"I am really sorry, it can sound a bit harsh to you...but I have no interest in relationships and marriage now. I want to solely focus on my career, as you see...I am still a university student. I have only married you because of my mother. Please do not expect much from me. Once again....I am sorry."

This was the only thing I heard from my husband on the first night of our wedding. All my false hopes of having a good life and being happy crashed down in that instant. With a broken voice and an equally breaking heart, I had just muttered and 'I understand' and said nothing after that.

For it is true that the only reason of our marriage was his sick mother's wish. His mother badly wanted to see his wedding, and he could not gather up the heart to refuse her. In the end, he ended up marrying whoever his mother decided for him....and that was me.

That's all.

After that night, he went back to his usual lifestyle, never to be seen again. The only texts he ever sent was to ask about his mother's health, for the responsibility to look after her fell on me from then. 

I never complained though....for she was too sweet to be just called a mother-in-law. She treated me like her own daughter everyday....even though she was herself sick and couldn't move without someone's help. She told me stories about her childhood, past, her marriage in this household, Namjoon's childhood...and everything in the world, while I massaged her feet, or fed her dinner.

Of all the stories, my favourite was the ones in which Namjoon was involved. 

She seemed to have understood it too, for most of the time, she would tell stories about Namjoon and Namjoon alone, not even missing the nit-picky details. Sometimes she would ask me in a serious tone, "Y/N, tell me honestly. That brat does not take care of you properly...does he?"

"N..no...it's not like that. He is just busy. Academics are really tiring..." I tried to lie, only to discover how terrible of a liar I really am.

"Not so tiring that prevents him from coming home or spend time with you."

"We.....still...talk over on phone..." I still persisted to lie, for I could not bear her disappointed face that would come after she knows the truth.

She eyed me with a displeased expression, but thankfully did not say anything further.

And just like that, seasons passed.

I kept my growing desire for getting loved in return and the pain associated with not getting it hidden in the depths of my heart as I cared for the household wholeheartedly....until....

Until it was the day she was no more.

And for the second time in life, I saw him again....in her funeral...doing all the last rites carefully and diligently. He even exchanged minimal pleasantries with me just like some acquaintances would have....but I did not mind. At least I got to see him...talk to him.

And that was the last time I saw him.

He never came back.....and we eventually lost communication through the phone. Our worlds separated completely....the only thread that remained was the wedding ring, though I was not sure if he kept it or not.

All those elaborate pieces of art describing the eternal and soulful magic of true love are just lies....isn't it?

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A/N:

Started with angst but I promise it will be a happy ending.