At twenty, I married Jason after just two months of knowing him. Our families wanted a stronger business partnership; neither of us knew whether affection would follow. When I became pregnant, he supported my decision to keep our daughter, Lily, and took a year off work to care for her. Still, his devotion couldn’t quite silence my doubts. During a visit to his parents, I heard him tell his mother that Lily and I had given his life meaning.

He said he woke up grateful for us, and tears filled my eyes. That night, I admitted what I’d heard. Jason held my hand and assured me we were his whole world. The next evening, I prepared his favorite meal, lit candles, and scattered love notes around our home. For the first time, I could enjoy our happiness without questioning his. Our parents had arranged the wedding; we had built the love.