A week after the wedding, Arthur had already grown used to the quiet, almost chilly life in the enormous house. He and his new wife slept in separate rooms, spoke rarely — a quick word at breakfast or dinner — but never like a married couple.

One evening she invited him into her study to make an unusual proposal that left the young man stunned.
Arthur felt the tension in the room. She sat silent for a long time, looking over her glasses, then said:
“I have no heirs. No husband, no children. And I understand perfectly well why you married me. You thought I wouldn’t notice? You needed money, not me.”

Arthur wanted to explain, but she raised her hand and didn’t give him a moment to speak.

“Don’t rush. I’m not judging you. On the contrary, I respect your honesty with yourself. That’s why I want to propose a bargain. For the rest of my life you will stay by my side. To everyone, we will be husband and wife. But I demand neither intimacy nor love from you. We will continue to sleep in separate rooms. However, one condition: you must remain faithful to me. No other woman. No scandal. The slightest suspicion will be enough for you to receive nothing.”

She paused, then added softly but firmly:

“And one more thing… do not wish for my death. If an inquiry finds that I died unnaturally, all your inheritance will go to charity. I do not want a murderer — I want a faithful companion. Just someone at my side so I won’t feel alone.”

Arthur was silent. Relief at not having to share a bed mixed in his head with fear at the strict conditions and a strange respect for this woman who seemed to have planned every detail.

“Think about it, Arthur. You will receive more than you ever dreamed of. But only if you withstand the test of time,” she concluded.

He understood that his answer would determine not only his family’s fate, but his entire life.