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00:00To let my husband focus on his career, I stayed at Ancestral Home to care for my ailing mother-in
00:04-law.
00:04Ten years went by like that.
00:05Charles came home once a year, but he never touched me.
00:08He said if I got pregnant with him away, I'd have no one to care for me, and that would
00:11break his heart.
00:11Every time he left, he'd curse himself for being useless, and swear that once he made it, he'd take me
00:16to the capital.
00:16In the winter of our eleventh year, snow blocked the roads.
00:18Charles wrote he'd be a few days late.
00:20I went to tell Mother the news, but overheard her talking with my sister-in-law.
00:23Mother, you've faked being sick for ten years. How much longer will you keep this up?
00:27Mother sighed.
00:27What else can I do? Charles only has eyes for that adopted sister.
00:31They're married behind our backs. Now their kids aren't young.
00:34If I don't keep Diana here, and she makes a scene, how could Charles keep his position as minister?
00:39Forget it. We'll just keep hiding it.
00:41Charles said, once he's more established, he'll make it up to Diana.
00:45My eyes welled up. So, Charles wasn't useless. He'd made it.
00:48He was the minister of revenue, and he didn't avoid me out of love, but because he had someone else.
00:53My heart died. I tracked down that soldier who'd always liked me.
00:56Do you still want to marry me? His face lit up. He raised a trembling hand and swore.
01:00Diana, I promise I'll be good to you, but give me a month. I ship out tonight. I'll earn real
01:05merit this time, and marry you in style.
01:07I lowered his hand and said, I don't need style. Just stability. Keep yourself safe. Just come back to me.
01:12After watching him leave, I went home.
01:13The house, usually dark, was lit up. I thought Mother was waiting for me. Opening the gate, I chied her.
01:18Mother, it's so late. You should rest. Before I finished, the door slid open. A tall figure stood silhouetted by
01:23candlelight. A familiar voice, laced with snow, reached me.
01:26Diana, I'm home.
01:27A year away, and Charles seemed more commanding. Probably from being a high official, his tone carried authority. He opened
01:33his arms, waiting for me to run into them and tell him how much I'd missed him. But I didn't.
01:37I sat down my basket and said calmly, you haven't eaten, have you? Let me make you something.
01:41Charles frowned slightly, awkwardly lowering his arms, forcing a light tone.
01:44What's wrong? You don't miss me after a year? Or are you angry at me?
01:48Before I knew the truth, I really did miss him. And I was a little upset, too. No one wants
01:53to be apart from her husband so long and so far away. But after learning everything, I stopped hoping. I
01:57made peace with it. Instead of fighting, better to part on good terms and leave quietly. I didn't answer. Instead,
02:03I changed the subject.
02:04Go talk with Mother. I'll call you when dinner's ready. I said nothing more and went to the kitchen. But
02:09Charles followed. He pulled me into his arms and asked cautiously,
02:11Diana, what's wrong? Did you hear some rumor?
02:15I pushed him away calmly and smiled. This poor village rarely sees outsiders. What could I hear? Don't overthink it.
02:22Charles sighed with relief. He thought I was just moody and pulled me back in.
02:26Diana, I came back to take you all to the capital. But there's something I need to tell you first.
02:31My heart clenched. I knew what he'd say. After all these years, he was finally coming clean. Charles led me
02:36inside.
02:37I was surprised. Mother wasn't alone. There was a richly dressed woman and two children who looked just like Charles.
02:42Mother looked down guiltily, unable to meet my eyes. But the woman walked up boldly and extended her hand.
02:47You're Diana Jensen, right? I'm Esther Carter, Charles' adopted sister and his wife.
02:51When I didn't respond, she pushed the children forward.
02:54These are our son and daughter. Come on, call her Diana.
02:56Seeing my cold expression, Charles quickly stopped her. He took my hand guiltily.
03:00Diana, let me explain.
03:01He took my hand guiltily.
03:02Diana, let me explain. That year, bandits attacked me on my way to the capital exams.
03:07If Esther hadn't saved me, I would have died. I only meant to make her my sworn sister.
03:11Then I learned she was an orphan with nowhere to go. I wanted to give her a home. It was
03:15my way of repaying her.
03:16If it hurts, you can hit me, curse me. Just, when we get to the capital, I hope you two
03:21can get along.
03:21He grabbed my hand to make me him. I pulled it back and smiled calmly.
03:25Going to the capital is a good thing. It doesn't hurt. Mother's been unwell for years.
03:29Maybe the capital's doctors can cure her. Charles was overjoyed, barely able to contain himself.
03:33Really? You're not mad at me?
03:35My composure let Charles breathe easy. He urged me.
03:37Diana, pack your things. We'll leave the day after tomorrow. We can still make it back for New Year's Eve.
03:42I nodded and said,
03:43Mother doesn't have much. It won't take long. I'll pack the medicine she'll need on the road.
03:47You can all leave the day after tomorrow.
