That night, as they lay in bed, he suddenly said, "Marry me. For real."
Her heart stopped.
"We're already married," she whispered.
He shook his head. "Not because of a contract. Not because of anyone else. Just us."
Tears filled her eyes. "Do you love me?"
He exhaled slowly. "I don't know how to name it yet.But i know i can't live without you."
It wasn't the fairy-tale confession of love.
But it was real.
And for the first time, she was ready to believe in it.