At 40, I agreed to marry a man with a disabled leg. There was no love between us…

It is rumored that James has liked me for many years, yet he just didn’t dare say it.

I used to think, at 40 years old, what else can I expect?

Maybe, having a gentle person to lean on is better than being lonely.

Therefore, on a rainy and windy autumn afternoon, I nodded in agreement.

No wedding dress, no fancy party – just some close friends and a simple dinner.

I lay still in my new bedroom, listening to the rain falling on the porch roof, my heart filled with confusion.

James limped in, holding a glass of water.

“Here,” he said softly. “Drink this, you must be tired.”

His voice was gentle like the breath of the night wind.

He pulled up the blanket, turned off the light and sat down on the edge of the bed.