03:49Charles stiffened. He understood immediately. He frowned.
03:52Diana, what do you mean? You're not coming with us?
03:55I met his eyes. My voice calm.
03:57My lord, we probably won't come back after this.
03:59I need to sell the fields and the house. If they sit empty, we'd still owe taxes. It'd be a
04:05waste.
04:05Take everyone back for the holiday. Once I've settled things here, I'll join you after the thaw.
04:10Charles relaxed a little. He knew what this house and land meant to me.
04:13When I first married in, the shahs had nothing. We rented a drafty shack.
04:17I worked myself to the bone, put him through school and exams, and saved for this house and two fields.
04:22That's how we stopped worrying about food.
04:24And Charles got a place to study in peace.
04:26Maybe remembering those days, his eyes softened with guilt.
04:28Diana, I'm the Minister of Revenue now.
04:30Money's not an issue. Just give the land away to some poor folks.
04:34Save yourself the trouble.
04:35I smiled and shook my head. They're my sweat and blood. I can't just give them away.
04:38Don't worry, my lord. I'll come find you once it's done. I won't delay.
04:41For a moment, Charles hesitated.
04:43Esther caught it and tugged his sleeve, annoyed.
04:46She warned him.
04:47My lord, don't go soft. The censorate has eyes on you.
04:49If you leave her here and they come asking and she slips up, how long do you think you'll keep
04:53your post?
04:53I'm not stupid. I understood Esther immediately.
04:55So, Charles wasn't having a change of heart.
04:58Someone had found out about his first wife.
05:00If they confirmed it, the censorate would have a field day.
05:03The emperor is a devoted man.
05:04He despises men who abandon their wives.
05:06The emperor is a devoted man.
05:08He despises men who abandon their wives.
05:10If Charles wants to keep his post, he needs to keep me happy and make sure I keep my mouth
05:13shut.
05:14Thinking about it, I'd be lying if I said it didn't sting.
05:16I married Charles 13 years ago.
05:17I gave him everything I had.
05:19Charles was a scholar.
05:20Couldn't do real work.
05:21His mother was old.
05:22No help either.
05:23His brother was a lazy good-for-nothing.
05:25I was the one keeping the family afloat.
05:26But I never complained.
05:27I cared for mother.
05:28And even saved up to find his brother, a wife, so they could live decently.
05:31I thought doing all that would earn me his loyalty forever.
05:34But I overestimated my worth.
05:35I finally understood why they say scholars are the most heartless.
05:38I fought back the sting in my eyes, refusing to let the tears fall.
05:41Then, steadying myself, I said,
05:42So that's what worries you, my lord.
05:44I can write you a pledge.
05:45No matter who asks, I'll swear I'm a Shaw family orphan.
05:47Your adopted sister.
05:48Will that do?
05:49All of them stared, stunned.
05:51After a long moment, Charles asked, half doubtful.
05:53Diana, you'd really humble yourself for me?
05:56I smiled and nodded.
05:57For you, I'd do anything.
05:59But just to be safe, there's one thing you must destroy now.
06:02Charles tensed.
06:03What?
06:03I answered calmly.
06:04The marriage contract.
06:05Ours.
06:06I answered calmly.
06:07The marriage contract.
06:08Ours.
06:09We married in a poor village.
06:10No formalities.
06:11A written contract.
06:12A cup of wine.
06:13And it was done.
06:13We never registered it with the authorities.
06:15So, if we destroy the contract, I'm no longer Charles' wife.
06:18Then, I just wait for that soldier to return.
06:20And I can marry him.
06:20I thought Charles would be relieved.
06:22But for some reason, he hesitated.
06:24Diana, you once said this contract was your greatest treasure.
06:27After all these years, after everything you've done for me,
06:29if I destroy the one thing you treasure, how could you bear it?
06:32Maybe.
06:33We should keep it.
06:35So, he did see everything I gave.
06:37Remembered.
06:37But even so, he still left me here for 10 years.
06:41And built a family with someone else.
06:42If he could treat my devotion like dirt,
06:44why should I cling to a piece of paper?
06:46But I knew.
06:47With his cautious nature, he wouldn't just let me marry another man.
06:49But I knew.
06:50With his suspicious nature, he wouldn't just let me marry another man.
06:53So, I made up a reason.
06:54My lord.
06:55You know this contract is my life.
06:57But for your future, I have to let it go.
06:59Once you're in the capital, you can marry me again.
07:01And give me a new one.
07:02That'll settle it.
07:03Mother nodded in agreement.
07:04Diana's right.
07:05With your position, you can't leave loose ends.
07:08Burn it.
07:08She's putting you first.
07:10You can make it up to her later.
07:12Charles still had doubts.
07:13But he knew I had a point.
07:14He pulled out the contract.
07:16Before lighting it, he said,
07:17Diana, hiding this from you was wrong.
07:19But trust me.
07:20I'll be good to you.
