Chapter 1

Sitting on the edge of the large bed in the couple's bedroom, I continue to wait for my husband to come, as I do every day.

However, my husband has never come to this room.

Still, I keep waiting.

Because this is the only place I belong.

◇◇◇

"Kushun"

As the night grew deeper, I, wearing only a thin nightgown, shivered. I considered waiting in bed, but thought it would be impolite if my husband came, so I hugged myself to try to warm up a little.

However, time passed mercilessly, and the date finally changed.

I had hoped that perhaps he would come today, but the door to the room never opened.

"…Three years"

Today, or rather, yesterday, marked exactly three years since our marriage. Yet, I remain untouched by my husband. My mother-in-law, who is unaware that he has not acknowledged me, always asks me for an heir whenever we meet. The servants in the mansion, who know the situation, do not recognize me as the lady of the house and treat me with disdain. Completing the tasks assigned to me and waiting for my husband at night is my daily routine.

But will the same days continue from now on?

At the thought, a sudden, indescribable anxiety overwhelmed me, and I hurriedly tried to stand up from the bed.

"!"

Perhaps it was a mistake to hurry. As I tried to stand, my hand slipped on the sheet, and I lost my balance, hitting my head on the mini table next to the bed.

"Ow…!"

I touched the spot where I hit my head and found no blood, which relieved me for the moment. However, I thought I couldn't stay on the floor forever, and as I tried to stand up again,

"Ow!!"

A pain much stronger than before attacked my head. I crouched down, unable to move from the spot.

(What is this…? My head feels like it's splitting! …What?)

As I endured the pain, something suddenly flowed into my mind.

(This! …Is this my memory?)

The memories flowing in felt nostalgic, even though I had never seen them before, but the pain made it impossible to think any further.