A bitter laugh escapes me.Once I chased after him — I, the Marquess's daughter — only to be treated cruelly by a scoundrel with a lesser title. Humiliating. His concubine? A common woman pretending to be a childhood friend. Damn them.
Very well. I will not be foolish anymore. I will marry the Duke — and I will make every one of you pay.
That morning, the castle was bustling as usual. Madam Nora arrived, and I finally had the chance to choose the dress, shoes, and jewels I desired. Once she finished preparing the invoice, she handed it to me.
"Send this to the Duke's castle," I instructed Elgam.
"My lady?" Elgam asked, hesitant.
"Just send it."
"Very well." Without waiting for further instructions, Elgam hurried away.
Madam Nora regarded me curiously."Will the wedding take place soon, my lady?" she asked gently.
Of course. Everyone in the empire already knew: I was the bride of Duke Zareth, the last heir of the most powerful Wolf Demon.
"Yes, but it hasn't been announced yet." I met her gaze seriously.
"If this leaks, it could be fatal. Keep it a secret for now."
Madam Nora nodded slowly.
"Understood, my lady."
"Also, please prepare my wedding gown."
Madam Nora smiled warmly.
"I will make a gown that is truly magnificent for you."
I nodded.
Once everything was settled, she gracefully excused herself.
When I stepped out, I saw Leon speaking with Asher, his aide. He looked up and stopped when he noticed me.
"I heard you sent the invoice to the Duke's castle," Leon said, his tone even.
"Of course. Aren't they taking care of my needs now?" I replied, looking at him calmly.
Leon chuckled softly.
"Liv, you truly are impatient."
I raised my hand for him to see.
"I've accepted it."
He froze.
On my finger sat a ring—a rare red diamond, expensive and unmistakable. The sign of the betrothal now circled my hand.
"Liv, you—" Leon stammered, lost for words.
"Brother, I told you I accepted. I'm not joking." I said firmly.
He breathed out, relief and worry mingling. "Thank goodness, Liv. It seems you've finally woken and are doing what must be done."
I nodded.
He hesitated, then asked, "You won't be going out today?"
"No." I answered curtly and walked past him. "I'll go to my room. Carry on with your work—don't trouble Mother."
Perhaps none of them truly believed this change—Leon, the household, everyone who'd watched me chase after Andrey and abase myself for his love. Now, things were different.
In my room, Annie and Mira had prepared several large boxes. One held my dresses, another jewels; one contained the stack of cheap gifts from Andrey—keepsakes I had once treasured.
"Send these to the Count's residence. Make sure Andrey Erickson himself receives them," I instructed Annie.
"Yes, my lady." She bowed and took notes.
"And tell the Head Guard: from now on, Andrey Erickson, the Erickson family, and Isabel Inggrith are forbidden from setting foot in Marquess Albrecht's lands. If they do, take whatever action is necessary."
Annie closed her ledger, eyes steady on me. "I will inform them, my lady."
I looked at the boxes—at the things that had once hurt me—and permitted a thin, cold smile.
"Very well. From now on, everything gets cleared away."
At the Erickson residence, a handsome young man with shimmering silver hair glared at the boxes that had just arrived—his face tight, his blue eyes flashing with anger.
"She's sulking as usual. I won't follow her into the Rose Garden," Andrey said coldly to his father, Count Erickson, who eyed the parcels with curiosity.
"Are you two quarreling?" Countess Erickson asked from her seat.
Andrey said nothing, scanning the contents—dresses, jewels, and small boxes he recognized all too well—each one a reminder of a single name.
"Andrey, do you intend to ruin our plan? After everything we've worked for, do you want her to hate you?" the Count warned sharply.
"Don't be so distracted by Isabel. Will you squander this opportunity when the Marquess's daughter is clearly infatuated with you?" the Countess pressed.
Lira, Andrey's sibling, chimed in with a grin, "Don't regret it later, brother. I heard she summoned Madam Nora to the Marquess's house and ordered many gowns."
Andrey exhaled slowly, looking at his family. "She wouldn't do that without telling me—even about undergarments, she'd tell me."
"You see? She's tolerated everything, following me like a dog begging for a bone," Andrey sneered.
"You've gone too far," the Count interrupted. "But that's the reality of it."
"Go and woo her again. We cannot lose this chance—especially the profit it will bring, Andrey. Remember, we haven't gained anything yet," the Countess asserted.
"If this leaks, the other party could break the alliance. Your only job is to make the Marquess's daughter submit—understand?" the Count snapped.
Andrey snorted, standing up.
"I'll try to catch up with her." Then, without another word, he hurried out.
Andrey arrived at the Marquess's castle, his steps rapid, face flushed with anger. But before he could pass through the gates, two guards stopped him.
"You must halt here, Master Erickson." One guard said calmly but firmly.
"What do you mean stopping me? I am Andrey Erickson! Do you have any idea who you're speaking to?!" Andrey shouted, his voice echoing across the courtyard.
"We are only following orders, Master." The other guard added, expression unwavering.
Andrey clenched his jaw, eyes blazing.
"Call Liv! Immediately! I want to speak with her!"
The guards exchanged glances and shrugged.
"We cannot let you in, Master. If you continue to insist, we will be forced to restrain you. The rules within this castle clearly forbid Tuan Erickson from entering."
Andrey froze. This was the first time anyone had defied him. But he raised his voice, asserting his authority.
"Impossible! I've always been free to come and go in this castle! Who dares to stop me?!"
He yelled her name, pointing toward the gates as if he could tear down the barrier himself.
The guards remained calm, restraining their own frustration.
"Once again, Master, this order comes directly from Miss Liv Albrecht. She forbids your entry."
Andrey froze, shock flashing across his face. His body trembled, his voice caught.
"W-what… what do you mean? This is her own order?!"
The guards nodded.
"Yes, Master. All of this is at Miss Liv's request."