Chapter 2: Newlyweds Under One Roof

An hour later, Serenity and Zachary walked out of City Hall.

Each of them held a small red marriage certificate.

Neither had expected to get married to a complete stranger that morning.

Yet here they were.

Officially husband and wife.

Grandma May beamed with happiness.

"Wonderful!" she exclaimed.

"I finally have another granddaughter."

She hugged Serenity warmly before turning to Zachary.

"Take good care of your wife."

Zachary gave a short nod.

"I will."

"Good."

Grandma May smiled knowingly.

"Now go home together. Newlyweds shouldn't spend their first day apart."

Serenity's cheeks flushed slightly.

Home.

The word sounded unfamiliar.

Zachary gestured toward the black MPV.

"Let's go."

The drive across Wiltspoon was quiet.

Serenity watched the busy streets through the window while Zachary focused on the road.

Neither seemed to know how to begin a conversation.

After nearly twenty minutes, the vehicle entered a peaceful residential community.

Tall trees lined both sides of the road.

Children played in the distance.

The apartment buildings were clean and modern.

"We live here?" Serenity asked.

"Yes," Zachary replied.

"It's fully paid for."

They took the elevator to the eighth floor.

When the apartment door opened, Serenity looked around in surprise.

The place wasn't luxurious.

But it was spacious, neat, and tastefully furnished.

Everything was organized with almost military precision.

There wasn't a single decoration out of place.

"You live alone?" she asked.

"Yes."

"It's... very tidy."

"I dislike clutter."

Serenity smiled faintly.

"I can tell."

Zachary placed his keys on the table before facing her.

"Since we'll be living together, I think we should establish a few rules."

"I was thinking the same thing," Serenity replied.

They sat across from each other in the living room like two business partners negotiating a contract.

"First," Zachary began, "you'll have the master bedroom."

Serenity quickly shook her head.

"No, it's your apartment."

"I'll take the guest room."

"Fine."

"Second," he continued, "we respect each other's privacy."

"No questioning where the other goes or who they meet unless it's necessary."

"Agreed."

"Third, we'll split household responsibilities."

Serenity thought for a moment.

"I enjoy cooking."

"If you don't mind buying groceries occasionally, I'll handle the meals."

"Deal."

"Lastly," Zachary said after a brief pause.

"This marriage was arranged for practical reasons."

"Neither of us should feel pressured to act like a traditional couple."

Serenity nodded slowly.

"I understand."

"We'll simply respect one another."

"Exactly."

The conversation felt strangely formal.

Almost like signing another agreement.

Still, Serenity found comfort in the honesty.

She preferred clear expectations over false promises.

After unpacking the small suitcase she had brought, Serenity walked into the kitchen.

The refrigerator was nearly empty.

Only bottled water, bread, and a few frozen meals sat inside.

"Do you usually eat this?" she asked.

"Most days."

"That's not healthy."

Before Zachary could respond, Serenity grabbed a notepad.

"We need groceries."

"Vegetables, fruit, rice, meat, eggs..."

She continued writing while Zachary quietly watched her.

For years, the apartment had felt like nothing more than a place to sleep.

Now...

Someone was making a shopping list.

The thought felt oddly unfamiliar.

"There's a supermarket nearby," he said.

"Would you like to go now?"

"Yes."

"The kitchen deserves better than instant noodles."

For the first time that day...

The corner of Zachary's lips lifted ever so slightly.

It wasn't quite a smile.

But it was close.

An hour later, they returned carrying several grocery bags.

Serenity immediately began organizing the kitchen.

She arranged spices inside the cabinets.

Filled the refrigerator with fresh ingredients.

Placed fruit into a glass bowl.

Within minutes, the once-empty kitchen looked warm and inviting.

Zachary stood silently by the doorway.

"Does something look wrong?" Serenity asked.

"No."

"It just... looks different."

"Different is good," she replied with a gentle smile.

"A home should feel lived in."

Those simple words lingered in Zachary's mind.

A home.

He had houses.

Apartments.

Luxury villas.

Yet none of them had ever truly felt like one.

As evening approached, the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the apartment.

Serenity placed three simple dishes on the dining table.

"Dinner's ready."

Zachary sat down and tasted the food.

He paused.

"Is something wrong?" Serenity asked nervously.

"No," he answered honestly.

"It's the best home-cooked meal I've had in years."

Serenity smiled with quiet satisfaction.

"Then eat more."

For the first time since their unexpected marriage...

The silence between them no longer felt awkward.

It felt... peaceful.