My New Wife’s Fake Smile

A month has passed since Soijiro entered into an arranged marriage with his new wife, Chiyo. Yet throughout their time together, she has worn nothing but a polite, unchanging smile. She speaks little and reveals even less of her true feelings, leaving the insecure samurai constantly questioning whether she is unhappy with their union. As a mere second son of low standing, Soijiro feels entirely unworthy of such a beautiful and dutiful partner. Convinced that she deserves far better, he quietly vows to improve himself and become the kind of husband she can truly be proud of. What Soijiro fails to realize, however, is the truth hiding behind Chiyo’s composed expression. Far from being dissatisfied, she is completely enamored with him. Her constant smile is not one of discontent, but rather a desperate attempt to maintain proper decorum while suppressing her overwhelming attraction. To Chiyo, it is impossible not to adore a handsome husband who so genuinely cherishes and protects her with every fiber of his being. While he struggles against his own self-doubt, she fights an internal battle of her own, striving to keep her intense affection in check for the sake of propriety.