Just for a year

As Richard emerged from the bathroom, he noticed Kristin sitting on the couch in the living room, absorbed in the TV. The ring he had given her gleamed on her left finger.

Kristin’s attention was fixed on the hamburgers being advertised, oblivious to Richard’s presence.

"Wow, those hamburgers look so delicious. I wish I could have one. I’ve never had a hamburger before because I live in the poorest part of Glenwood," she murmured, her eyes locked on the screen.

Richard chose to ignore her and retreated to his room. He attempted to focus on his work, but Kristin’s words kept intruding on his thoughts.

He was puzzled by why her comments were bothering him so much, but he couldn’t shake the distraction.

With a frustrated sigh, Richard set aside his laptop and grabbed his phone from the cabinet.

He dialed the restaurant featured on the TV.

"One box of hamburgers," his deep voice ordered.

—

The sound of the doorbell broke Kristin’s concentration. She hurried to the door, and using the video intercom mounted beside the luxurious entrance, she saw a delivery man waiting outside.

Puzzled by the unexpected delivery, Kristin assumed Richard might have placed the order and opened the door with a smile.

"I’m here to deliver Mr. Richard’s order," the delivery man said.

Kristin accepted the package and signed for it. As she closed the door, Richard emerged from his room, his hands tucked in the pockets of his gray joggers, his face as stern as ever.

"A delivery for you," Kristin said, handing him the box.

"The delivery is for you," Richard corrected.

"For me? But I didn’t order anything," Kristin replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Open the box and see for yourself," Richard said, heading towards the kitchen to get a bottle of water.

He wasn’t one to indulge in food; he preferred to quench his hunger with water.

After Richard left for the kitchen, Kristin opened the box and was astonished to find it filled with neatly stacked hamburgers.

It was exactly the same hamburger she had seen on TV earlier. How did this happen?

She was bewildered by how the hamburgers she had been craving were now right in front of her. Her questions were interrupted when Richard reappeared from the kitchen.

She rushed to him, nearly colliding with his chest.

"Watch it!" he growled.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Grouchy. Did you order these hamburgers for me?" Kristin asked.

"Why? You don’t want them anymore? Then throw them away," he said, turning to leave. Kristin held him back.

"Did you hear me talking about craving those hamburgers on TV?" Kristin asked, smiling.

"Don’t get any ideas. I only ordered them because you mentioned you’ve never had one. It’s nothing. Now let go of me," Richard said, his tone icy. Kristin reluctantly released him.

"Thank you. I really appreciate it. We could have the hamburgers together," Kristin suggested with a smile.

"I decline," Richard said tersely and walked away.

Accustomed to his cold demeanor, Kristin sat down on the couch, savoring the moment.

She enjoyed the sweet taste of the hamburger, finding it as delightful as it had appeared on TV.

Meanwhile, Richard observed her from a distance, noting her joy as she relished the hamburger.

He finally understood why her words had affected him.

Twenty years ago, he remembered a time of having nothing.

He wandered the streets of Las Vegas day and night, with nothing to eat except for water. That’s why he had grown accustomed to filling up with water alone.

He longed for the bread he saw in bakeries every day, but no one showed him compassion. The bakery owner would always shoo him away, calling him a beggar.

Little did they know that the street child standing at traffic lights had become one of Las Vegas’s successful men.

Richard closed his eyes, trying to push away thoughts of his past before he became a billionaire.

He returned to his room to sleep, though he knew it would be in vain. He suffers from insomnia.

Every attempt to sleep was haunted by nightmares of his childhood—dark rooms crawling with ants, spiders, and rats, and the evil woman who would torment him.

Richard opened his eyes, sitting up in bed. With sleep elusive, he turned to work.

—

**LUKE’S HOUSE**

Luke sighed repeatedly as he waited for Cecelia to return home. It was past 11 p.m., and she still wasn’t back.

Cecelia was his wife, and despite their three years of marriage, they had no children, but he didn’t worry.

Luke had texted and called her multiple times with no response.

Growing impatient, Luke decided to go out in search of her, but Cecelia arrived just as he was about to leave.

"Where have you been?" he asked calmly.

"Out with a friend," Cecelia replied as she entered the house.

"Out with a friend? At this hour?"

Cecelia tossed her red hair back and placed her small purse on the table.

"What are you implying? That I can’t visit a friend?" Cecelia’s voice rose.

"That’s not what I meant, but you need to set boundaries. You’re married now. Coming home so late is unacceptable. What if we had children? Would you abandon them to see a friend?" Luke said.

"Thankfully, we don’t have kids! Just because I’m married to you, doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy myself!" Cecelia snapped.

"I’m not denying you fun, but you need to act like a wife. I came home expecting to see you after a long day, not an empty house," Luke said, his face showing his frustration.

"I’m not your sex toy, Luke."

"You know that’s not what I meant," Luke replied, his eyes narrowing.

"Then get a maid! I can’t be stuck in this house all day. You can’t even afford a mansion, so why should I stay in this dump?" Cecelia shouted.

Luke sighed and took her hand.

"I’m working on it, love. I’m sorry if I questioned you."

Cecelia jerked her hand away.

"I had a long day. I’m going to bed," she said, heading for the bedroom and leaving Luke in a state of distress.

—

**RICHARD’S VILLA**

As Richard came downstairs, ready for work, he found Kristin setting the table for breakfast.

With his left hand tucked in his suit pocket, he approached her.

"What are you doing?"

Kristin greeted him with a cheerful smile.

"Good morning, Mr. Grouchy," she said, giggling.

"I asked what you’re doing and why you’re making breakfast?"

Kristin felt the chill in his voice but managed to keep her smile.

"I told the chefs they didn’t need to prepare breakfast because I would handle it," Kristin explained.

"As what?" he demanded.

"Well, I…"

Before Kristin could finish, Richard cut her off.

"You think you’re special now just because I granted your wish last night?" The harshness in his voice intimidated Kristin.

"I just wanted to thank you…"

"I don’t need your thanks!" Richard roared, causing Kristin to flinch and her legs to shake.

"I’ve told you I hate women, and you’re no exception. You have no right to be nice or cook for me. I married you for a reason, and it ends in a year. Don’t get carried away, understand?" Richard said, his eyes cold.

Kristin nodded, though she felt hurt. She was only trying to show gratitude; she didn’t expect such coldness.

Without another word, Richard stormed out.

"It’s just for a year, Kristin. After a year, it will be over. You have nothing to lose. Your parents' debts will be settled, and you’ll be compensated for being his wife. Just hold on a little longer," Kristin reassured herself, fighting back tears.