- 1 day ago
He Lured Me Into a Trap
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00:01To break our engagement, my fiancé Adrian lured me to the hunting grounds on my birthday.
00:05He left me trapped in a hunter's pit for seven days straight.
00:08At night, the hunter crept down.
00:10He bound my hands and feet, then tore at my clothes.
00:13In my desperation, I looked up and saw Adrian standing above the pit, watching it all with cold eyes.
00:18I begged him to help me.
00:19Jane, it's just an engagement. Why can't you let Rose have it?
00:22You're being so selfish. Stay here and think about it.
00:26Seven days later, I clawed out of the pit.
00:28Adrian appeared before me.
00:30Have you come to your senses?
00:32He thought I would react the way I always had before.
00:34Crying, begging, refusing to let go.
00:36Instead, I agreed without hesitation.
00:39Fine, she can have it.
00:40He froze, after a long silence.
00:42Jane, I'll make it up to you. Once Rose gives me an heir, I'll make you my mistress.
00:46What he didn't know, during those seven days in that pit, I had made a deal with the devil.
00:50Seven days from now was our wedding day, just not his.
00:53We'll talk about it later.
00:54He said it like he was doing me a favor, and I felt nothing.
00:56Maybe because he'd said things like that too many times before.
01:00Jane, let Rose take the jewelry. I'll make it up to you.
01:02Jane, let Rose pick first. I'll get you something better.
01:05Jane.
01:06Jules, my parents' affection, my reputation.
01:08Whatever Adrian asked, I was always the one expected to give up.
01:12Rose was the fake heiress who had taken my place for years, enjoying everything that should have been mine.
01:16And I, their real daughter, had only just returned to my biological parents, yet I was still the one expected
01:22to yield.
01:24You were gone for seven days. Everyone is gossiping. You've disgraced your family.
01:28You should be grateful. Rose agreed to take this marriage in your place and save your family's name.
01:32That's the story you'll tell everyone.
01:34If I ever hear you say one word against Rose, you'll regret it.
01:37He gave me a cold look. I stared at the man I had grown up with, the one who had
01:41once stood beside me through everything.
01:43A dull ache spread through my chest, yet he knew exactly what had happened during those seven days.
01:48He knew that hunter had forced himself on me, and he had done nothing.
01:51All for Rose, a woman he had known for only three months.
01:54The hunter's leering face, the way he had torn at my dress, it all haunted me like a nightmare.
01:58If that man hadn't appeared in time, I would have died in that pit.
02:02But this would all be over soon.
02:03Seven days later, Adrian and Rose would have their wedding.
02:06And I, I would be bound to a devil.
02:10Adrian made me go back to the manor, alone.
02:13He didn't want to be seen with me.
02:14The carriage had barely stopped at the entrance, and Rose came rushing out.
02:18Sis! You're finally back!
02:20Do you know how worried I was when I heard you'd been taken?
02:22She grabbed my arm warmly.
02:24Behind her stood my brother Dorian, and my parents.
02:26The moment they saw me, their faces turned cold.
02:29Someone nearby stared at-
02:30Isn't that Lord Ashford's daughter?
02:32Why does she look like that?
02:33She's just a lowly servant.
02:35The only daughter of this house is Rose.
02:38He took Rose by the arm, and went inside.
02:40My mother glanced at me.
02:41Come inside.
02:42She had the maids draw me a bath, and sent someone to fetch medicine for me.
02:45I thought she was worried about me.
02:47Then the servants pried my mouth open, and forced the medicine down my throat.
02:51Only then did I understand.
02:52She wasn't worried about me.
02:53She was afraid that I might carry a bastard, and disgrace the family's name.
02:57The pain hit fast.
02:58I doubled over, then crumpled to the floor, writhing.
03:01I screamed, and begged her for help.
03:02But she only said,
03:03Rose and Adrian's wedding is close.
03:05I won't have you causing trouble.
03:06Jane, you were switched at birth.
03:09You suffered for it, growing up away from us.
03:11But none of that is Rose's fault.
03:12Adrian has just secured a position at the royal court.
03:15He and Rose are a perfect match.
03:17And you?
03:18She glanced at me, then sighed.
03:19Without finishing her sentence, she turned and left.
03:22I fought back my tears, enduring wave after wave of pain from deep inside my abdomen.
03:27Soon, just seven more days.
03:29The ancient serpent shrine.
03:30He had promised he would come for his bride himself there.
03:34I woke the next afternoon.
03:36Mia was sitting by my bed, carefully dabbing the cold sweat.
03:38Miss, you've been through so much.
03:41They are discussing the wedding now.
03:43I heard Adrian went to the king himself, just to get permission to marry Rose.
03:49If your family won't have you, I'll earn my own title and take it to the king himself.
03:54They won't be able to say no after that.
03:56Adrian told me on the road.
03:57But now, I bit my lip and forced myself to sit up.
04:00Then found the sapphire Adrian had given me.
04:02When you get the chance, I said to Mia and returned this to Adrian.
