‘I’m nervous…’

Liese moistened her dry lips as she looked at the mirror.

When she harbored feelings for him, she never imagined it would lead to marriage. She thought it would be enough just to stay by his side.

‘Is this really Liese Willington’s Cinderella story…?’

Liese looked at her reflection in the mirror with disbelief.

The maids of the Marquis of Clark dressed Liese in a wedding dress made just for her. The bell-line dress was adorned with elaborate embroidery and pearls that shimmered subtly.

Her past image, someone who had to become a priest due to poverty, had completely vanished.

“You look wonderful.”

Liese responded with a smile to the maids’ words.

Suddenly, Evan’s confession came to mind.

—I love you. From the moment I first saw you until now, I’ve always felt that way.

—I wanted to protect you. I wanted to offer you my shoulder, to have you rest in my arms. I wanted us to enjoy the best things together and dream of a future together without even asking for your permission.

—How could I not love you…

Recalling his face, flushed with nervousness, Liese’s eyelids trembled.

“Please sit here.”

Maid Jane led Liese to sit in front of the vanity. Her dark brown hair, usually tied tightly or left loose, was taken in Jane’s hands. She braided the side hair and tied it low.

“How do you like it?”

“I like it.”

Jane smiled brightly at her answer and began applying makeup.

Perhaps thanks to the honey and milk massages from a week ago at Evan’s insistence, Liese’s skin had a subtle glow. Jane used a brush to fill in her eyebrows and applied rose-made lip balm to her lips.

“Let’s get going now.”

Jane guided Liese outside.

“Wait here, Sir Evan will come.”

At the mention of his name, Liese shyly lowered her gaze.

‘Is everything ready…?’

Her feet, in white wedding shoes, tapped the ground inside the dress.

Evan, in a black tuxedo, appeared opposite her. Seeing Liese, waiting for him with her big eyes shining, he stopped in his tracks.

‘She’s so cute and lovely…’

He wanted to hold her tightly and shower her face with kisses right away.

‘From today onwards, we’ll share every moment together. Sleeping, waking up, eating, and taking walks…’

Evan’s heart swelled with anticipation. He quickly moved towards her.

Hearing the sound of footsteps, Liese looked up in the direction of the sound.

“Evan-!”

Liese waved her free hand, the one not holding the bouquet.

As she expected, he looked incredibly handsome. His chiseled face, broad shoulders, and a firm chest that she could feel under his jacket and shirt.

As he passed by, the eyes of many young ladies were fixed on him.

“Liese.”

However, in Evan’s eyes, only Liese Willington was in sight. With a flushed face, he wrapped his arm around Liese’s waist. She looked at him with wide eyes in surprise.

‘There are so many people watching, we’re too close.’

Evan’s eyes deeply darkened. The thick, sticky dark green light in his eyes made Liese feel dizzy.

“You’re beautiful.”

Feeling a dizzying sense of vertigo, she eventually avoided his gaze, but Evan whispered in her ear once more.

“I thought an angel of Lumiere had descended.”

When his breath landed on her exposed nape, her fine hairs stood on end.

“It’s thanks to your care, Evan. Thank you…”

Liese Willington blushed and stepped out of his embrace. If she stayed in his arms any longer, her legs would give out and she would collapse.

“Let’s go. The ceremony will start soon.”

Evan spoke in a gentle voice and tightly held Liese’s hand, leading her.

‘Really… this is real.’

She was led by Evan Clark’s hand, who was a head taller than her. Liese’s throat moved up and down. She was nervous. She took a deep breath.

The moment she had dreamed and wished for… the legal way to stay by his side forever. They have to pass through the gateway called marriage.

As the two stood side by side on the white wedding aisle laid on the grass, a beautiful orchestral performance began under the conductor’s direction.

Liese linked her arm with Evan’s. Their eyes met, both filled with evident tension.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes, let’s go.”

The two started walking simultaneously.

People were seated at tables along the wedding aisle.

In the presence of the extremely holy and beautiful couple, a sudden silence fell. Their eyes were filled with admiration and reverence followed Evan and Liese. Some prayed blessings for them, while others wished for the glory of the empire.

Evan made eye contact with each guest, expressing his gratitude for their presence.

At the end of the path made of white satin, Marquis Louis and Marchioness Rose were seated.

Seeing his mother wiping her eyes with a handkerchief, Evan’s eyes also reddened.

Memories of his parents’ dedication and efforts flashed before his eyes.

From childhood, seeing his parents’ good relationship, Evan had dreamed of marriage. A marriage where he would meet someone he loved, have children, and live happily.

After meeting Liese, he thought he could live like his parents. Loving and trusting each other, spending a lifetime together.

As Evan passed by them, he smiled brightly, signaling them not to cry.

The two stood in front of the podium. Pope Sebastian was looking down at them. His gaze was solemn.

“The bride and groom will now take their marriage vows before Lumiere, the god of love and justice.”

At the Pope’s proclamation, all eyes focused on Evan and Liese.

Evan, trying to calm his trembling heart, began to speak.

“I, Evan Clark, from this moment on, vow to protect Liese Willington as my wife, my partner, and my one and only love forever.”

His voice resonated throughout the garden.

“I, Liese Willington, vow to love Evan Clark as his wife until the end of the world.”

Having finished their vows, the two turned to face each other. A maid hurriedly brought out a box.

It contained their wedding rings. Evan placed the ring on Liese’s hand, and Liese placed the ring on Evan’s hand. Then Evan cupped her small, round chin in his hand.

Liese looked at him with startled eyes.

‘What are you trying to do?’

She tried to ask with her eyes, but received no answer. Evan lowered his head.

His face got closer to hers. Finally, his lips touched hers. He ran his lips over her lower lip, sucking it. Then he licked her plump lips with his tongue.

A shiver ran down Liese’s spine at the toe-curling pleasure. Her toes were tense.

It wasn’t enough. He craved more. The desire to fully consume her.

His lips parted from hers. Liese’s eyes quivered with a faint heat. Her shoulders rose and fell as she caught her breath.

‘It’s not enough.’

Liese looked up at him with a shy expression.

“It’s not enough.”

Evan’s wet lips moved right in front of her eyes.

Thinking of the mixing of their saliva, Liese’s gaze lingered on his lips. Her face burned hot.

‘Why do I feel unsatisfied too? Am I drunk on the atmosphere?’

Liese pretended to be calm and shifted her gaze to Evan’s eyes. But his eyes, filled with desire, were even more deadly.

Her heart pounded as if someone was stirring it. Her blue eyes trembled.

***

“Gosh… Leo, isn’t Evan crazy? Kissing like that in front of so many people. How is Liese supposed to show her face now?”

Ariel was embarrassed by Evan and Liese’s kiss.

“Really?”

He gave her a light peck on her cheek and then pulled away.

Ariel looked at Leopold in surprise.

With so many people watching, she couldn’t say anything. She had to maintain the Emperor’s dignity.

She smiled and brought her lips to his ear.

“Stop it while I’m being nice.”

Even the way she bit her lips as she spoke was so lovely. Leopold nodded, smiling.

Then he lightly leaned his head on her shoulder.

The eyes of the nobles glancing at them widened.

“Look at that.”

“Oh my! Did I see that right?”

Whispers of the noblewomen arose here and there. Though they hadn’t met Leopold many times, they had never seen such a sweet smile on the Emperor’s face.

Rumors spread widely in Atlan that day. The rumor was that the Emperor was completely under the Empress’s thumb.