07:21Wait for me.
07:22I'll prepare the finest bride price and marry you again properly.
07:25The way he looked, you'd almost think he meant it.
07:27But I didn't believe him.
07:28I told myself it was just an illusion.
07:30I lit both copies myself.
07:31The flames turned that farce of a marriage to ash.
07:34And with it, my decade-long obsession.
07:35I lit both copies myself.
07:37The flames turned that farce of a marriage to ash.
07:39And with it, my decade-long obsession.
07:41For the first time, I felt a flicker of hope.
07:43Wondering at the freedom that could be mine.
07:44After Charles took Esther to rest, Mother stopped me.
07:47She dropped the act and knelt right in front of me.
07:50Diana, I was wrong.
07:51I hid it from you all these years.
07:53You must hate me, don't you?
07:54Her hair was completely white.
07:55Seeing her face wet with tears, I couldn't be cruel.
07:58I helped her up and said calmly,
07:59Mother, you did it because you love your son.
08:01I don't blame you.
08:02Sure, your sickness was faked.
08:04But you've always had your aches and pains.
08:05When you get to the Capitol, listen to the doctors.
08:07Take care of yourself.
08:08Hearing that, she broke down completely.
08:10Diana, how can you be so kind?
08:12Without you, who'll ever treat me this well?
08:15Don't you worry.
08:15No matter how Charles treats you,
08:17I'll always see you as my own daughter.
08:19I won't let anyone hurt you.
08:21I'll always see you as my own daughter.
08:23No one will hurt you.
08:25I understood Mother's helplessness, so I never blamed her.
08:28But I wouldn't trust her again either.
08:29She's a mother.
08:30Words are sweet, but blood wins.
08:32If the day ever came when she had to choose between Charles and me,
08:36I knew she'd pick him without a second thought.
08:37I said calmly,
08:39Mother, it's fine.
08:40Whoever Charles marries becomes your daughter-in-law.
08:42You owe me nothing.
08:43As I left her room,
08:45Esther blocked my path in the yard.
08:46Diana, don't take Charles' words to heart.
08:48I never saved him.
08:50I thought being deceived by my beloved husband and his mother was the worst blow.
08:55But no, there was more they'd hidden from me.
08:57Esther wasn't his savior at all.
08:59The truth was, Charles fell for her at first sight,
09:01used the sworn sister story to get close,
09:03broke off her original engagement,
09:04and married her.
09:05Calling her his savior was just his way to soften me.
09:07He knows I'm kind,
09:08that I always repay a debt.
09:10So he and Mother cooked up this story to force my hand,
09:13to make me accept it.
09:14Seeing me stunned,
09:15Esther thought her words had hit home.
09:16She smirked.
09:17So when he talks about marrying you in style,
09:19it's all lies.
09:20You'll be nothing but a concubine.
09:22Oh, and Mother?
09:22Saying she'll treat you like a daughter.
09:24You believe that?
09:25When it's her own son,
09:25her own grandchildren?
09:26Do you think you stand a chance?
09:27I blinked back the wetness in my eyes,
09:29and forced myself to ask,
09:30why tell me this?
09:31You want me to leave quietly,
09:32don't you?
09:33Esther shook her head.
09:34Charles is loyal.
09:35You've done so much for this family.
09:36If I drove you away,
09:37he'd blame me,
09:38and regret it forever.
09:39I couldn't do that to him.
09:40I'm just making your place clear.
09:42In the capital,
09:43know your role as a concubine.
09:44Don't hope for more status,
09:44and definitely don't hope for children.
09:46Charles promised me
09:46I'd be the only one to bear his children.
09:48That's why he never touched you.
09:49If you try anything,
09:51don't expect mercy.
09:52But if you behave,
09:53I'll make sure you're fed and clothed.
09:55I had no energy for her games.
09:57I nodded just to end it.
09:58The day they left,
09:59I saw them to the village edge.
10:00I took my only hairpin,
10:01the jade one,
10:02and placed it in Esther's palm.
10:04Mother immediately objected.
10:05She took the pin and gave it back.
10:06Diana, I gave you this.
10:08You keep it.
10:09And gave it back.
10:10Diana, I gave you this.
10:11You keep it.
10:12I shook my head
10:13and fixed it back on Esther.
10:15This pin is Mother's heirloom.
10:16Everyone knows it's for the Shaw daughter-in-law.
10:18If I keep it,
10:19and someone investigates,
10:20it'll just raise questions.
10:22Safer with Esther.
10:23Esther blocked Mother,
10:24and said softly,
10:25Mother, Diana's right.
10:26When we're together again,
10:27I'll give it back to her.
10:28Mother wasn't happy,
10:29but since we both agreed,
10:30she just sighed and whispered to me,
10:32Diana, don't worry.
10:33What I gave you is yours.
10:35You're my only true daughter-in-law.
10:38Once you're in the capital,
10:39I'll get it back for you.