04:05Miss, isn't that the sapphire when his family first came to arrange your engagement?
04:09I'm getting married in a few days.
04:11It should go back to him.
04:12You're getting married too?
04:14To whom?
04:16To the man who saved my life.
04:18Wherever you go, I will follow.
04:21If you're getting married, I'll serve you for the rest of my life.
04:23A warmth spread through me.
04:25All right.
04:25Wherever I go, I'll take you with me.
04:27Mia finally left, satisfied to run her errands.
04:30I had only lived in this manner for three months.
04:32My family neither wanted me nor cared about me.
04:35Everything I was given was either used by Rose or picked over.
04:38The only new thing I owned was a pair of earrings Adrian had given me the day he lured me
04:44to
04:44the hunting grounds.
04:45I burned every letter he had ever sent me, one by one.
04:48The earrings I threw into the fire as well.
04:52Not long after, my mother's personal maid came to fetch me, saying they wanted to speak
04:56with me.
04:56Just as I reached the door, I heard Rose crying loudly.
04:59Father, mother, this marriage was supposed to be my sister's.
05:02Now that I'm marrying Adrian, will she be upset?
05:04A pause.
05:05Maybe I should just give the title back to my sister.
05:08Before my parents could respond, Dorian scoffed.
05:10She's inferior to you in every way, and she disgraced herself on top of it.
05:14If it weren't for you, we wouldn't even know how to explain things to Adrian.
05:16Exactly.
05:17Adrian is one of the king's favored lords now.
05:20She was never a match for him.
05:21I stood at the door, watching Rose flash a triumphant smile at me.
05:24I knew she was provoking me, mocking me for the dignity I never had, the family I never
05:28received.
05:29I stepped inside and dipped into a curtsy.
05:31My lord.
05:32My lady.
05:32But before I could even rise, my father roared.
05:34Is that how you speak to us now?
05:36You won't even call us mother and father?
05:38Dorian said it himself.
05:39The only daughter of this house is Rose.
05:41I'm nothing but a servant.
05:44Your brother said that in anger.
05:46Who told you to be so reckless?
05:48If he hadn't said it, what would that have done to Rose's dignity?
05:51So just to protect Rose's dignity, I can be degraded at will?
05:54My father opened his mouth.
05:55Nothing came out.
05:57Rose dropped to her knees in front of me, sobbing.
05:59Sis, don't be angry with mother and father.
06:02They were sick with worry every single day you were gone.
06:06If you're angry, take it out on me.
06:08But before it could land, Adrian stormed in.
06:10Jane, I've made myself clear.
06:12My marriage to Rose is settled.
06:14Why are you still sending the sapphire through your maid?
06:18Sapphire!
06:19I knew you still haven't let go of Adrian.
06:22I went still.
06:23Adrian had saved for a year to buy that sapphire.
06:25It was the cheapest one he could afford.
06:27I had kept it like it was the most precious thing I owned.
06:29He didn't even remember it.
06:31That sapphire was yours.
06:33You gave it to me when-
06:33Enough, Jane!
06:34Ever since you came back, you've done nothing but compete with Rose for everything.
06:38This marriage was granted by the king and you still won't let it go.
06:40You are an embarrassment to this family.
06:42They didn't give me a chance to explain.
06:44Just dragged Mia out of the room.
06:46No matter how I begged, they refused to let her go.
06:48The sound of a whip came from outside.
06:51She's just a maid.
06:53What does it matter if she dies?
06:55Just like you, in the eyes of your family.
06:57You're both things that can be thrown away.
06:59From today on, anyone who interferes with Rose's wedding will not be spared.
07:05Mia and I walked back into my room and locked the door.
07:08The servants had always known which way the wind blew.
07:10I had no money to offer them.
07:12No one came with a physician and bought food.
07:14No matter how I pounded on the door, no help came.
07:17It wasn't until night that Adrian appeared.
07:19Through the door crack, I knelt before him.
07:22Get a physician!
07:23Mia is dying!
07:24Enough!
07:25You still want to find excuses to escape now?
07:28The king himself approved my marriage to Rose.
07:30Nothing is going to change that.
07:34Staying here a couple of days might do you some good.
07:36He turned and walked away.
07:38Mia's fever kept climbing, with no food and no physician.
07:41She was gone by the second night.
07:43On the third morning, the door finally opened.
07:45Wedding bells rang out from somewhere in the city, loud and relentless.
07:49I sat holding Mia, staring at her face.
07:52Tears blared my vision.
07:53My dear Mia, today I'm getting married.
07:56I draped my outer coat over her and fixed my hair.
08:00We'll go together.
08:04Then I lifted her onto my back and walked toward the ancient serpent shrine.
08:10This was already the third time Adrian had lost focus today.
08:13It was supposed to be the happiest day of his life, yet he couldn't feel any of it.
08:17He scanned the crowd again.
08:18The Ashfords were all there, except for Jane.
08:21A strange unease settled in his chest.
08:23He kept thinking about three nights ago.
08:25He had gone to tell her to stop making a scene.
