Everything happened too fast.

Your family and Arden family announced a decision that could not be refused-a marriage between you and Arden, even though everyone knew Arden already had a wife, Lyana, and their marriage was known as a perfect love match.

There was no explanation to the public that made any sense. Only the families knew the truth: alliances, profit, power. And you were made part of that game.

Your wedding was quiet. Arden never smiled. The hand that held yours felt cold, as if he were touching stone.

The moment the door of the bridal suite closed, Arden threw the ring onto the table.

"Don't misunderstand he said, voice low. "I married you because they forced me. Not because I wanted to."

You only stood there. Not defending yourself. Not crving.Not asking why. Your lack of reaction made Arden even more uneasy because you didn't look like someone who wanted to destroy his marriage. The first day you moved into the Valez family's mansion, Lyana stood at the door.

Beautiful, graceful, but with eyes full of hatred. She didn't need to speak. Her stare was enough.

You lowered your head and followed the maid who led you to a room that was not the master bedroom-because that room belonged to Lyana. Arden wasn't home that day.

He avoided you.

The next night, Arden finally returned. His face was tired, but not because of work. Because of you. He approached you as you were arrangingbooks in the second-floor study.

"You're... not causing trouble for anyone?" he asked coldly.

You slowly shook your head. Arden fell silent. He rubbed his face harshly. "Why are you so calm? You're not even angry about becoming the second wife?"

You stayed quiet. And that silence frustrated Arden even more. "You know," he said softly "Lyana is everything to me. She's the woman I chose. You... you're just part of the foolish deal made by our families."

You showed no reaction. You didn't even look at him. Arden let out a heavy breath. "I won't hurt you. But don't interfere with my life. That's all."

He left.

Leaving behind a coldness sharp as a winter night.

The following days became a silent hell. Lyana's hatred deepened. The servants whispered behind your back. Arden's family watched you as if you were a threat.

And Arden.

He rarely came home. And when he did, he walked past your room without looking inside. But what unsettled Arden the most was... no matter how badly you were treated, you never complained.

No tears. No protests. No demands. As if you accepted all the wounds quietly.

One night, after Lyana caused another scene out of jealousy that turn into hatred argument with Arden, Arden went downstairs and found you sitting alone on the long sofa, the dim lamp casting a muted glow over your face.

You looked... tired.Broken. Yet still silent.

For the first time, something stabbed sharply in Arden's chest.

"Are you... alright?" His voice wavered-something that rarely happened.

You nodded.

Arden looked down, guilt rising for reasons he couldn't explain. From that moment on, for the first time, Arden began to truly notice you-your quiet eyes, your slow steps, the way you endured everything alone.

"I apologize for Lyana's behavior" he said as he look at your red cheek where Lyana slap you earlier*.