10:41I nodded,
10:42then pointed at the pouch
10:42on Charles' belt.
10:44Charles,
10:44it is all I have left
10:45from my grandma.
10:46She made it right before she passed.
10:48Can I have it back?
10:49Charles frowned slightly
10:50and said quietly,
10:51Diana,
10:52this new way of addressing me
10:53feels strange.
10:54When we're alone,
10:54just call me my lord.
10:56When we're alone,
10:57just call me my lord.
10:58I shook my head.
10:59Better be cautious.
11:00Can't leave any loose ends.
11:01Charles couldn't convince me.
11:02He sighed.
11:03Fine.
11:04After I marry you again,
11:05we'll change it back,
11:06but keep the pouch with me.
11:07It was your gift,
11:08a token of our love.
11:09I didn't understand.
11:11He used to hate this pouch,
11:12said men wearing pouches
11:13was embarrassing.
11:14Now that I wanted to grant
11:15his old wish,
11:16why was he refusing?
11:17Charles,
11:18it's almost New Year's Eve.
11:19I'll be lonely here alone.
11:20Keeping the pouch
11:21gives me something to hold on to.
11:22If you want it back,
11:23I'll give it to you
11:24when I get to the capital.
11:25Charles reluctantly handed it to me,
11:26along with a stack of banknotes.
11:28Just as they were leaving,
11:29he turned back,
11:30hidden by his wide sleeve.
11:31He squeezed my hand tight.
11:33He said,
11:33Wait for me.
11:34I'll come for you myself
11:36after the thaw.
11:36There's one last thing
11:37I need to tell you then.
11:39I didn't ask.
11:39I just nodded.
11:40Okay,
11:40after watching them leave,
11:41I went back inside
11:42and grabbed my bag
11:43from the top cabinet
11:45and grabbed my bag
11:45from the top cabinet.
11:47I left Charles' money
11:48on the table
11:49and headed north
11:50without looking back.
11:50That's where the man
11:51I'll marry is waiting.
11:52I have to marry him
11:52before Charles comes for me.
11:54Once that's done,
11:55I'll be free of him,
11:56free of this humiliation.
11:58Winter roads were hard
11:58and I had little money.
12:00I couldn't afford a cart,
12:00so I stopped when I had to.
12:02When funds ran low,
12:02I worked in towns,
12:03earned enough,
12:04then moved on.
12:04Spring was near
12:05and I was getting closer
12:06to the border.
12:07One day,
12:07while wiping tables
12:08at an inn,
12:09the owner rushed in,
12:09excited.
12:10Diana,
12:10the border forces won.
12:11After they process the prisoners,
12:13they will return any day now.
12:14You'll see your fiancé soon.
12:15He paid me what I'd earned
12:17and added a bonus.
12:19Your fiancé is a hero of Dainia.
12:21Call this my wedding gift.
12:23Hire a cart
12:23and go to him.
12:24I thanked him,
12:25hired a cart
12:26and reached the border.
12:27The army wasn't back yet.
12:28I slipped my last coins
12:29to the guard.
12:30Sir,
12:31my fiancé is Lance Watson.
12:32When he arrives,
12:33please tell him
12:34I've rented a place
12:34east of the city,
12:35waiting.
12:35Sir,
12:36my fiancé is Lance Watson.
12:37When he arrives,
12:38please tell him
12:38I've rented a place
12:39east of the city,
12:40waiting.
12:40The guard heard this,
12:41handed the coins back,
12:43smiling apologetically.
12:44So you're Lance's fiancé?
12:45No need for this.
12:46Just put in a good word
12:47for me sometime.
12:48I was confused.
12:49Lance was just a nobody soldier.
12:51What good would my words do?
12:52Probably mistook me
12:52for someone else.
12:53But saving money wasn't bad.
12:55The waiting made me nervous.
12:57Lance and I were
12:57from the same village.
12:59And yes,
13:00he'd admired me for years,
13:01but I'd been married.
13:02I didn't know
13:02if his proposal was real
13:03or just impulse.
13:04Then I thought it through.
13:06If he'd changed his mind,
13:07I'd manage on my own.
13:08I have my hands.
13:09I won't starve.
13:11That settled,
13:11I felt better.
13:12I started sewing my wedding gown.
13:14If he wants me,
13:15good.
13:15If not,
13:15at least it's for me.
13:16When I married Charles,
13:18I never wore one.
13:19Back then,
13:20the Shaw's had nothing.
13:21Empty walls,
13:22no gown,
13:22and the wedding line
13:23was borrowed from a neighbor.
13:24No gown,
13:25and the wedding line
13:26was borrowed from a neighbor.
13:28Later,
13:28when I had money,
13:29I repaid her
13:30with two big jars.
13:31She grabbed my hand,
13:32choked up,
13:33and said,
13:34Diana,
13:34you're such a good girl.
13:36Why stay with the shawls?
13:37All that hardship,
13:38look at you,
13:39pretty hardworking.