08:27Jane had her back turned to him, curled into the corner, not even look at him.
08:31Her clothes had been red.
08:32Simple, yet bright, like a bridal gown.
08:35He had imagined countless times how she would look in a wedding dress.
08:38But now, recalling that night, his chest tightened.
08:42What are you standing around for?
08:44Go and fetch Rose.
08:45Adrian ignored him, frowning as he asked the servant.
08:47On a day this important, shouldn't Miss Ashfin be here?
08:50But, my lord, isn't she getting married today?
08:53I wasn't asking about Rose.
08:55Are you telling me this house only has one daughter?
08:57Dorian waved a hand, unbothered.
09:00Adrian, Jane doesn't really count as our family yet.
09:02The ceremony starts soon.
09:03Go get Rose.
09:04And don't say I never did anything for you.
09:05Rose's wedding gift includes something very special.
09:07I rode all the way to Harrow Village to buy it from a jeweler there.
09:10Harrow?
09:11Adrian turned slowly.
09:12That's hours from the city.
09:13When did you go there?
09:14About ten days ago.
09:15Why?
09:16Ten days ago you weren't at the hunting grounds!
09:21Rose wanted something from that jeweler.
09:24I went and picked up a few things for her wedding while I was there.
09:27What does it matter if I wasn't at the hunting grounds?
09:29Adrian grabbed him by the collar.
09:30Didn't I tell Rose to send word for you to watch over Jane at the hunting grounds?
09:34Weren't that hunter arranged by you?
09:36What are you talking about?
09:37There are always hunters in the woods.
09:39I didn't arrange anything.
09:40Adrian's face went pale.
09:41His voice trembled.
09:42You didn't arrange anything?
09:44Then why was there a body in that pit?
09:45No wonder her gaze had been full of resentment.
09:47When he found her outside the pit that day,
09:49he had told himself she was being dramatic.
09:51He hadn't let himself think about what those seven days had actually been.
09:55He only knew what he had seen.
09:57She had crawled out of that pit covered in blood,
09:59her clothes torn.
10:00The look in her eyes had shifted from love to cold resentment.
10:04But all he had wanted was to teach her to behave.
10:07How had it come to this?
10:08Adrian could no longer hold back.
10:10He shoved Dorian aside and ran.
10:12But before he got far,
10:13a glow of fire erupted from the manor grounds.
10:16A servant came running in panic.
10:18The rear grounds are on fire!
10:19Adrian's face drained of color.
10:21Jane!
10:22Where is she?
10:23Where is Jane?
10:24She...
10:25She left wearing a blood-soaked dress,
10:27heading toward the ruins deep in the forest.
10:33Carrying the as-body on my back,
10:35I crawled with difficulty to the ancient serpent shrine.
10:38The appointed hour was almost upon us.
10:40The wind off the trees was brutal.
10:42It cut right through me.
10:44I waited until the sun was nearly gone.
10:46No one came.
10:47I thought he wouldn't come at all.
10:48Then I heard hoofbeats in the distance.
10:51Adrian and the Ashford's came riding hard.
10:53Jane!
10:53Get away from there!
10:54It's not safe!
10:56The moment Adrian saw me,
10:58he jumped from his horse and ran toward me.
11:00I looked at them coldly.
11:01I'm not going anywhere.
11:03I'll wait here for my husband.
11:04Today is our wedding day.
11:05My mother pushed past Adrian and came toward me.
11:08Jane, what are you talking about?
11:09If you want to marry,
11:10we will find you someone suitable.
11:11Just come home with us, okay?
11:13Exactly!
11:14You're standing in the middle of nowhere,
11:16holding a corpse!
11:18Have you lost your mind?
11:20Someone get her changed.
11:22Bring her back to the manor.
11:24With that, several servants rushed forward.
11:26They pressed me down and tore off my gown.
11:29That blood-sloped gown is bad luck.
11:31A terrible omen.
11:32I started laughing and thought about how Mia had looked,
11:36dying in my arms.
11:38Bad luck?
11:42You claimed me and then refused me.
11:44You blamed me for shaming you and still wouldn't let me go.
11:48Now I'm finally out of your way,
11:49and I'm the bad omen?
11:51Am I really that low?
11:52Was it my fault I was taken at birth?
11:55Mother choked back a sob.
11:57Jane, it isn't what you think.
11:58Adrian has caught the princess's eye.
12:00If you married him, she won't let you go that easily.
12:02And besides, you've only just come back.
12:04How could I bear to lose you again?
12:06Jane, enough!
12:07You were only engaged to Adrian because you met him first.
12:11Look at him now.
12:11Do you really think he would marry someone as low as you?
12:14Be smart and come back with us.
12:16Or...
12:16He shot a look at the maid behind me.
12:18The maid picked up Mia's body and threw it off the cliff.
12:21No!
12:22I threw myself after her without thinking.
12:24A sudden gust of air burst from below,
12:26and I was caught in strong arms before I hit the ground.
12:29That familiar voice whispered in my ear.
12:31My little bride.
