SWTI 00
Prologue
Surviving in a World of Massive Misunderstandings
A contractual marriage.
A term used to describe a loveless marriage entered into solely for the benefit of both parties.
It was a deal I had proposed, and we were both satisfied with the outcome.
So I intended for us to live well as a show-window couple who didn’t interfere in each other’s affairs.
That was the plan—
until transparent tears suddenly fell from the eyes of my handsome husband, Shubel, who had previously been nothing more than a beautiful statue.
“…Because you have someone you love.”
What is he talking about?
“Our relationship is merely contractual, and despite having someone you love, you sacrificed yourself for the sake of your family…”
“Huh? Someone I love? What are you talking ab—”
“You don’t have to deny it. I know it happened before our marriage. Still… I couldn’t help feeling a little jealous.”
Shubel spoke with a guilty expression.
“My lady, you’re someone who struggles desperately to save the family despite being in poor health, and yet here I am, harboring such sinful feelings.”
I stared blankly at Shubel, who was having an enormous misunderstanding all by himself.
‘I’m telling you, the only man in my life who could even remotely be called someone I love is you, and this whole dying-woman thing is all a misunderstanding.’
Not a single thing he had said was right.
I had no idea where he had gotten the idea that I had a lover, so I’d let that slide for now.
I’m not dying.
I just cough up blood from time to time as the price for changing the original story.
I had tried countless times to explain that there was nothing wrong with my health, while carefully hiding the details of the original novel.
But—
“How much pain must you be in even now, for there to be no life in your eyes?”
“…I was just spacing out.”
“You don’t have to hide it from me.”
It didn’t get through to him at all.
If I’m telling you that’s not the case, why are you the one denying it?!
“No. Please don’t hide it from me, my lady…”
I was flustered when I saw him smile so forlornly.
“Ah, no, wait… Just don’t cry.”
“I’m sorry, Elysia. I was originally going to let you go once your health recovered. I was planning to… divorce you.”
As tears streamed down his beautiful face, he desperately clasped the back of my hand.
Shubel raised his head.
“But I don’t think I can do that.”
I’m starting to want you more and more.
I looked at my husband, who had somehow awakened into a man consumed by obsession, and thought—
We’re doomed.
