Dear Contract Husband, I Didn't Know You Were Like This? - Chapter 29
Maya found Tristan’s answer unsatisfying.
“I’ve always thought gifts should be something needed, but that doesn’t seem to apply to you, Tristan.”
Listening to Tristan’s thoughts was always a new experience for her.
He’s different from her, as she had already been ruined long ago.
Living a perfect life, befitting the position of an emperor, she realizes.
“Material abundance can’t really represent my heart,” Tristan said.
She kept realizing this more as they talked.
‘If I learn from you…’
Would becoming acquainted with the mindset of a good person make her a better person in this life?
She had thought about it in her previous life.
If only she had been taught better.
More aware of reality, more knowledgeable about the world, she wouldn’t have made such foolish choices.
But neither her parents nor her life were choices she made.
They were beyond her control.
‘I’ll focus on what I can change in this life.’
She could let go of her attachment to her family and find a better contractor for herself.
She would become a better person in this life.
“Then, what can represent Tristan’s heart?”
“The meaning behind the gift, I suppose.”
“Meaning?”
It was something Maya hadn’t considered.
‘Meaning.’
What was needed and what was liked always overlapped, and Maya needed them.
“It’s not bad to gift something needed. The consideration and thought behind gifting what is needed is what matters.”
Tristan explained slowly.
“The thought behind the gift is the meaning.”
“Any gift filled with long thought and concern can’t be disliked.”
Tristan’s calm voice sounded almost like a teacher’s.
“The thought of giving me what I need is not bad.”
Tristan’s voice was noticeably cautious.
‘Perhaps he’s worried I might misunderstand his words.’
Maya always found his consideration astonishing.
“But a gift doesn’t necessarily have to be something needed to be good.”
“Yes, I understand, Tristan.”
Maya resolved to choose Tristan’s gift carefully.
Though still unsure, she felt that browsing might lead her to an answer.
“Ah, is it alright if I explain our contractual marriage to Kendrick?”
“He must be a close friend then.”
“Yes, he’s the only person I can trust and talk to.”
It was the first time Maya introduced Kendrick to someone else.
“Ah, don’t worry about him keeping this a secret.”
“You may do as you wish.”
“Thank you. I’ll be careful to keep the curse a secret.”
Maya clenched her fist.
“If you’re looking for someone you want to talk to as well, Tristan, let me know.”
It seemed like Alec and the butler were already there for him, but there could be more. Perhaps someone he genuinely loved.
‘It doesn’t seem like he was married in the past…’
But who knows what could happen.
Suddenly, Tristan shrank in size.
“Ah, it’s that time.”
Lost in conversation, Tristan coughed awkwardly, realizing the time had come.
Despite having shown his younger appearance before, why did it feel embarrassing now?
From her seat, Maya looked up at Tristan thoughtfully.
His height, his face, the atmosphere he exuded was quite different from the man who had been talking to her just moments ago.
Although it wasn’t the first time she’d seen him as a boy, it felt new.
The soft jawline, the eyes not fully hardened with experience, the baby fat that hadn’t completely disappeared.
“Tristan.”
“Yes.”
Maya gazed at Tristan and then spoke,
“You’ve become more handsome as you’ve aged.”
Tristan chuckled at her words. It seemed the sudden change didn’t startle her as he had feared.
“Is that all you wanted to say?”
“Yes. But since we’re alone in the room…”
Maya closed the distance between them, her curly brown hair swaying gently.
She tapped Tristan’s hand lightly.
“May I hold your hand?”
Her breath was audible, and up close, her eyes resembled a sunset submerged in water, radiating a beautiful glow.
‘I thought you dislike physical contact.’
Maybe not. When Tristan nodded, Maya intertwined their fingers deeply.
“I’m not sure if it will have any effect before my awakening, but we should get used to it.”
The warmth wrapping around his hand was as comforting as a newly lit fireplace in winter.
“Shall we continue holding hands for a while?”
“That sounds good.”
Maya and Tristan sat side by side on the sofa, holding hands.
Though the conversation didn’t continue much, the silence between them was comfortable.