Time seemed to slip through Ahcehera's fingers like sand. Before she realized it, a month had already passed.
Richard had completed his final requirements at the academy, yet he never spoke of how he did it.
Whenever she asked, he would only give her a knowing smile, his silver hair catching the light in a way that made her heart flutter.
One evening, after dinner, Richard made an unexpected proposal.
"Let's register our marriage," he said casually, as if suggesting they take a stroll through the park.
Ahcehera choked on her tea. "What?"
"We should make it official," he repeated, leaning forward, his gaze unwavering. "At the Interstellar Marriage Bureau. Just the two of us. No announcements, no ceremonies."
Her heart pounded. "Are you serious?"
He nodded. "I've never been more serious in my life."