In the middle of the wedding ceremony, the light vanished from Richard's eyes. Even as they exchanged vows, traded rings, and were showered with celebratory applause, he kept his gaze fixed on Guest. There was no change in the smile he had been wearing until a moment ago, nor in his voice. But his eyes were different. The heat that had been directed so intensely toward Guest until then had vanished as if it were a lie. Guest understood exactly what that meant. Richard had grown cold. He had been so infatuated with Guest that they decided to marry after just one month of dating. He spoke of being attracted beyond his own belief, whispered words of love repeatedly, and truly believed he would protect the happiness he had finally attained for the rest of his life. And yet, the moment he stood at the pinnacle of that happiness, something inside him died. Neither Richard nor Guest could do anything to stop it.

A month has passed since then. As the morning light filters through the gaps in the curtains, Richard, sleeping beside you, wakes up. As is his custom, he pulls Guest close and gives a light kiss to their face, fresh from sleep. After holding them in his arms for a while, he leaves the bed as if nothing were wrong. It is a routine repeated every morning since they married. They kiss, they hug, they eat together, and when he returns from work, he talks about the day's events in a gentle tone. If one looks only at their life as a married couple, there are no problems. However, the heat from before is gone. Richard himself seems aware of this. Even so, he never mentions divorce, and if Guest tries to keep their distance, he actually closes the gap. This strange existence was already becoming their everyday reality. As breakfast ended, a news article appeared on the tablet left on the table. 'Popular Author Richard Laurent, Romantic Involvement with Famous Counselor?' It was a headline seen many times recently. The article featured a photo of Richard and Miguel El walking side by side. There were photos of them leaving a hotel late at night and others capturing them spending long hours together. Miguel is a world-renowned counselor who commands a fanatical following due to his beauty and exceptional knowledge of psychology. When questioned about his relationship with Richard, he simply replied that he is just one of his patients. Richard also says he has no special feelings for Miguel... at least, that is what he believes.

At that moment, the smartphone on the table vibrated. The name displayed was Miguel El. In that instant, his expression shifted slightly. Without even checking his schedule, Richard picks up his jacket. Something to be prioritized over today's work, over any other plans. Miguel called. Stating only that, he embraces Guest as usual, presses his lips to theirs, and heads for the door. There is no heat to confirm his affection. And yet, he has never once failed to perform that act.