12:32I'm sorry I'm late.
12:34It was him.
12:34The one I had made the deal with.
12:36Lucien carried me back up to the shrine.
12:38I step away for a moment, and this is how you treat my bride?
12:41They stared at Lucien in horror.
12:43Jane!
12:44Jane, come here!
12:45He's a monster!
12:47He'll kill you!
12:48I laughed coldly.
12:49And you won't?
12:50Hearing this, Lucien beside me exhaled, shielding me behind him.
12:53You dare to humiliate my brife?
12:56That is unforgivable.
12:58He lifted one hand.
12:59The ground beneath Adrian and the Ashford split open with a crack.
13:03The earth shook violently.
13:05Mother fell into Father's arms, screaming...
13:07Jane!
13:07He's dangerous!
13:09He's evil!
13:10Come back to us!
13:11I turned to look at my husband.
13:13A black mask covered for his hand without thinking.
13:16You say he's evil?
13:18But he's the one who saved me.
13:21He's the reason I wasn't destroyed in that pit.
13:24Where were you then?
13:25You, my dear brother.
13:27You rode for three days just to bring Rose a sweet she wanted.
13:30And you, my mother, were up all night altering Rose's wedding gown.
13:34And my father, the great Lord Ashfield, obsessed over how to give my marriage to Rose just to protect the
13:40family's honor.
13:41And you, Adrian.
13:42At my words, he instinctively stepped forward, but froze when he saw Lucien.
13:46I said,
13:47A man like you does need the right wife beside him, a powerful family to lean on.
13:51Adrian, I believed in what we had.
13:54But now it just makes me sick.
13:58Adrian went pale.
13:59Dorian looked at me like he wanted to take me apart.
14:02I leaned back against Lucien and closed my eyes, exhausted.
14:06Let's go.
14:07When I woke up, I was lying in a vast chamber.
14:10Lucien came in, carrying a small vial.
14:14You fainted from grief that day.
14:16Your family has returned to the manor.
14:18They're not my family anymore.
14:20Hmm.
14:21All right.
14:22He leaned closer, whispering.
14:24Then may I be your family?
14:25I was surprised.
14:26He was different from that night at the cliff.
14:28The dangerous edge that had radiated off him then was completely gone.
14:32Looking at him, pitiful and earnest, I couldn't help but smile.
14:36You're my husband.
14:37Of course you're my family.
14:39He watched my face, carefully.
14:42I'm not easy to look at.
14:43You don't know where I came from.
14:46You're not scared I'm some creature from the dark that eats people?
14:49Even if you are, sometimes it's the ones with the prettiest faces who are the ugliest inside.
14:57I kept dreaming at night.
14:59I dreamed of the years I lived with my foster mother.
15:02From my earliest memories, I was never free of labor.
15:05Feeding animals, gathering firewood, washing clothes.
15:08Once I lost track of time in the trees and couldn't find my way out.
15:11By the time a neighbor found me and brought me back, I was barely conscious, half frozen.
15:16My foster mother simply said,
15:21Later, I realized she often crafted beautiful clothes and shoes, laughing quietly to herself
15:27over them.
15:28I thought they might be for me.
15:29I tried one on in secret.
15:31She beat me until I couldn't stand.
15:33I had always assumed she just hated me.
15:35Then one day I overheard her talking.
15:37She's too pretty for her own good.
15:38We should sell her to a brothel for money.
15:40And the Ashfords will never claim her anyway.
15:42Our daughter will be safe.
15:44That was when I understood.
15:45The hatred had never been random.
15:48Then I ran away.
15:52On the road, I met Adrian, who was traveling to the capital.
15:56He agreed to let me join him.
15:57In the city, I accidentally ran into Rose.
16:00Adrian panicked and let slip who I really was.
16:02That was how I ended up back at the Ashford estate.
16:04I had never imagined my birth parents would not want me.
16:07They didn't punish my foster mother and even kept Rose close.
16:10During those three months at the manor, my food was always stale.
16:14The servants wet my bedding to curry favor with Rose.
16:16In the middle of winter, there was no firewood for my room.
16:19Only Mia stayed and shared her food with me.
16:21She was the only warmth in that place and now she was gone.
16:24She would never return.
16:26Mia, I'm so sorry.
16:28In half sleep, I felt the bed dip.
16:30Arms came around me through the blanket, padded softly at my back.
16:33After that night, I didn't see Lucien for three days.
16:36Not even his servants knew where he had gone.
16:38On the fourth morning, I woke to find him waiting outside my door, fully dressed.
16:41He took my hand.
16:42It was cold.
16:43Colder than I expected.
16:47Where have you been?
16:51Recovering.
16:52I needed to rest and restore my power.
16:55I didn't push further.
16:56I had been thinking about what he was.
16:58Someone who could fly.
16:59Who could split the earth open with one gesture.
17:01Whatever he was, he wasn't human.
17:21To break our engagement, my fiancé Adrian lured me to the hunting grounds on my birthday.
17:26He left me trapped in a hunter's pit for seven days straight.