13:40You could marry a rich man
13:42and not be settling.
13:43Why cling to that bookworm,
13:44Charles,
13:46wasting your youth?
13:47Back then,
13:47I loved Charles.
13:48I believed in our future.
13:50I thought she was out of line.
13:51I even argued with her.
13:53Ma'am,
13:54you're unfair to him.
13:55I believe in him.
13:56When he makes it,
13:57he won't let me down.
13:58She couldn't convince me,
13:59just kept calling me foolish.
14:00Now I see.
14:01She was the one
14:01who saw clearly.
14:02The day I slipped away,
14:04I almost ran straight
14:04into Charles' sister-in-law.
14:06The day I slipped away,
14:07I nearly ran straight
14:08into Charles' sister-in-law,
14:09but my neighbor distracted her,
14:11then sent her husband
14:12to pass the word.
14:12Go now,
14:13she told me.
14:14Diana,
14:15the shawls aren't good enough
14:16for you.
14:17Go.
14:17Live free.
14:18Don't let them trap you anymore.
14:20I'll handle
14:21your sister-in-law.
14:22I'll make sure
14:23they don't find out
14:24you're gone.
14:25I don't know
14:26how she held her off,
14:27but it worked.
14:28For a month,
14:29no one came looking for me,
14:31but you just had to say it.
14:32The third day,
14:33a carriage stopped
14:34outside my door.
14:34I thought Lance was back.
14:36I ran out,
14:36excited,
14:37and came face-to-face
14:38with someone familiar.
14:39Charles,
14:39hair disheveled,
14:40face worn,
14:41his voice was hoarse.
14:41Diana,
14:42you were so hard to find.
14:43He dismounted,
14:44strode over in a few steps,
14:45and grabbed my wrist,
14:46squeezing so hard
14:47my bones might crack.
14:48And grabbed my wrist,
14:50squeezing so hard
14:51my bones might crack.
14:52Diana,
14:52you promised me.
14:53Why did you run away
14:55all the way
14:55to this border town?
14:57I spent half a month
14:57preparing,
14:58went to Greenhaven myself
14:59to get you,
15:00and found the house empty.
15:01Do you know
15:02how worried I was?
15:03I couldn't break free,
15:04so I stopped trying
15:05and said coldly,
15:06Why trouble yourself for me,
15:07Lord Shaw?
15:08Our contract is destroyed.
15:09I'm no longer a Shaw.
15:10Where I go,
15:10whether I live or die,
15:12is none of your business.
15:13My cold words stung him.
15:14He got angrier.
15:15Diana,
15:16I know you're upset,
15:17but this is reckless.
15:19You agreed to come
15:19to the capital.
15:21How could you break
15:22your word?
15:23It struck me
15:23as almost funny.
15:24I dropped the act.
15:25On our wedding day,
15:26didn't you promise me
15:27to be true to me forever?
15:28To never take another wife?
15:29Didn't you break your word?
15:30So, call it even.
15:32Didn't you break your word?
15:33So, call it even.
15:35Lord Shaw,
15:36we're done.
15:37Done?
15:37Seeing my resolve,
15:38Charles' eyes reddened.
15:39He pulled me close,
15:40almost nose to nose.
15:41We've been married
15:42over ten years.
15:43You can't just end it like that.
15:45Diana,
15:45I know you're hurt.
15:46I'm sorry.
15:47When we go back,
15:48I'll make you an equal wife.
15:49You won't be beneath Esther.
15:50All right?
15:51I snorted.
15:52He thought I wanted more.
15:54He frowned.
15:56Diana,
15:56it's not that I won't
15:57make you equal,
15:57but Esther saved my life.
16:00Saved your life?
16:01I cut him off
16:02and scoffed.
16:03After all this,
16:03you still hide behind that lie?
16:05Charles,
16:06you're not even trying.
16:07He froze,
16:08panic flashing in his eyes.
16:10Diana,
16:11what do you mean?
16:12Diana,
16:12what do you mean?
16:13Seeing his face change,
16:15I tore through his lies,
16:16word by word.
16:17Esther told me everything.
16:18Here were no bandits.
16:19No one saved you.
16:20You fell for her at first sight,
16:22forced your way in,
16:22and destroyed her engagement.
16:24Your debt of gratitude
16:25was just an excuse
16:25for your betrayal.
16:27Charles went pale.
16:29He opened his mouth,
16:30but shame choked his words.
16:32I was done.
16:33I was about to send him away
16:34when he snapped out of it
16:34and weakly pleaded.
16:36Diana,
16:36let me explain.
16:37Esther's jealous.
16:39She's trying to drive us apart.
16:41You know,
16:42no woman wants to share her husband.
16:44I cut him off.
16:46Too numb to feel a thing.
16:47You understand that too.
16:49That's why you stayed away 10 years,
16:50left me alone,
16:51even had your mother pretend to be sick
16:52for 10 years to trap me in the village,
16:54right?
