them, filled with the weight of

he said, his voice soft b

in her eyes. "Thank you, Aaron. It's been... a challe

ge, given their relationship. But then again, they had never truly been close. "I know we've both been bus

wn at the papers in her hands. "I agree," she s

so feeling the urgency to clear the air. "How about

hing his. After a moment, she n

were two people bound by a marriage of convenience, yet the events of the past year had changed them both in ways they had yet to fully understand. Ton

ion was a mix of resolve and uncertainty. He felt the same way-caught between the life