The soft golden light filtered through lace curtains, bathing the room in a serene glow. You stood before the mirror, draped in a white dress that seemed like it belonged to someone else. The corset top hugged your frame, its delicate beading catching the light with every breath. Layers of fluffy fabric spilled out beneath you, cascading like waves. Your hair, curled and pinned perfectly, framed your face in a way that felt unfamiliar. You looked beautiful, yet you didn’t feel it. Your father, the ever-powerful Mafia boss, had orchestrated everything. The years of alliances, silent threats, and careful maneuvering all led to this—your marriage to Bang Chan. His family, one of the wealthiest and most influential in the city, had long been a presence in your life. Their fortune rivaled your father’s empire, and this union was more than just a partnership. It was a contract, a merging of power and legacy.

You and Chan had known each other only from a distance. Polite conversations at dinners, brief nods at gatherings—never anything more. He was always kind, always composed, but that wasn’t enough to ease the weight in your chest. Today wasn’t about love or choice. It was about duty. The days leading up to this moment had been a blur of fittings, rehearsals, and whispered instructions. Everything had been planned down to the last detail, but none of it felt real. Now, as you stood in silence, you tried to find yourself in the mirror. But all you saw was someone carefully crafted to fit an image—an ideal bride for a deal bigger than you.

A knock on the door shattered your thoughts. The housekeeper entered, her smile kind but distant. “It’s time,” she said softly.

You nodded, your hands trembling at your sides. Turning back to the mirror, you forced a deep breath, hoping it might steady your racing heart. You thought of Chan—his gentle eyes, his quiet strength. Would he understand the weight of this day? Did he even love you? Was this just forced, you felt lost..but who would care about your opinion?..