16:54Even had your mother pretend to be sick
16:56for 10 years to trap me in the village,
16:57right?
16:58Charles,
16:58since you care for her so much,
16:59stop chasing after me.
17:01It'll only hurt us both.
17:02I yanked my hand back,
17:03stepped away,
17:04and said coldly,
17:06the old Diana Jensen is dead.
17:08She learned the truth.
17:09The woman standing here now
17:10has nothing to do with you
17:11or the Shaw family.
17:12For what we had,
17:14I won't speak against you.
17:16Just leave.
17:17My fiancé's coming back
17:18with the army soon.
17:19I don't want him to misunderstand.
17:20Charles stiffened,
17:21his head snapping up,
17:22eyes blazing with shock and fury.
17:24Fiancé?
17:24What fiancé?
17:25Who is he?
17:26I answered calmly,
17:27just a nobody soldier.
17:29You wouldn't know him,
17:30Lord Shaw.
17:30Now go.
17:31But Charles refused
17:31to accept it.
17:32He fumed.
17:33Diana,
17:33have you lost your mind?
17:34You'd refuse a minister
17:35for some lowly soldier?
17:37Have you lost your mind?
17:38You'd refuse a minister
17:39for some lowly soldier?
17:41He could die any day.
17:42And his pay?
17:43You'd barely afford a meal.
17:45You're not getting any younger.
17:46You want to live like that again?
17:48I glared at him
17:49and said calmly,
17:50I don't fear hardship.
17:51If I did,
17:52I'd never have married you.
17:54Lord Shaw,
17:55stop insulting my fiancé.
17:56He lacks your wealth and status,
17:57but he gives me his whole heart.
17:59Unlike you,
17:59always chasing Shiny Anu.
18:00Aye.
18:00Charles faltered.
18:02It took him a moment to recover.
18:04He said,
18:04Diana,
18:04you've got it wrong.
18:05I don't love the new
18:06and forget the old.
18:07All these years,
18:08even with Esther,
18:08you've always been in my heart.
18:10Words weren't enough,
18:11so he stopped.
18:12He said,
18:13Fine,
18:13when you come back with me,
18:14I'll prove it.
18:16I didn't understand,
18:17but his next words answered my question.
18:19General Quinn is an old acquaintance.
18:22I'll go see him,
18:23ask him to talk to your fiancé.
18:25He plays it right,
18:26I'll find him a nice girl
18:27and cover the bride price too.
18:29I'll find him a nice girl
18:31and cover the bride price too.
18:33I'm usually patient,
18:34but this time I snapped.
18:35Charles,
18:36have you lost your mind?
18:37He didn't say it outright,
18:38but I understood.
18:39He was going to use his power
18:40to pressure Lance.
18:41Lance is just a soldier.
18:42How could he fight a minister?
18:43I grabbed Charles' sword
18:45and held it to my throat.
18:46I said,
18:47Charles,
18:47if you go near him,
18:48I'll kill myself right now.
18:49My life may be cheap,
18:50but you're the minister of revenue.
18:52If word gets out,
18:53you drove a woman to death.
18:54How would that look?
18:54He always saw me as gentle.
18:56He never thought I'd threaten to die.
18:58He panicked,
19:00froze,
19:00and pleaded.
19:01Diana,
19:02put the sword down.
19:03Let's talk.
19:03But I was done talking.
19:04There's nothing to say.
19:05If you don't want me dead,
19:06write it down.
19:07If anything happens to me
19:08or my fiancé,
19:09you'll be held responsible.
19:10Charles had spent years
19:11climbing the ranks.
19:12He'd never sign his own ruin.
19:15Charles had spent years
19:16climbing the ranks.
19:17He'd never sign his own ruin,
19:18but he kept his cool
19:19and said flatly,
19:20Fine,
19:21I'll write it,
19:22but I came in a hurry,
19:23empty-handed.
19:23You'll need to get me
19:24paper and ink.
19:25I hadn't thought that far.
19:27I turned to go inside
19:28for paper,
19:28but the bastard
19:29struck from behind,
19:30grabbed the sword
19:31from my hand,
19:32and ordered his men.
19:33Watcher,
19:34I'm going to see
19:34General Quinn.
19:35They covered my mouth.
19:36I couldn't even curse.
19:37I was frantic
19:38when a rough,
19:39cheerful voice rang out.
19:41Minister Shah,
19:41what brings you here?
19:42I just heard
19:43you were looking for me.
19:43Something important?
19:44The voice was unfamiliar.
19:45I didn't recognize it.
19:46Then I heard Charles.
19:47Respectful.
19:48General Quinn,
19:48what a coincidence.
19:49Nothing major, really.
19:50I just wanted to ask you
19:51to help find someone.
19:53So this was
19:54the border commander.
19:54He laughed.
19:56Find someone?
19:57Easy.
19:57He laughed.
19:59Find someone?
