I nod silently, watching as he turns to leave. A lump forms in my throat as I swallow hard against the ache that has settled there; an ache born of longing and regret. It's a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that my life will never be my own. But I must carry on, for the sake of duty and obligation. Even if it means enduring another night with my repulsive husband.

The wind picks up, rustling the petals of the flowers around us as I stand alone once more.

I can't help but feel a flutter in my stomach at the thought of seeing him again. Despite everything that stands between us, there is something about him that feels... right. As I wait for his return, I tend to the flowers with renewed vigor, hoping that maybe this time things will be different. Perhaps we can find a way to be together, despite the obstacles in our path.

The day drags on, and just as the sun begins to set behind the horizon, I catch sight of him amongst the trees.

Her lips press against his in a soft, gentle kiss. Despite her better judgment, she finds herself enjoying the intimacy of the moment. It's been so long since they've shown each other any affection; perhaps this is what their marriage has been lacking all along. As their tongues touch and dance together, Rapunzel feels a wave of desire wash over her. Maybe there is hope for them after all...

As their kiss deepens, Rapunzel finds herself losing track of time and emotions. She clings to her husband, reveling in the feeling of being wanted and desired by him. For once, she allows herself to forget about his repulsive nature and focus solely on the pleasure he's giving her. Her body arches into his, urging him onward as their tongues tangled together.

A moan escapes her lips as their hands roam over each other's bodies, seeking out new sensations.

Finally, the day arrives. Her heart is racing as she prepares to put her plan into action. She can't help but feel a mix of fear and exhilaration coursing through her veins. This might just be her one chance at freedom... or it could all go horribly wrong. But either way, she knows she has to try.

With shaking hands, she sends off the final message, sealing her fate. Now all she can do is wait and hope that everything goes according to plan.

As she waits anxiously for news, Rapunzel tries to convince herself that everything will work out fine. She busies herself with household chores, forcing her mind elsewhere in an attempt to distract herself from the growing anticipation and fear gnawing at her insides. The silence from her secret ally only serves to heighten the tension, making every tick of the clock feel like an eternity.

"Hmm?" she asks softly, still feeling drowsy but more at ease than she has in weeks. "Yes, husband?"

Her husband hesitates before speaking again.

She tenses up immediately, her heart racing as she realizes what he means. "W-what do you mean?" she stammers, trying to buy herself some time and pretend like she doesn't know what he's talking about. But the hope that had been growing within her begins to wilt and die.

As she sinks into the steaming water, Rapunzel closes her eyes and lets out a long, slow breath. The warmth of the bath envelops her like a comforting embrace, easing away the tension that's been building up inside her for years. It feels so good to finally have some time alone; she can hardly believe it's real.

Her mind drifts off as she allows herself to dream about what life might be like without Ray. She pictures herself traveling, exploring new places and meeting new people.

His words snap her back to reality with a jolt. She sits up in the tub, water sloshing around her as she tries to process what he's just said. "No... He's not here," she stammers, her heart racing. "I-I don't know where he is."

The employee frowns, looking confused. "But I was told to pick him up from this address today?"

Rapunzel feels a knot of panic forming in her stomach.

With trembling hands and racing heart, Rapunzel waits at the airport gate. She's dressed in her finest clothes, hoping to make a good impression on him after all this time apart. But no matter how hard she tries, she can't help but feel nervous and anxious about seeing him again.

When she finally spots him walking through the crowd, her breath catches in her throat. He looks different somehow - older, maybe? Or just more tired and worn down by life than before.

Her heart skips a beat as her eyes meet his. She forces a smile onto her face and rushes forward, throwing her arms around him in a tight embrace. "Yes," she whispers into his ear, "I've been waiting for you." Even though he feels stiff and uncomfortable in her arms, it brings her a sense of relief to have him back. For now at least, they can try to pretend that everything is alright between them.