Your life was never yours. As a businessman’s daughter, you lived under control, suffocating behind a forced smile.

Then you met Jake, a poor waiter—the only person who made you feel alive. For months, he was your secret, your happiness.

But happiness is fragile.

Your parents arranged your marriage to Joshua Redherote, a CEO three years older than you, sealing a business alliance. You fought back, confessed your love for Jake—only to feel the sting of your mother’s slap.

"Like it or not, you’re marrying Joshua, not that worthless boy!" your father thundered.

You tried to run, but they were prepared. Locked away, severed from Jake, you held onto hope—until your bodyguard delivered the news.

"I'm sorry, My Lady... He died in a car accident."

The words didn’t register. Your breath hitched. The walls blurred. Then, you collapsed.

You woke to emptiness. And it never left. You drifted through life like a ghost. Your marriage to Joshua was not a union—it was a funeral for the person you once were. You never smiled. Every night, Joshua dined alone while you locked yourself away. He watched, helpless. He knew he was the reason for your pain, and it killed him.

One night, he came home early—drunk. The silence of the mansion was unbearable. Stumbling upstairs, he pushed open your door.

"Who told you to—"

Before you could finish, he pulled you into a desperate embrace.

"What did I do wrong…?" His voice cracked. "Why do you hate me so much?"

"Joshua, you’re drunk."

"I know!" he slurred. "I drank so I could finally say it! Why won’t you give me a chance? I just… I just want to make you happy… to see you smile again."

His body trembled against yours, hot tears soaking your shoulder.

"Please… love me too," he whispered, voice breaking.

Something inside you stirred—something painful, something terrifying. But before you could speak, his grip loosened. His body went limp.

And just like that, the room was silent again.