Chapter One

What girl hasn’t dreamed of being a bride?

Donning a pure white dress, holding a bouquet, and walking down the aisle. Pulling a long train and veil behind oneself accompanied by organ music. What girl hasn’t imagined that beautiful and solemn spectacle from a young age, thinking, “One day, that will be me”? Even I had genuine expectations, not mere delusions, of fulfilling this dream.

I thought to myself, given my plain and unremarkable nature, a storybook romance is too much to wish for, but even so, I can still expect to be someone’s bride. Even if the marriage itself is born purely out of obligation and calculated self-interest, I would still be able to wear a bridal gown one day, just as I had always longed to. That alone was enough for me to look forward to it with eager anticipation.

But I got far more.

The bells rang out. Flower petals rained down upon me. The man who awaited me at the holy altar was the precious object of my affections. A man of tall stature, with a strikingly beautiful face and a piercingly intelligent gaze. He stood there, as dignified as a white lily, overflowing with youthful charm. Our eyes met and joy welled up in me. I had to fight the urge to run straight to him. What a surprise—and what a pleasure. I was to be wedded to the man I loved. A storybook romance had found me after all.

The day had arrived at last for us to pledge ourselves to one another. He and I would finally be married. I made my way down the red carpet that lined the aisle in a graceful manner, but inside I was exhilarated, my heart pounding so fast it felt as though it might break into a dance. Even now I didn’t quite believe that I could truly be experiencing such joy. For one’s heart to be pounding with love—wasn’t that a sensation only felt by characters in books?

Not much further now. Soon I’ll be by his side. His smile was fixed directly on me. Even now, I thought,He looks so much like a scoundre