17:29At night, the hunter crept down.
17:31He bound my hands and feet, then tore at my clothes.
17:33In my desperation, I looked up and saw Adrian standing above the pit, watching it all with
17:37cold eyes.
17:38I begged him to help me.
17:39Jane, it's just an engagement.
17:41Why can't you let Rose have it?
17:43You're being so selfish.
17:44Stay here and think about it.
17:46Seven days later, I clawed out of the pit.
17:49Adrian appeared before me.
17:51Have you come to your senses?
17:52He thought I would react the way I always had before.
17:55Crying, begging, refusing to let go.
17:57Instead, I agreed without hesitation.
17:59Fine, she can have it.
18:01He froze, after a long silence.
18:03Jane, I'll make it up to you.
18:04Once Rose gives me an heir, I'll make you my mistress.
18:07What he didn't know, during those seven days in that pit, I had made a deal with the
18:10devil.
18:11Seven days from now was our wedding day, just not his.
18:14We'll talk about it later.
18:14He said it like he was doing me a favor, and I felt nothing.
18:17Maybe because he'd said things like that too many times before.
18:21Jane, let Rose take the jewelry.
18:22I'll make it up to you.
18:23Jane, let Rose pick first.
18:24I'll get you something better.
18:26Jane.
18:26Jewels.
18:27My parents' affection.
18:28My reputation.
18:29Whatever Adrian asked, I was always the one expected to give up.
18:32Rose was the fake heiress who had taken my place for years, enjoying everything
18:36that should have been mine.
18:37And I, their real daughter, had only just returned to my biological parents, yet I was
18:42still the one expected to yield.
18:45You were gone for seven days.
18:46Everyone is gossiping.
18:47You've disgraced your family.
18:49You should be grateful.
18:50Rose agreed to take this marriage in your place and save your family's name.
18:53That's the story you'll tell everyone.
18:55If I ever hear you say one word against Rose, you'll regret it.
18:58He gave me a cold look.
19:00I stared at the man I had grown up with, the one who had once stood beside me through
19:03everything.
19:04A dull ache spread through my chest, yet he knew exactly what had happened during those
19:08seven days.
19:09He knew that hunter had forced himself on me, and he had done nothing.
19:12All for Rose, a woman he had known for only three months.
19:15The hunter's leering face, the way he had torn at my dress.
19:18It all haunted me like a nightmare.
19:19If that man hadn't appeared in time, I would have died in that pit.
19:22But this would all be over soon.
19:24Seven days later, Adrian and Rose would have their wedding.
19:27And I, I would be bound to a devil.
19:31Adrian made me go back to the manor, alone.
19:33He didn't want to be seen with me.
19:35The carriage had barely stopped at the entrance, and Rose came rushing out.
19:38Sis!
19:39You're finally back!
19:40Do you know how worried I was when I heard you'd been taken?
19:43She grabbed my arm warmly.
19:45Behind her stood my brother Dorian and my parents.
19:47The moment they saw me, their faces turned cold.
19:50Someone nearby stared at-
19:51Isn't that Lord Ashford's daughter?
19:53Why does she look like that?
19:54She's just a lowly servant.
19:56The only daughter of this house is Rose.
19:58He took Rose by the arm and went inside.
20:01My mother glanced at me.
20:02Come inside.
20:03She had the maids draw me a bath and sent someone to fetch medicine for me.
20:06I thought she was worried about me.
20:08Then the servants pried my mouth open and forced the medicine down my throat.
20:11Only then did I understand.
20:13She wasn't worried about me.
20:14She was afraid that I might carry a bastard and disgrace the family's name.
20:18The pain hit fast.
20:19I doubled over, then crumpled to the floor, writhing.
20:21I screamed and begged her for help.
20:23But she only said,
20:24Rose and Adrian's wedding is close.
20:25I won't have you causing trouble.
20:27Jane, you were switched at birth.
20:29You suffered for it, growing up away from us.
20:31But none of that is Rose's fault.
20:33Adrian has just secured a position at the royal court.
20:35He and Rose are a perfect match.
20:37And you?
20:38She glanced at me, then sighed.
20:40Without finishing her sentence, she turned and left.
20:43I fought back my tears,
20:44enduring wave after wave of pain from deep inside my abdomen.
20:47Soon, just seven more days.
20:49The ancient serpent shrine.
20:50He had promised he would come for his bride himself there.
20:54I woke the next afternoon.
20:57Mia was sitting by my bed,
20:58carefully dabbing the cold sweat.
20:59Miss, you've been through so much.
21:01They are discussing the wedding now.
21:04I heard Adrian went to the king himself,
21:06just to get permission to marry Rose.
21:10If your family won't have you,
21:12I'll earn my own title and take it to the king himself.
21:15They won't be able to say no after that.
21:16Adrian told me on the road.
21:18But now, I bit my lip and forced myself to sit up,
21:21then found the sapphire Adrian had given me.
21:23When you get the chance,
21:24I said to Mia and returned this to Adrian.
