Prologue
“The dating contract is gone.”
Herace suddenly showed up and said this. But even at that shocking statement, I only narrowed my eyes.
For a moment, I couldn’t tell if he was serious or not. That was how calm and composed Herace was. He crossed his legs and leaned toward me.
“I think Whistler took it.”
If my ex-boyfriend—Whistler, the so-called angel of high society—had taken it…
“Then this is really dangerous.”
Dangerous? No, it was the worst-case scenario.
Herace and I were currently in a contract relationship. To be seen as the hottest couple of the century and to gain popularity, I had to use this to change my reputation as a “villainess.”
But now, if Whistler had found the dating contract? And he already didn’t like us being together these days…
“……If he’s figured out the truth, then he’ll definitely try to reveal it to the public. In that case, we should make the first move.”
I calmly brought out paper and pen. After thinking for a while, I suggested a way to turn things around.
“Let’s hold a press conference and apologize.”
“That’s dramatic. And how exactly do you plan to apologize?”
“We need to write a perfect apology letter. There are some key elements that always have to be included. As long as we don’t forget those, we’ll be fine.”
Herace leaned on his hand, smiling with amusement. Like he was watching children play house, he nodded slowly.
“Interesting. I didn’t know there was a set formula for an apology letter. I want to hear what those elements are. Tell me.”
In public, Herace was usually the one to step forward, grab everyone’s attention, and then throw in some surprise that landed us in the papers.
But finally, today, I thought I could take the lead by using knowledge from my past life.
“First, we have to explain what our mistake was and how we made it. And we must never—absolutely never—write things like, ‘It was a misunderstanding,’ or ‘It wasn’t intentional,’ or ‘It’s unfair.’ Those words are forbidden.”
“Right. That would only make people angrier. You can’t do that to those who already feel betrayed.”
“Next, we need to describe what harm our mistake caused, how we’re reflecting on it now, and how we plan to make it up to the public in the future. We just have to write it sincerely.”
“So from start to finish, explain the situation and show determination. Determination to ask for forgiveness.”
“Yes. Because the goal is to win back the trust we lost.”
With firm eyes, I opened our dating contract. I planned to analyze and organize the clauses so we could use them as reference for the apology letter.
That’s when Herace softly asked,
“What if there’s a way to reduce the damage without writing an apology?”
“There’s such a way?”
I had thought about this for a long time, but the only solution I ever found was to write a perfect apology article and prepare for the future.
“There is.”
Herace smiled—mischievous, yet warm. His kind of smile.
“Let’s get engaged, Philena.”
At that moment, a voice from the past echoed in my head.
‘Why don’t we date, Philena?’
Always, he made the first move. I almost nodded, but then a sudden idea flashed through my mind. I was surprised at myself for even thinking of it. But maybe this was an even cleaner solution.
“If that’s your idea, then I might have an even better one.”
“What is it?”
Seeing Herace so calm as always, my heart thumped. I was curious—what kind of face would he make after hearing this bold idea?
They say when a bad car leaves, a Benz arrives.
And he was a Benz unlike any other in the world. In looks, in personality, in wealth. As for honor, we were rising together, so let’s call that on the upswing too.
One thing I could say for sure: there would never be a man better than Herace.
So, I smiled and confessed.
“Let’s get married.”
Silence fell.
“……Philena, could you stop saying weird things? My girlfriend, who usually doesn’t even joke, is acting strange today.”
Herace shifted uncomfortably in his seat, clearly flustered. This was the first time I had seen him look like that.
Feeling a strange satisfaction, I stood up with a determined face. Just this once, I wanted to be as reckless as Herace always was.
I tried to imitate what I had read in novels. To propose, I bent my left knee at a 90-degree angle and held out my hand. There was no ring, but still, I followed the model.
“I, Philena Light, hereby propose to Herace Gray on this day, August 29th.”
Herace’s eyes wavered. Suddenly worried, I quickly added, covering my outstretched hand with the other.
“The ring will be a diamond. Payment later. Delivery later.”
Herace and I had to continue this play. The audience was the commoners, nobles, and all citizens of the empire. And I was very pleased with my partner in this act.
No—maybe this play wasn’t just for my reputation or the empire’s entertainment.
