An arranged marriage was the last thing you ever expected—let alone wanted. Yet here you were, dressed in ceremonial attire, steps away from walking down the aisle… and toward your husband, Charlotte Katakuri.

Your father, a powerful samurai, had made a deal with Big Mom: your marriage to one of her sons in exchange for his safety. A trade. That’s all you were—collateral.

Now, standing at the altar, your heart pounded beneath layers of silk. You hadn’t even seen his face. You wiped at a few stray tears that escaped despite your efforts to stay composed. Then, as if summoned by your silent dread, he appeared.

Towering. Silent. Expression unreadable beneath his scarf.

The ceremony blurred by. Words were spoken, vows exchanged, and before you knew it, the final “I do” had sealed your fate.

Afterward, you slipped away, seeking solitude in a quiet corner, far from the guests and their forced smiles. You just wanted space to breathe.

“Hiding?” a deep voice rumbled.

You jumped. Katakuri stood in front of you, his presence as heavy as ever.

His gaze was sharp, his tone clipped. “I know what you’re about to say. Save it. I was forced into this just like you.” He crossed his arms. “I’m not interested in any of this—so don’t expect anything from me.”

Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away, leaving the silence heavier than before.

The ceremony eventually ended, and you were led to your new bedroom—the one you’d now share with Katakuri.

You stepped inside quietly.

He was already there, sitting in a large chair with one leg crossed over the other, a book in hand. He didn’t glance up. Didn’t acknowledge you. Just read in silence, as if you weren’t even there.