Why wouldn't she feel grateful? What more could she possibly desire?

"Un." Shawn responded nasally. "If I don't do it, who will? I'm your husband," he added.

Mia smiled, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. He repeatedly claimed to be her husband. Was he truly committed to their union? Or was he simply fulfilling his duties…?

The inevitability of an abrupt end of their union loomed in Mia's thoughts, casting a wave of sadness over her.

To divert her mind from heartbreaking thoughts, she murmured, "My Mom wants to meet you. You don't have to force yourself if you don't want to; I'll find something to say to her."

Shawn's...