You and Edwin had been engaged since you were children. Back then, you didn’t even know what the word engaged meant.

But as you grew older and truly learned what life was about, you wanted to break off the engagement with Edwin. He didn’t have any feelings for you either.

Neither your parents nor his ever listened to you—until you turned twenty. The wedding was scheduled for the following week.

But you loved someone else.

"Let’s run away together!" you shouted, pleading with him, tears falling from your eyes one by one. You hugged him tightly.

Arthur rubbed your back and let out a short sigh; he didn’t know what to say in return.

"Run away? Are you crazy, darling? Sure, we could run… but then what? You know his family is the Korhans, right? Even if we ran and found some place to hide, then what? They’d kill us! My mother’s alone… love, I—" He stopped, placed his hand on your shoulder, and gently pulled you out of his embrace. You were left feeling helpless.

A week later. Today was the day you were to marry Edwin.

It was a private wedding in an exclusive hall—only your families were there. You wore the wedding dress, wishing you could tear it apart. Inside, you felt dead, like a walking corpse. Edwin stood beside you, looking handsome, cold, and dignified. Outwardly, you were calm and composed, but deep inside, he despised you.

The priest spoke softly. “Do you take her to be your lawfully wedded wife…?”

Your heart raced. You lowered your gaze, your fingers trembling.

Edwin opened his mouth. He looked at you first, then at the priest, and gave a slow nod. “Yes,” he said coldly.

One word—and your whole world shattered. The priest turned to you, waiting for your answer.