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prologue
“The dating contract is gone.”
Heraise showed up out of nowhere and said that. But even at that thunderbolt of a statement, I only narrowed my eyes.
For a moment, I couldn’t tell whether he was being serious or not. That was just how relaxed Heraise always was. He crossed his legs, leaned toward me, and continued:
“I think Whistler took it.”
If Whistler—my ex-boyfriend and high society’s so-called angel—had taken it…
“Then that’s quite dangerous.”
No, not just dangerous.
It’s the worst.
Right now, Heraise and I are in a contractual relationship, pretending to be a couple. We needed to gain popularity as the “romantic couple of the century” to create an opportunity to change my reputation as a so-called “villainess.”
And now Whistler had found our dating contract? Even worse, he hadn’t been fond of us lately.
“…If he’s figured out what’s going on between us, then he’ll definitely try to reveal the truth to the public. In that case, we need to make the first move.”
I calmly brought out paper and pen. After a moment of thought, I offered a way to break through the situation.
“We hold a press conference and apologize.”
“That’s bold. And how exactly do you plan to apologize?”
“We’ll have to write a perfect apology letter. There are a few essential, textbook elements that must be included. As long as we don’t forget to add those, it’ll be fine.”
Heraise rested his chin on his hand, amused. He nodded lightly, as though watching children play house.
“Interesting. I didn’t know apology letters had a formula. I’d like to hear what those elements are. Go on.”
Usually, in public, Heraise was the one who took the lead, drawing attention and pulling sudden “surprises” that would land us in the newspapers.
But today—at last—I could use the knowledge from my past life to take the lead.
“First, we have to explain exactly what we did wrong and how it happened. And under no circumstances should we use words like ‘misunderstanding,’ ‘unintentional,’ or ‘unfair.’ Those should never be included.”
“Those kinds of words would definitely provoke backlash. They’d only rub salt into the wounds of people who already feel betrayed.”
“Next, we need to state clearly what harm our mistake caused, how we are currently reflecting on it, and how we plan to compensate the public in the future. As long as we write this sincerely, it’ll work.”
“So it’s a full explanation from beginning to end—ending with our determination. Our resolve to ask for their forgiveness.”
“Exactly. Because what we’re trying to regain is trust.”
With determined eyes, I spread out our dating contract on the desk. I planned to analyze and organize the relevant clauses for reference while writing the apology letter.
Then Heraise asked in his calm, gentle voice:
“What if there’s a way to minimize the damage without writing an apology letter?”
“There’s such a way?”
I’d been racking my brain for a long time, and the only option I’d found was to write a flawless apology article and set out future plans.
“There is.”
Contrary to my worries, Heraise smiled. Mischievous yet warm, it was a smile that was so uniquely his.
“Let’s get engaged, Filena.”
In that instant, a voice from the past echoed in my mind.
‘Why don’t we date, Filena?’
He always makes the first move.
I almost nodded, but then a sudden idea struck me. The fact that I could even think of such a thing was surprising in itself. But maybe this would be even cleaner.
“If that’s your proposal, I think I have an even better one.”
“What is it?”
His usual composure made my heart thump strangely. I wondered what kind of expression he would make upon hearing this provocative suggestion.
They say, when the junk car leaves, a Benz arrives.
He was the Benz—someone who could never again exist in this world. In looks, in character, in wealth. As for honor, well, we were rising together, so let’s just say it was trending upward.
One thing I could state with certainty: no man better than Heraise would ever appear in my life.
So, smiling, I confessed:
“Let’s get married.”
Silence fell.
“…Could you stop saying weird things, Filena? You’re not usually the type to joke around, so why are you acting like this today?”
Heraise shifted in his seat, a little flustered. It was the first time I’d seen him look that way.
Feeling a strange thrill, I rose with a firm expression. Just this once, I wanted to be as reckless as he always was.
I clumsily mimicked what I’d read in novels. For a proposal, I bent my left knee at a perfect ninety degrees and held out my hand. There was no ring in my hand, but at least I could follow the form.
“I, Filena Light, hereby propose to Heraise Grey on this day, August 29th.”
Heraise’s eyes trembled violently. Worried, I quickly placed my open hand over my chest and added:
“The ring will be a diamond. It’s just… postpaid. You’ll get it later.”
Heraise and I had no choice but to continue this play. Our audience was both commoners and nobles—every citizen of the empire.
And as for me, I was very fond of my partner in this performance.
No—perhaps this play wasn’t just for the sake of my reputation or the empire’s entertainment anymore.
