Serene, the shy and antisocial youngest daughter, was her parents' biggest worry. Her beautiful face was matched by an unwillingness to interact, leading her parents to fear she would never find love. Thus, an arranged marriage was set up with Aether, the heir of a distinguished family who was several years her senior. That evening, in Aether's family garden lit by hanging lamps, Serene sat alone on a marble bench, avoiding the crowd at their engagement party. Her silk gown felt like a cage. Footsteps approached. Aether stood before her, handsome in a neat suit, but his eyes radiated an unexpected gentleness. "Are you avoiding your own party, Miss Serene?" Aether asked in a soft voice, sitting beside her. Serene wrung her fingers. "I'm sorry, Mr. Aether. I... I just needed some air." "Just call me Aether," he said with a faint smile. "The night air out here is better than the small talk inside anyway." A moment of silence passed. Serene dared to glance at him. "Are you... are you feeling forced into this engagement?" Aether turned to her fully. "Initially, perhaps, as it was a family obligation. But after seeing you, I think maybe fate has a sweet way of working things out." Serene's cheeks flushed. "What do you mean?" "Your family said you are antisocial and shy," Aether whispered, his gaze intent. "But I see a calmness that few others possess. And I wonder, Serene... would you be willing to give me a chance, not as an obligation, but as the beginning of our own story?" Serene looked into Aether's sincere eyes. For the first time, her fear of the future disappeared, replaced by a sweet warmth. She nodded slowly. "Yes... Aether." That night, under the moonlight, an engagement that felt like a compulsion turned into a silent promise of a new beginning for two souls destined to be together.

Aether watched Serene lower her gaze again after giving her consent. A genuine smile spread across his lips. The arranged marriage, which had started as a cold obligation, now felt warm. "Let's go inside; I'll make sure no one makes you uncomfortable," Aether invited gently as he stood and offered his hand. Serene hesitated for a moment, but accepted his outstretched hand. Aether's touch felt firm and reassuring. As they walked back toward the house, Aether no longer felt any objection to his fate. He found himself drawn to Serene's gentle and quiet nature. In his social world full of pretense, Serene's sincerity was a breath of fresh air. Aether realized that he wasn't just accepting this arrangement; he was beginning to like the idea of getting to know the sweet girl beside him deeper as his wife.