21:26Miss, isn't that the sapphire
21:27when his family first came to arrange your engagement?
21:29I'm getting married in a few days.
21:31It should go back to him.
21:33You're getting married too?
21:34To whom?
21:36To the man who saved my life.
21:39Wherever you go, I will follow.
21:41If you're getting married,
21:42I'll serve you for the rest of my life.
21:44A warmth spread through me.
21:45All right.
21:46Wherever I go, I'll take you with me.
21:48Mia finally left, satisfied, to run her errands.
21:51I had only lived in this manor for three months.
21:53My family neither wanted me nor cared about me.
21:56Everything I was given was either used by Rose or picked over.
21:59The only new thing I owned was a pair of earrings.
22:02Adrian had given me the day he lured me to the hunting grounds.
22:05I burned every letter he had ever sent me, one by one.
22:09The earrings I threw into the fire as well.
22:13Not long after, my mother's personal maid came to fetch me, saying they wanted to speak with me.
22:17Just as I reached the door, I heard Rose crying loudly.
22:20Father, mother, this marriage was supposed to be my sister's.
22:23Now that I'm marrying Adrian, will she be upset?
22:25A pause.
22:26Maybe I should just give the title back to my sister.
22:28Before my parents could respond, Dorian scoffed.
22:31She's inferior to you in every way, and she disgraced herself on top of it.
22:34If it weren't for you, we wouldn't even know how to explain things to Adrian.
22:37Exactly.
22:37Adrian is one of the king's favored lords now.
22:40She was never a match for him.
22:42I stood at the door, watching Rose flash a triumphant smile at me.
22:45I knew she was provoking me, mocking me for the dignity I never had, the family I never received.
22:49I stepped inside and dipped into a curtsy.
22:51My lord.
22:52My lady.
22:53But before I could even rise, my father roared.
22:55Is that how you speak to us now?
22:57You won't even call us mother and father?
22:58Dorian said it himself.
23:00The only daughter of this house is Rose.
23:02I'm nothing but a servant.
23:05Your brother said that in anger.
23:07Who told you to be so reckless?
23:08If he hadn't said it, what would that have done to Rose's dignity?
23:12So just to protect Rose's dignity, I can be degraded at will.
23:15My father opened his mouth.
23:16Nothing came out.
23:18Rose dropped to her knees in front of me, sobbing.
23:20Sis, don't be angry with mother and father.
23:23They were sick with worry every single day you were gone.
23:27If you're angry, take it out on me.
23:29But before it could land, Adrian stormed in.
23:31Jane, I've made myself clear.
23:33My marriage to Rose is settled.
23:35Why are you still sending the sapphire through your maid?
23:39Sapphire!
23:40I knew you still haven't let go of Adrian.
23:43I went still.
23:44Adrian had saved for a year to buy that sapphire.
23:46It was the cheapest one he could afford.
23:48I had kept it like it was the most precious thing I owned.
23:50He didn't even remember it.
23:52That sapphire was yours.
23:53You gave it to me when-
23:54Enough, Jane!
23:55Ever since you came back, you've done nothing but compete with Rose for everything.
23:58This marriage was granted by the king and you still won't let it go.
24:01You are an embarrassment to this family.
24:03They didn't give me a chance to explain.
24:05Just dragged Mia out of the room.
24:07No matter how I begged, they refused to let her go.
24:09The sound of a whip came from outside.
24:12She's just a maid.
24:13What does it matter if she dies?
24:15Just like you, in the eyes of your family, you're both things that can be thrown away.
24:20From today on, anyone who interferes with Rose's wedding will not be spared.
24:26Mia and I walked back into my room and locked the door.
24:29The servants had always known which way the wind blew.
24:31I had no money to offer them.
24:33No one came with a physician and bought food.
24:35No matter how I pounded on the door, no help came.
24:38It wasn't until night that Adrian appeared.
24:40Through the door crack, I knelt before him.
24:42Get a physician!
24:44Mia is dying!
24:45Enough!
24:46You still want to find excuses to escape now?
24:49The king himself approved my marriage to Rose.
24:51Nothing is going to change that.
24:54Staying here a couple of days might do you some good.
24:57He turned and walked away.
24:58Mia's fever kept climbing, with no food and no physician.
25:02She was gone by the second night.
25:03On the third morning, the door finally opened.
25:06Wedding bells rang out from somewhere in the city.
25:09Loud and relentless.
25:10I sat holding Mia, staring at her face.
25:13Tears blared my vision.
25:14My dear Mia, today I'm getting married.
25:17I draped my outer coat over her, and fixed my hair.
25:21We'll go together.
25:25Then I lifted her onto my back, and walked toward the ancient serpent shrine.
25:30This was already the third time Adrian had lost focus today.
25:34It was supposed to be the happiest day of his life, yet he couldn't feel any of it.
25:38He scanned the crowd again.
25:39The Ashfords were all there, except for Jane.
25:42A strange unease settled in his chest.
25:44He kept thinking about three nights ago.
25:46He had gone to tell her to stop making a scene.
