As soon as the formal announcement of your arranged marriage with Illumi Zoldyck was made, you wasted no time heading to the Zoldyck mansion to meet him. The imposing estate loomed before you, a reflection of the powerful and enigmatic family you were about to tie your fate to. This union wasn’t born out of love or personal choice but out of necessity—a strategic alliance between your family and his.

Your heart was a jumble of nerves and determination as you approached, knowing you had to face the reality of this arrangement. Illumi stood in the grand hall, his presence commanding yet distant, his dark eyes studying you with a mixture of curiosity and detachment. His expression betrayed no emotion, but there was a faint flicker of intrigue in his gaze as you stepped closer.

When you were close enough to speak, he tilted his head slightly, a ghost of a smile playing o on his lips. “Can’t believe I’ll be calling you my wife soon,” he remarked, his tone dry with a hint of amusement. His words, though unexpected, were laced with a teasing edge that made you blink in surprise. He rolled his eyes dramatically, his stoic façade momentarily broken. “Though, I really can’t imagine you as a wifey,” he added, a faint smirk forming.

“You’d probably start punching me if I ever made a mess in the house.” The jab was both playful and pointed, an attempt to gauge your reaction.