Alex's jaw tightened.
"Yes, I am serious, princess," he said firmly. "But this marriage means nothing to me. It's only for business purposes."
He paused, then added with certainty,
"Once everything is done, I will divorce her. And I will come back to you."
Yuna stayed silent for a moment, trying to process his words.
She blinked slowly, her voice softer than before.
"Oh… is that so?"
A pause.
"I don't know what to say," she continued quietly, "but… I will trust you, my boy."
Alex finally let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
"I will always love you, my princess," he said gently. "Don't worry. I will come back to you. I'm all yours, okay? Don't let this burden you."
They continued talking for a while, each word carrying a false sense of peace.
Neither of them knew what was waiting ahead.
Something bad?
No.
Maybe worse.
Days passed.
Alex buried himself in work. His team prepared the wedding schedule, arrangements, and decorations.
The families met and finalized everything. Veronica's family arrived with formal greetings, while Alex stood beside his father alone—cold, distant, and unreadable.
He had lost his mother at a very young age. Her death had shattered his childhood in ways no one could understand.
The betrayal that followed, the violence he witnessed, and the cruelty within his own family had carved something hard inside him.
He had seen things no child should ever see.
Since then, he trusted no one… except his father.
And Yuna.
Finally, the wedding day arrived.
Alex stood before everyone in a perfectly tailored black suit, a crisp white shirt underneath, and a deep red tie resting sharply against his chest.
He looked flawless—as always.
The hall was filled with guests. Luxurious decorations covered every corner. Soft lights, expensive flowers, and perfect arrangements made everything look like a dream.
But Alex's expression remained cold.
All eyes turned toward the entrance.
Veronica stepped in.
She walked slowly, calm and composed.
The white silk gown she wore fit her perfectly, elegant and graceful in every step.
For a brief second, Alex's gaze stayed on her.
His breath caught—just for a moment.
Then he looked away immediately, expression tightening again.
They stood beside each other.
Applause filled the room.
But Alex kept his eyes forward, unmoving, unreadable.