"No," he answered simply.
Silence again.
Jay leaned back slightly, his crimson eyes fixed on her—neither cold nor warm, simply observing. Liv finally looked up, meeting his gaze. Something inside her chest stirred faintly… like an echo from another life.
"You suddenly accepted everything after refusing so many times," he said quietly.
Liv's lips curved slightly.
"Should I have refused again?"
Jay paused for a moment before giving a faint nod.
"Perhaps. I thought you might change your mind."
"I'm already wearing this," Liv lifted her hand, showing the ring on her finger. "So, nothing will change."
He said nothing, but his gaze lingered on her hand.
"It fits perfectly," she added softly. "I should thank you for that."
And somehow, those simple words carried more weight than a thousand others.
They continued their meal in silence—two figures sharing one table, separated not by distance, but by time, secrets, and something neither could name.
When the dinner was over, Jay spoke again, his tone quieter this time.
"When this marriage happens, I expect honesty."
Liv met his eyes. "From both sides, I hope."
A faint sound escaped him—something between a sigh and the ghost of a laugh.
"Of course."
"May I ask," Liv said calmly, "what kind of marriage you expect, Your Grace?"
Jay looked at her. "Why do you ask?"
"In your tradition, it's acceptable for a man of your rank to take more than one wife. Will you do the same?"
"I don't know," he answered evenly. "Would you mind if I did?"
"If all you want is to give me a title, then I suppose that's fine. But I assume your goal in marriage is an heir," Liv said steadily.
"Then tell me what you want," Jay replied, cutting straight to the point.
"If you're with me," Liv said firmly, "you cannot be with another woman."
Jay crimson eyes met hers again.
"You're rather greedy."
"If you refuse, then I'll simply be your wife on paper—nothing more," Liv replied calmly.
"I don't refuse," he said at last.
Liv nodded in understanding.
"Should we make an agreement, then?"
Jay shook his head slightly.
"No need. I always keep my word."
He rose from his seat, bowed briefly, and left the room without another word.Liv watched the door close behind him.
And for the first time since returning from death, she realized—the man who once stood before her execution now awaited her… to walk beside him into the future.
The next morning, the news spread faster than the winter wind.The engagement between Lady Liv Albrecht and Duke Jay Zareth de Zelthar—which had been witnessed only by their families the night before—was now the headline across the entire empire.
Newspapers were displayed in every corner of the capital."A Grand Union: The Houses of Albrecht and Zareth Join Forces.
"Beneath it, the date of their wedding was printed clearly—one month from now.The decision was official, sanctioned directly by the Emperor.
No one knew how the supposedly private affair had leaked, but overnight, Liv's name once again filled the whispers of high society.Some praised the Albrechts' swift move, while others murmured—why had the Duke of Zareth agreed so suddenly?
At Albrecht Castle, Liv stood on the balcony of her chamber, gazing over the mist-covered valley below.The morning wind carried the chill of dawn and the faint scent of flowers not yet in bloom.In her hand, the freshly delivered newspaper fluttered softly.
She stared at the printed words for a long time before folding the paper neatly.
"So soon…" she murmured, her tone unreadable.
Her maid, Annie, stood a few steps behind. "Shall I put it away, my lady?"
Liv gave a faint smile.
"No need. Let everyone see it."Her gaze drifted upward to the pale sky."After all, this isn't something that can stay hidden forever."
Elsewhere, in the grand Zelthar estate, Jay stared at the same paper laid across his desk.He said nothing—only let his finger trace the imperial seal printed in red wax at the top.
One month.It wasn't a long time.But it was enough—enough to prepare for fate… or repeat the same mistake all over again.
At Count Erickson's estate, the morning was anything but peaceful.Shouting, the sound of shattering glass, and hurried footsteps echoed through the grand hall. Servants kept their heads bowed, not daring to look at their furious master.
"What have you done, Andrey?!" Count Erickson's voice thundered, shaking the cold stone walls.In front of him, Andrey stood pale and silent, his head lowered in shame.
"Father, I—"
"Silence!" the Count snapped sharply.
"You've humiliated Lady Liv Albrecht! Now the entire empire knows she's engaged to Duke Zareth! Do you realize what that means for this family?!"
Countess Erickson pressed a hand to her temple, her expression full of frustration.
"The Albrechts have helped us so much—funding your failed business, saving our name—and you repay them with disgrace."
Andrey clenched his fists, his voice trembling.
"I didn't know that—"
"Didn't know?" The Count took a step closer, his tone cutting like a blade. "Did you really think she would wait for you after everything you did? She's now the fiancée of Duke Zareth! The Emperor himself has approved the marriage!"
Andrey looked up, his voice breaking. "I love her, Father… I can't just forget Liv."
"Love?" Count Erickson glared at him coldly. "Love won't save this family from ruin. You've destroyed the only alliance that kept our name respected!"
The Countess turned toward her husband anxiously.
"Then what are we supposed to do now?"
Count Erickson exhaled heavily, struggling to contain his anger.
"We fix it. Somehow. Andrey, you will make things right with her—whatever it takes."
"But, Father—"
"No excuses!" he shouted. "If you have to crawl to the Albrecht estate to beg for forgiveness, then do it! Otherwise, I'll personally see to it that you end things with Isabel!"
The mention of Isabel made Andrey stiffen. His face tightened, his breath heavy.He knew that wasn't an empty threat.
Outside the hall, the servants whispered nervously among themselves.
"He's truly angered the Count this time…"
"If the Marquess pulls out of the Count investments, we'll all lose our jobs…"