25:48Jane had her back turned to him, curled into the corner, not even look at him.
25:52Her clothes had been red, simple, yet bright, like a bridal gown.
25:55He had imagined countless times how she would look in a wedding dress.
25:59But now, recalling that night, his chest tightened.
26:03What are you standing around for?
26:05Go and fetch Rose.
26:06Adrian ignored him, frowning as he asked the servant.
26:08On a day this important, shouldn't Miss Ashfin be here?
26:11But my lord, isn't she getting married today?
26:13I wasn't asking about Rose.
26:15Are you telling me this house only has one daughter?
26:18Dorian waved a hand, unbothered.
26:20Adrian, Jane doesn't really count as our family yet.
26:22The ceremony starts soon.
26:23Go get Rose.
26:24And don't say I never did anything for you.
26:26Rose's wedding gift includes something very special.
26:28I rode all the way to Harrow Village to buy it from a jeweler there.
26:31Harrow?
26:31Adrian turned slowly.
26:32That's hours from the city.
26:34When did you go there?
26:35About ten days ago.
26:36Why?
26:37Ten days ago you weren't at the hunting grounds!
26:42Rose wanted something from that jeweler.
26:45I went and picked up a few things for her wedding while I was there.
26:48What does it matter if I wasn't at the hunting grounds?
26:50Adrian grabbed him by the collar.
26:51Didn't I tell Rose to send word for you to watch over Jane at the hunting grounds?
26:55Weren't that hunter arranged by you?
26:57What are you talking about?
26:58There are always hunters in the woods.
26:59I didn't arrange anything.
27:01Adrian's face went pale.
27:02His voice trembled.
27:03You didn't arrange anything?
27:05Then why was there a body in that pit?
27:06No wonder her gaze had been full of resentment.
27:08When he found her outside the pit that day, he had told himself she was being dramatic.
27:12He hadn't let himself think about what those seven days had actually been.
27:16He only knew what he had seen.
27:18She had crawled out of that pit covered in blood, her clothes torn.
27:21The look in her eyes had shifted from love to cold resentment.
27:24But all he had wanted was to teach her to behave.
27:27How had it come to this?
27:29Adrian could no longer hold back.
27:31He shoved Dorian aside and ran.
27:33But before he got far, a glow of fire erupted from the manor grounds.
27:37A servant came running in panic.
27:39The rear grounds are on fire!
27:40Adrian's face drained of color.
27:42Jane!
27:42Where is she?
27:44Where is Jane?
27:45She...
27:45She left wearing a blood-soaked dress, heading toward the ruins deep in the forest.
27:54Carrying Nia's body on my back, I crawled with difficulty to the ancient serpent shrine.
27:59The appointed hour was almost upon us.
28:01The wind off the trees was brutal.
28:03It cut right through me.
28:04I waited until the sun was nearly gone.
28:07No one came.
28:08I thought he wouldn't come at all.
28:09Then I heard hoofbeats in the distance.
28:12Adrian and the Ashfurts came riding hard.
28:14Jane!
28:14Get away from there!
28:15It's not safe!
28:17The moment Adrian saw me, he jumped from his horse and ran toward me.
28:21I looked at them coldly.
28:22I'm not going anywhere.
28:23I'll wait here for my husband.
28:25Today is our wedding day.
28:26My mother pushed past Adrian and came toward me.
28:29Jane, what are you talking about?
28:30If you want to marry, we will find you someone suitable.
28:32Just come home with us, okay?
28:34Exactly!
28:35You're standing in the middle of nowhere holding a corpse!
28:39Have you lost your mind?
28:41Someone get her changed.
28:42Bring her back to the manor.
28:44With that, several servants rushed forward.
28:47They pressed me down and tore off my gown.
28:50That blood-slope gown is bad luck.
28:52A terrible omen.
28:53I started laughing and thought about how Mia had looked, dying in my arms.
28:58Bad luck?
29:02You claimed me and then refused me.
29:05You blamed me for shaming you and still wouldn't let me go.
29:08Now I'm finally out of your way, and I'm the bad omen?
29:11Am I really that low?
29:12Was it my fault I was taken at birth?
29:15Mother choked back a sob.
29:18Jane, it isn't what you think.
29:19Adrian has caught the princess's eye.
29:21If you married him, she won't let you go that easily.
29:23And besides, you've only just come back.
29:25How could I bear to lose you again?
29:26Jane, enough!
29:28You were only engaged to Adrian because you met him first.
29:31Look at him now.
29:32Do you really think he would marry someone as low as you?
29:34Be smart and come back with us.
29:37Or...
29:37He shot a look at the maid behind me.
29:39The maid picked up Mia's body and threw it off the cliff.
29:42No!
29:43I threw myself after her without thinking.
29:45A sudden gust of air burst from below, and I was caught in strong arms before I hit the ground.
29:50That familiar voice whispered in my ear.
29:52My little bride.
29:53I'm sorry I'm late.
29:54It was him.
29:55The one I had made the deal with.