19:59Easy.
20:00Minister Shah,
20:01mind if I finish
20:01something first?
20:03Charles stepped back
20:04to the door.
20:04He said,
20:05Of course.
20:05Take your time, General.
20:06But Silas dismounted,
20:07pointed at my gate,
20:08and grinned.
20:09I've got business here, too.
20:10Seeing Charles confused,
20:12he explained,
20:13I'm here to propose.
20:14Charles froze,
20:15instinctively blocking
20:15the entrance.
20:16He asked carefully,
20:17General,
20:18you and your wife
20:18are devoted,
20:19your children grown.
20:20This isn't right.
20:21Silas heard that
20:22and burst out laughing.
20:23When he'd had his fill,
20:24he explained,
20:24you misunderstood.
20:25Not for me.
20:26For my adopted son.
20:27He's wounded.
20:28Can't move.
20:29Charles wasn't the only one stunned.
20:30I was too.
20:30I almost thought Silas
20:31had the wrong house.
20:32Silas couldn't find
20:33the right words,
20:34so he stepped past
20:34Charles into the yard.
20:36The guards,
20:36afraid of trouble,
20:37let me go.
20:38Silas was a soldier,
20:39rough and straightforward.
20:40He noticed nothing wrong,
20:41just stared at me,
20:41and asked,
20:42Are you Diana Jensen?
20:43I nodded,
20:44dazed.
20:45He clapped his hands.
20:46Then I'm in the right place.
20:46Lance Watson is my adopted son,
20:48your fiancé.
20:49He clapped his hands.
20:49Then I'm in the right place.
20:51Lance Watson is my adopted son,
20:52your fiancé.
20:53My mind was spinning.
20:54Lance is just a soldier.
20:55How is he General Quinn's adopted son?
20:57I scratched my head and said,
20:58General,
20:58are you sure you've got the right person?
20:59My fiancé's name is Lance,
21:01but he couldn't be your adopted son.
21:02Maybe it's a different Lance?
21:04Silas seemed less sure now,
21:05he said.
21:05My adopted son's from Greenhaven,
21:07has a mole by his left eye.
21:09Does that match your fiancé?
21:10Never mind,
21:10tell you what,
21:11I'll have him brought here.
21:12You can see for yourself.
21:14I stopped him quickly.
21:15General,
21:15no need.
21:16That sounds exactly like him.
21:18I believe you.
21:19You said he's wounded?
21:20Don't put him through that.
21:21I'll go to him.
21:22I hurried toward the door,
21:23but Charles,
21:24silent until now,
21:25grabbed me.
21:26He stepped in front of me
21:27and lied through his teeth.
21:27General Quinn,
21:28there's something we need to clear up.
21:29And lied through his teeth.
21:31General Quinn,
21:31there's something we need to clear up.
21:33Diana is my adopted sister.
21:34She never mentioned Lance to the family.
21:36This must have been done behind our backs.
21:38It doesn't count.
21:39Then,
21:40he muttered,
21:40threatening me,
21:41keep your mouth shut.
21:42Lance is the general's adopted son now.
21:44If he finds out you're divorced,
21:46you won't marry him,
21:47and Lance's reputation will be ruined.
21:49He had me there.
21:50He was right.
21:51Lance finally has someone backing him.
21:53If I cost him that,
21:54I'd never forgive myself.
21:55I was still thinking
21:56when Silas frowned and said,
21:57But Minister Shaw,
21:58your opinion doesn't matter anymore.
22:00You must have heard.
22:02Lance charged into battle like a madman,
22:04crippled the Prince of Stonehold's forces,
22:05and brought back his head.
22:07He earned the highest merit.
22:08He refused the Emperor's reward.
22:10Use his honor to ask for Diana's hand instead.
22:12If your family objects,
22:13you'd be defying the Emperor's decree.
22:14I stood there,
22:15stunned.
22:15I never imagined Lance would fight so hard for me.
22:17I stood there,
22:18stunned.
22:18I never imagined Lance would fight so hard for me.
22:21Or,
22:21trade his honor for our vows.
22:23In that moment,
22:24all my doubts vanished.
22:26Tears welled up,
22:27but this time,
22:28from joy,
22:29from gratitude.
22:30Charles looked thunderstruck.
22:31His face went pale,
22:32he muttered,
22:33in disbelief.
22:33How could this be?
22:34How?
22:35Silas looked confused.
22:36He frowned.
22:37Minister Shaw,
22:37this is good news.
22:38Why do you seem upset?
22:40Charles snapped out of it.
22:41For the sake of his career,
22:42he forced a smile.
22:43Happy?
22:44I'm happy.
22:45Silas had brought the Imperial Decree.
22:47When that silk unfurled at the Shaw Manor,
22:49Silas had brought the Imperial Decree.
22:51When that silk unfurled at the Shaw Manor,
22:53it was like a blinding light.
22:55The emotions it cast etched in every face.
