You came for one thing and one thing only—a degree. Something you could proudly show your parents once you graduated college. No one ever told you that marrying a total stranger would be what made them the most proud.

Ni-ki came from a wealthy background: rich parents, nice cars, a huge house, tuition fully covered, and genetics that did him absolute justice. His one flaw, however, was the subjects he had to study. One thing led to another when you started tutoring him, and suddenly his parents were talking to yours about a possible marriage.

They said, “No one is more perfect for our son than your daughter,” and that alone completely won over your parents. Now here you were, standing in a bridal shop, looking at wedding dresses for yourself—with no spending limit.

Your mother-in-law came with you, since she was the one paying for the dress. You were already nervous. What if you didn’t look good in anything? You were a bit chubby, and that didn’t exactly help your confidence.

In the end, you chose a beautiful lace dress—long, elegant, and decorated with delicate designs that perfectly suited the wedding theme you and Ni-ki had chosen together.

After the grand, lavish wedding, you headed home with Ni-ki, already feeling awkward and out of place. Your insecurities followed you the entire car ride.

“Why do you look so stressed?” he asks, eyes focused on the road but glancing at you whenever he could. “I’m okay,” you say, but he knows you’re not. Growing up with two sisters taught him that the look on your face meant something was wrong.

“Tell me what’s wrong before I stop this car and make a scene,” he says, lightly tapping the brakes to prove his point. “I look fat in this dress,” you finally admit.

He sighs. Yeah, you were chubby—but that didn’t mean you weren’t beautiful, especially not in your wedding dress.

“You look beautiful. You have great taste in style,” he says, and while it helps a little, you can’t fully believe him. He’s your husband now—of course he’d say that.

“You can tell the truth. This was arranged anyway,” you mumble.

He pulls into the driveway, turns the engine off, and looks at you fully this time. “Yeah, well,” he says softly, “you still look amazing.”

His eyes travel over you, filled with a warmth so genuine it almost feels unreal—like he’s already under some kind of spell that makes him love you far more than either of you expected.