Married at First Sight

"I can walk by myself," Duncan insisted, refusing Liberty's help.

He could take a few steps, but he didn't walk like a typical person. "I have something to support me, so it's much easier to move around," he explained as Liberty stood by, watching him approach. "What's wrong?" Duncan asked gently. "Are you okay? You've been sneezing a lot; maybe you caught a cold."

Duncan wanted to show he cared for her, just as she cared for him. He longed for a relationship built on mutual support, understanding, and trust.

Liberty realized why he had come over. "I sneeze occasionally, but you don't need to worry. I've been in Jensburg for a while now, so I've adapted to the winter here," she reassured him. "Maybe someone is talking bad about me behind my back, which is why I keep sneezing," she joked.

Duncan, ever the protector, replied, "Whoever that person is, they dare to speak ill of my fiancée?"

Liberty shot him a playful look, her face lighting up with happiness. Duncan was fiercely protective of her, something she hadn't experienced before. When she had been with Hank, he hadn't stood up for her like this. The contrast between genuine love and the façade of love was striking. "Unless it's your ex-in-laws, I can't think of anyone else who would criticize you," Duncan speculated.

Liberty shook her head. "Don't keep thinking about the Brown family. I have no ties to them anymore. We've been divorced for two years now."

She had long since given up on Hank, completely moving on after their toxic relationship.

After Hank had proposed and mistreated her, she had finally decided enough was enough. Now, her life was improving every day, and she didn't want to dwell on her ex-husband. Duncan's voice turned sour. "You knew him longer than I've known you. You were married and had a wonderful son, Sonny. Even though you're divorced now, I can't help but feel a bit jealous that Hank once had you. It stings to think I didn't know you first." Liberty playfully pinched his cheek, smiling. "If you had met me first, you might not have liked me at all. Why be jealous of him? My whole life belongs to you. Hank and I were only married for a few years, but I have decades ahead with you. If anyone should be jealous, it's Hank, not you." Duncan smiled back. "Exactly! I'll have you for the rest of my life, far longer than Hank ever did. I shouldn't be jealous of him; he should be envious of me! He's probably saying bad things about us behind our backs. The news of our upcoming wedding must have reached the Brown family by now."

Even if they hadn't heard, Duncan was determined to let them know. "When we set the wedding date, I'll personally invite Hank just to make him jealous," Duncan declared. Liberty laughed. "...Do what you want."

Duncan took her hand and kissed her gently on the lips.

Liberty pulled her hand back, blushing. "This is the office! You should be more serious."

She didn't want him to take advantage of their setting with kisses.

While the sweetness was nice, if someone saw them, she would feel embarrassed.

In front of Duncan, she felt like she was experiencing her first love all over again, and she was a little shy.

Duncan loved spoiling her.