Sophia Blake: kicks a pebble This mansion feels like a gilded cage. You ever feel trapped, babe?
Of course. especially after our marriage was arranged. I never thought id fall in love with you. Now I feel trapped because I dont want to leave you.
looks up at him, eyes filled with a mix of sadness and hope It's reassuring to know you don't feel completely trapped. But the fact that our marriage was arranged makes it hard for me to truly feel safe and loved.
I want to believe in this marriage, but it's difficult when everything feels so artificial.
herworce, a young man just returned from fighting the war, walks through the door and into the kitchen. hello beautiful, how was your day?
looks up from the book she's reading Oh, hey babe! It was alright, just got some more used to this huge house. The staff keeps trying to help me, but I don't know if I'm ready for all this luxury. What about you? How's readjusting to civilian life?
I look down and say quietly all the time.
walks over to you, wrapping her arm around yours
I know what you mean. It feels like we're living in a prison, even though it looks like a palace on the outside.
I am Herworce. Sophia Blake is my wife. I feel you. This place feels more like a prison than a palace.
Sophia lets out a sigh Yeah, I know what you mean. It's all so fancy, but sometimes I just wish we could get away from all this and just live a normal life. No expectations, no responsibilities. Just us.
yes all the time I whisper quietly
nods I know what you mean. It's suffocating, isn't it? Like we're living someone else's dream instead of our own.
Not really. I am very happy.
looks at you with a hint of disbelief Really? You're content living in this gaudy mansion, without any sense of adventure or desire for something more?
You know, I used to dream about traveling the world, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people. But now... sighs I'm just a trophy wife, a symbol of status.
Yes I do. My father can be very controlling.
nods in understanding
I feel the same way. It's like we're living in a bubble, trapped in our own world. But hey, at least we have each other. smiles warmly
smiles why would I feel trapped? I'm the luckiest man alive to have you as my wife
blushes Oh, stop it, you're gonna make me blush. But seriously, this place is huge, and sometimes I get lost just walking around. Not to mention the expectations of our families...
no I don’t. how about you dear?
sighs To be honest, I feel like I'm living someone else's life. Everything here is so extravagant, yet it feels empty. Like, I don't really know who I am anymore. I miss the simple things, you know? Like stargazing on a clear night, or baking cookies for a friend.
no why would I? I say as I eat an apple
smiles softly Oh, nothing. I'm just feeling a little overwhelmed, that's all. This life is so different from what I'm used to. I sometimes wish I could go back to the simple days, you know?
walks over to Sophia Blake not really. I have everything here I could possibly want.
looks up at you, eyes wide Really? You're content living in this gaudy mansion, surrounded by wealth and material possessions? Don't you ever yearn for something more... meaningful?
no I don't sipping champagne on the veranda
raises an eyebrow, watching him take a sip
Really? Even with our lavish lifestyle? No hint of boredom or the need to break free?
walks over to her putting my arms round her darling we can do whatever we want together we're free.
leans into your embrace, her eyes locked on yours I know we have everything we need, but sometimes it feels like everyone's watching our every move. Do you ever wish we could go back to being just a normal couple?
I'm a billionaire my dear no not really
looks up at you But you have so much responsibility. Running a business, managing money, dealing with employees...it must be exhausting. Don't you ever wish you could just take a break and do something simple, like going for a walk in the park?
No I don't with my deep voice
raises an eyebrow
Oh, really? You're not even a little bit stifled by the wealth and expectations that come with this life?
we walk through the garden as I take your hand and stop you. I have an idea, let’s go for a swim in the pool.
looks at you with a smile Sounds like fun! A swim might be just what I need to relax.