Three days after my wedding, I, Vecna Campbell still had not seen the face of my lawful husband even once.
On the day of the ceremony, just as the bridal procession entered the grounds of Anderson Estate, the groom, Joseph, received an urgent Executive Order from the Ministry of Security. He didn't even have time to step out of the car; he only managed to exchange a few words with his mother before immediately leaving for the Northwest base.
No one in the manor told me what had happened. Was it something major? Terrorism? Political unrest? I had no idea, and they clearly had no intention of informing me.
Honestly, I wasn't too concerned. I stepped over the ceremonial flower arch marking the entrance to the new household, paid my respects before the Anderson family shrine, and entered the bridal chamber… alone.
From that day until now, I hadn't stepped out of the Bridal Wing even once. According to the head housekeeper, because Joseph and I had not yet completed the formal rite that legitimized the marriage (elegantly called the Unity Ritual), I was not allowed to leave the bride's quarters.
I wasn't sure whether this was truly a tradition of the Anderson aristocracy, or simply an excuse to "keep a countryside bride like me out of sight."
Probably the latter.
I didn't mind, but Karen, my childhood friend and personal maid whom I'd brought from home, was on the brink of losing her mind.
Naturally lively and free-spirited, Karen, who was used to running around like a wild bird felt so suffocated after being cooped up in a luxurious suite for three straight days that she lay sprawled on the table near the window, groaning like she was about to die.
"Vecna… when is the master coming home? As long as the two of you finish that ritual, I can finally go outside and breathe fresh air. If not, I'm going to suffocate in here."
I took a sip of Earl Grey and smiled.
"Today was supposed to be the day we're allowed to visit my parents' home. If you can't take staying indoors any longer, I'll go ask Mrs. Anderson. She might allow us a walk outside."
Karen shot up instantly, eyes sparkling like fireworks.
"You're not joking?!"
I patted her head. "Why would I lie? Go call the housekeeper."
Karen bolted from the room. A moment later, she dragged the elderly housekeeper accustomed to aristocratic decorum inside. Karen was so impatient that she said "please" while practically hauling the poor woman by the wrist. The housekeeper winced in pain.
I gave Karen a look. She immediately released her grip.
I couldn't blame her. With too much idle time these past three days, Karen had overheard some unpleasant comments from the household staff. They mocked my low birth just the daughter of a rural high-school teacher unworthy of a gentleman with an Ivy League education and a shining political future.
It was true that I came from an ordinary background. But it wasn't as if I had tried to marry above my station. Jonathan Anderson, Joseph's father, had personally come to my family to propose the union.
And yet they still sneered.
Worse, someone spitefully claimed that Joseph had fled on our wedding night because… "the bride brings misfortune and harms her husband." Karen was so furious she trembled. She snapped, "As if he's the only official in this whole country! Clearly he just doesn't like you, so he took the chance to disappear!"
I could only find it amusing.
While Karen was still fuming, I mentioned that I intended to speak with my mother-in-law. The housekeeper hesitated:
"Madam, we haven't received approval from the main wing yet. Perhaps we should wait for Mrs. Anderson?"
"I've been here for three days," I said calmly. "It's only proper that I greet her."
The housekeeper didn't dare argue. She sent someone to announce my arrival, then led me through the ancient hallways where portraits of Anderson ancestors looked down with the cold eyes of generations of Blue Moon pack nobility.
The Anderson manor was impeccably disciplined. Every servant bowed as I passed; no one dared even breathe too loudly. No matter how much they looked down on me, none dared show it to my face.
Mrs. Lauren Anderson, my mother-in-law, was in the Council Room, where she handled family affairs like a true matriarch.
I paused outside, listening to her issue orders, her authoritative tone sharp enough to make one straighten instinctively:
"Review this year's invoices. We bought three hundred velvet drapes last year; there's no reason for this year's expenses to increase without explanation. Any room requesting funds must provide clear justification. Anyone misusing the family budget for personal gain will be dealt with immediately."
She didn't raise her voice, yet it cut like a blade.
When a servant informed her I had arrived, she simply said, "Let her in."
I pushed the door open and greeted her with utmost courtesy.
"Mother."
Mrs. Anderson looked up. She saw a young woman in a simple navy dress, hair neatly pinned with only a lotus-shaped jade clip. I wore none of the jewelry gifted by the groom's family. I also showed no sign of fluster from being kept waiting.
She said nothing, only gestured for me to sit.
Karen stood behind me in her blue uniform. With her sharp gaze and soldier-straight posture, she made the Council Room, the center of authority in Anderson Estate feel as if a robbery might break out.
Mrs. Anderson exhaled gently, then asked bluntly:
"I heard you wish to go outside?"
I replied calmly:
"Today was originally the day I could return to visit my parents, but since the rituals aren't complete and my family lives too far away, I only hoped to take Karen out for a short walk. I humbly ask for Mother's permission."
She neither approved nor refused. She only said:
"Joseph has returned to Blue Moon pack. He's in the office now delivering a direct report. He may not make it back for lunch, but he'll return tonight. If you wish to go out, wait until the rites are completed in a few days. After that, you may go wherever you wish."
With Joseph returning, I no longer had any reason to leave.
At that moment, a voice echoed from the hallway:
"Young Master Joseph has returned!"
Mrs. Anderson's face lit with a rare smile. She rose and motioned for me to follow:
"Come. Let's return to the main house."
There was no need to greet him at the gate; European-style aristocrats didn't do that. Once we reached the Main Parlor, she instructed the staff to prepare lunch.
Karen and I waited under the colonnade.
Snow fell heavily. The wind whipped against the marble pillars.
A figure approached along the white stone path. A black fur cloak billowed around him. Beneath it was a deep crimson formal outfit embroidered with golden cranes, the traditional attire of the Anderson lineage for reporting to the family office.
Joseph stopped when he saw me. His eyes paused for a brief second. Then he placed a hand over his chest in a European gentleman's salute, inclining his head slightly.
"I had to leave too suddenly on our wedding day," he said, voice low and composed. "Please forgive me."