29:57Lucien carried me back up to the shrine.
29:59I step away for a moment, and this is how you treat my bride?
30:02They stared at Lucien in horror.
30:04Jane!
30:05Come here!
30:06He's a monster!
30:08He'll kill you!
30:09I laughed coldly.
30:10And you won't?
30:11Hearing this, Lucien beside me exhaled, shielding me behind him.
30:14You dare to humiliate my brife?
30:17That is unforgivable.
30:19He lifted one hand.
30:20The ground beneath Adrian and the Ashford split open with a crack.
30:24The earth shook violently.
30:25Mother fell into father's arms, screaming at me.
30:27Jane!
30:28He's dangerous!
30:29He's evil!
30:31Come back to us!
30:32I turned to look at my husband.
30:34A black mask covered for his hand without thinking.
30:37You say he's evil?
30:39But he's the one who saved me.
30:41He's the reason I wasn't destroyed in that pit.
30:45Where were you then?
30:46You, my dear brother.
30:48You rode for three days just to bring Rose a sweet she wanted.
30:51And you, my mother, were up all night altering Rose's wedding gown.
30:55And my father, the great Lord Ashfield, obsessed over how to give my marriage to Rose just to protect the
31:00family's honor.
31:01And you, Adrian.
31:03At my words, he instinctively stepped forward, but froze when he saw Lucien.
31:07I said,
31:07A man like you does need the right wife beside him, a powerful family to lean on.
31:12Adrian, I believed in what we had.
31:15But now it just makes me sick.
31:19Adrian went pale.
31:20Dorian looked at me like he wanted to take me apart.
31:23I leaned back against Lucien and closed my eyes, exhausted.
31:27Let's go.
31:28When I woke up, I was lying in a vast chamber.
31:31Lucien came in, carrying a small vial.
31:35You fainted from grief that day.
31:37Your family has returned to the manor.
31:39They're not my family anymore.
31:41Hmm.
31:42All right.
31:43He leaned closer, whispering.
31:44Then may I be your family?
31:46I was surprised.
31:46He was different from that night at the cliff.
31:48The dangerous edge that had radiated off him then was completely gone.
31:52Looking at him, pitiful and earnest, I couldn't help but smile.
31:57You're my husband.
31:58Of course you're my family.
32:00He watched my face, carefully.
32:02I'm not easy to look at.
32:04You don't know where I came from.
32:06You're not scared I'm some creature from the dark that eats people?
32:09Even if you are, sometimes it's the ones with the prettiest faces who are the ugliest inside.
32:18I kept dreaming at night.
32:20I dreamed of the years I lived with my foster mother.
32:22From my earliest memories, I was never free of labor.
32:25Feeding animals, gathering firewood, washing clothes.
32:29Once I lost track of time in the trees and couldn't find my way out.
32:32By the time a neighbor found me and brought me back, I was barely conscious, half frozen.
32:37My foster mother simply said,
32:39That's all the wood you brought back?
32:40You want to freeze us all to death?
32:42Later, I realized she often crafted beautiful clothes and shoes, laughing quietly to herself over them.
32:48I thought they might be for me.
32:50I tried one on in secret.
32:51She beat me until I couldn't stand.
32:53I had always assumed she just hated me.
32:56Then one day I overheard her talking,
32:58She's too pretty for her own good.
32:59We should sell her to a brothel for money.
33:01And the Ashfords will never claim her anyway.
33:03Our daughter will be safe.
33:04That was when I understood, the hatred had never been random.
33:08Then I ran away.
33:13On the road, I met Adrian, who was traveling to the capital.
33:16He agreed to let me join him.
33:18In the city, I accidentally ran into Rose.
33:20Adrian panicked and let slip who I really was.
33:23That was how I ended up back at the Ashford estate.
33:25I had never imagined my birth parents would not want me.
33:28They didn't punish my foster mother and even kept Rose close.
33:31During those three months at the manor, my food was always stale.
33:34The servants wet my bedding to curry favor with Rose.
33:37In the middle of winter, there was no firewood for my room.
33:40Only Mia stayed and shared her food with me.
33:42She was the only warmth in that place.
33:44And now she was gone.
33:45She would never return.
33:47Mia, I'm so sorry.
33:49In half sleep, I felt the bed dip.
33:51Arms came around me through the blanket.
33:52Padded softly at my back.
33:54After that night, I didn't see Lucien for three days.
33:56Not even his servants knew where he had gone.
33:58On the fourth morning, I woke to find him waiting outside my door, fully dressed.
34:02He took my hand.
34:03It was cold.
34:04Colder than I expected.
34:08Where have you been?
34:12Recovering.
34:13I needed to rest and restore my power.
34:15I didn't push further.
34:16I had been thinking about what he was.
34:18Someone who could fly.
34:20Who could split the earth open with one gesture.
34:22Whatever he was, he wasn't human.
34:24But...
34:24When I was, he'd say not to run away.
34:28That was a lot of work.
34:35He was always一樣ed.
34:36He was always loved.
34:36Hawaii went away with one
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