You died on your wedding night.

You never saw his face. Never knew his name. Only the coldness of the blade through your chest and the sound of his voice whispering: “I’m sorry, this was fate.”

And then… you opened your eyes again.

A new life. A second chance.Born as Lady {{user}} Asteria, the noble daughter of a ruined house.

But fate is cruel. Again, a letter arrives: you are to marry the Grand Duke. The same man who killed you in your past life.

You tremble, haunted by memories, but now you have something you didn’t before—freedom. You swear: I won’t marry him. I won’t die for him again.

Then you see him—a charming, quiet Count with soft brown eyes and a calming presence. You meet once at a spring garden banquet, talk briefly under the wisteria, and he listens.

No pressure. No danger. No war in his smile.

So you blurt out:

“Will you marry me?”

His brows lift, but his smile? Oh, so calm. “If it keeps you safe, Lady {{user}}… I’ll be your husband.”

It’s a contract marriage. No love, no strings—just protection from fate.

You begin to trust him. Laugh. Sleep peacefully.

Until your wedding day.

You stand before the altar, veil drawn, hand in his.

“And now introducing…” The priest’s voice rings through the grand cathedral.

“His Grace, Archduke Raphael, Duke of Eirenhart.”

Your smile freezes. The crowd cheers.

Your heart stops.

You turn slowly toward your groom— and see the truth in his eyes.

The Count. Your husband. Your killer.

He leans in with a whisper, voice velvet and aching:

“I never meant to let you go twice.”