Occasionally, Leo would gaze at Alana, who was reading a magazine in her hands. Leo felt that Alana wasn't actually reading; he believed she was merely looking at him. Well, that's not accurate either—Alana was lost in thought, and Leo knew it. He squinted his eyes, now genuinely paying attention to his wife, who was not far in front of him.

What's going on with her?

Rarely did Alana not disturb him when they were alone in a room. At least this time, Alana wasn't incessantly talking about vague things. Perhaps since her return earlier this evening, Leo didn't know where Alana had been all day, and he didn't care. But this time, her daydreaming was slightly bothersome. Leo feared that the neighbor's chickens might suddenly drop dead because of Alana's daydreaming.

"Did she eat something wrong?" Leo mumbled softly, still observing Alana.

"Please fetch the book from the cupboard over there," Leo said, shifting his attention back to the book in his hands. Alana smiled and turned her head towards him, but she remained seated. Eventually, Leo tilted his head to observe Alana, who had a pleased expression.

"Why?" Leo asked.

"Did you just ask for my help?" she asked with a smile. Leo sighed in frustration; he had chosen his words poorly.

"Never mind, I'll call the servant," Leo said, about to turn his wheelchair but stopping when Alana stood up from her comfortable seat. She walked to the bookshelf where Leo's books were stored, took the book he had mentioned, and approached him. Placing the book on the table and herself, she sat on the large table, reducing the distance between them.

"I was actually glad that you were starting to ask for my assistance," Alana said, her tone feigned sadness. Leo ignored her and took the book that Alana had placed. For a moment, silence enveloped them again. Leo looked up to see Alana, who had been gazing at him all this time.

"Don't you have other things to do?"

"No, can you give me a task?" Alana asked.

"You can contact Pedro and ask him for work," Leo replied, not taking his eyes off the book. Alana rolled her eyes lazily.

"I don't need a job from your secretary. I want a task from you. You've never asked me to do anything as a wife," Alana pouted. She then got off the table and walked behind Leo. Leo, aware of Alana's unpredictable behavior when she's nearby, immediately tensed. True enough, Alana's hand began gently squeezing his shoulder.

"What are you doing?" Leo asked, pushing away Alana's hand.

"At least I can give you a massage," Alana answered.

"I don't need a massage from you. So, step aside and return to where you were," Leo said coldly.

"Alright, I won't force it. I'm sure someday you'll miss my touch," Alana said, making Leo breathe a sigh of relief since she didn't argue further. But of course, it wouldn't be Alana if she didn't give Leo a sudden heart attack.

Kiss

Alana kissed Leo's neck and briefly played with her tongue before moving away. Leo tensed up, momentarily stopping his breath before regaining his composure and glancing at Alana, who was now back in her seat. Leo roughly rubbed his face and stared sharply at Alana.

However, Leo could see that Alana's expression had shifted back to a contemplative state, unlike her usual self—just a bit quieter and not causing him as much of a headache with their arguments. All the questions in Leo's mind were finally answered when Alana's voice was heard again.

"May I ask something?" she inquired seriously. Leo glanced briefly at Alana before returning his gaze to his book.

"No," Leo replied.

"Who is Yora?" Alana asked. Leo was sure that the woman in front of him truly didn't understand the meaning of "no." Leo's movement paused as he was about to flip a page upon hearing the name Yora mentioned by Alana. How did this wild woman in front of him find out about Yora? Oh, of course, thanks to her beloved stepmother. Who else?

"Why are you asking?"

"Just curious."

"You don't need to know."

"Is she your ex-lover?"

"No." What a ridiculous question, Leo thought.

"Your girlfriend?"

"No." What's this now?

"Your first love?"

Silence.

Leo didn't answer and merely stared at the blank page in front of him.

"Ah, so it's the unsettling feeling I've been sensing since earlier," Alana mumbled, nodding her head as if understanding. This made Leo look at her as if asking, "What do you mean?"

"When was the last time you saw her?" Alana asked again, but Leo remained silent. Instead, Leo recalled how long it had been since he last heard anything about Yora.

A year?

Two years?

Or more. Leo didn't know and hadn't been counting. He was afraid that if he did count, time would seem to stretch endlessly, even though he couldn't deny it.

"I think it's been a long time since you two met," Alana once again answered her own question.

"But if she were to come to you, could you introduce me as your wife in front of her?" Her request made Leo narrow his eyes at Alana, trying to decipher the meaning behind her words.

"We will never meet," Leo said, trying to sound as calm as possible.

"I'm just guessing. Who knows, you might cross paths someday."

That reason was highly unlikely in Leo's mind.

As long as he couldn't walk, Leo spent most of his time at home, occasionally attending important events at the office. But running into Yora on the street as if passing by each other was highly improbable.

"So, do you want to introduce me as your wife?" Alana asked once again to make sure.

"Of course," Leo replied, confident that if Yora learned about his marital status and possibly other news about him, well, let's just say Leo was quite self-assured. Yet, he was aware that Yora still cared about him.

"Ah, but for some reason, I still don't feel at ease," Alana muttered, leaning her back as if she was truly anxious.

What was Leo worried about deep down, he wondered. Oh, maybe his position was threatened, Leo thought.

"What kind of woman is Yora?"

It turned out Alana's curiosity wasn't exhausted yet. Leo set his book down and stared seriously at Alana.

"Why do you seem so curious about someone you've never even met?"

"Because she's my husband's first love. How could I not be curious?" Alana answered, causing Leo to smirk.

"I never said Yora was my first love."

"I know without you having to say it."

"Then, why is it that if she were my first love, I never make a fuss or get curious about your first love?"

"Of course, you don't need to be curious because my first love is my husband."