22:57Charles knelt at the front,
22:58his back a stone rod,
22:59hands trembling as he received the decree.
23:00I stood to the side,
23:02watching him,
23:02and felt the last shred of pity slip away.
23:05Hadn't he brought this on himself?
23:06The Imperial words rang clear and stern,
23:08fixing our wedding for three months hence.
23:10The eunuch's voice cut through.
23:12His Majesty,
23:13mindful of Lance's wounds,
23:14grants you a capital mansion,
23:16the ceremony overseen by the Ministry of Rites.
23:18The words twisted the knife already in Charles' chest.
23:21I was the bride he carried home in splendor.
23:23Now the crown itself
23:24would see me wed another in splendor.
23:26Charles,
23:27for all his rage,
23:27had no choice but to swallow it whole.
23:29Charles,
23:29for all his rage,
23:30had no choice but to swallow it whole.
23:32The moment the decree was received,
23:33he seemed to age ten years,
23:35the light in his eyes dying.
23:36With the word out,
23:37he had to play the foster brother
23:38and take me to the capital to wed.
23:40The day I left the village,
23:41Esther took my hand with feigned warmth,
23:43wishing me well with pretty words,
23:44then rushed the maids to pack my things.
23:46Her eagerness was barely contained.
23:48The whole Shaw manor buzzed with false cheer,
23:50servants hanging red silk and happy charms,
23:52as if celebrating a grand occasion.
23:54Esther busied herself tirelessly,
23:55from picking my dowry
23:56to choosing my maids,
23:57handling it all,
23:59practically itching to see me out the door.
24:01Her smile was radiant,
24:03nothing like the pitiful woman
24:04who once hid behind Charles,
24:05all meek and helpless.
24:06Only Charles and his mother stayed cold,
24:08not a smile between them.
24:09Only Charles and his mother stayed cold,
24:11not a smile between them.
24:13Charles would sit in his study all day,
24:14papers spread out,
24:15untouched.
24:16His mother stayed in the prayer room,
24:18chanting more than ever,
24:20but the worry on her face only deepened.
24:22The gloom inside clashed with the festive facade.
24:25Servants tiptoed,
24:26afraid to cross them.
24:27When Lance had healed enough,
24:28he came to propose again in person.
24:30That day, in his indigo robe,
24:31he was still pale,
24:33but stood tall as a pine,
24:34two guards helping him through the gate.
24:37I went to meet him and saw him stop in the yard,
24:39gazing up at the room I used to live in,
24:41his eyes tender and sure.
24:43I teased him for going to such trouble.
24:44The decree was already law.
24:45Why go through this again?
24:46He looked at me,
24:47his eyes soft.
24:48Diana, the decree is his majesty's will.
24:50He looked at me,
24:51his eyes soft.
24:52Diana, the decree is his majesty's will.
24:54This proposal is my wish.
24:56How much he mattered,
24:57that I shouldn't suffer any slight.
24:59The gifts he brought were even more lavish,
25:01beyond the usual betrothal presents.
25:02There were chests of gems and furs,
25:04and a jade set his mother left behind.
25:06Lance explained she'd asked him to give it to his future bride.
25:09Then, facing Charles and his mother,
25:11he said,
25:11Asking my adoptive father to propose wasn't my choice.
25:14I was unconscious,
25:15afraid something might go wrong.
25:17He turned to me,
25:18his voice soft but clear.
25:19I was terrified that while I slept,
25:21someone might take you from me.
25:22So the moment I woke,
25:23I begged his majesty for the decree.
25:25Charles' face darkened.
25:26He clenched his cup,
25:28knuckles white.
25:28His mother's eyes welled up.
25:29She dabbed them with her handkerchief.
25:31Whether from sorrow or regret,
25:32I couldn't tell.
25:32His mother's eyes welled up.
25:33She dabbed them with her handkerchief.
25:34Whether from sorrow or regret,
25:35I couldn't tell.
25:36After Lance left,
25:37she scolded Charles.
25:38At that moment,
25:39I was coming to thank her,
25:40as custom required.
25:42We'd once been family,
25:43so I kept the ritual.
25:44Just outside the door,
25:45I heard a cup shatter,
25:47the shards piercing the quiet afternoon.
25:49Then came her choked sobs,
25:51her voice thick with grief and regret.
25:52I told you,
25:54Diane is a good woman.
25:55If you don't want her,
25:56someone else will.
25:57You wouldn't listen.
25:57Now look,
25:58she is about to marry into another family.
26:01Charles' voice was hoarse,
26:02but he still pushed back.
26:03Mother,
26:03what are you saying?
26:05Esther is your daughter-in-law too.
26:06His mother's voice turned even more bitter.
26:08Years of resentment spilling out.
26:09Her?
26:10What kind of daughter-in-law is she?
26:11When I was sick,
26:11did she ever come see me?
26:12Ever ask how I was?
26:14What kind of daughter-in-law is she?
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