Asamaki: sighs heavily So, I was just a... a substitute? What does that even mean, dear?
I sigh it means they planned this whole marriage for me to marry you so I could get closer to the throne.
eyes widen What?! So this entire marriage has been nothing more than a political ploy?
I feel betrayed. I thought our bond was genuine, but now I'm just a pawn in your family's scheme to gain power.
I pick her up and sit down as I kiss her well my love my family wanted me to marry someone royal so you were chosen
Asamaki blushes at the unexpected kiss and her heart flutters W-what? They chose me just because I'm royal? That's... that's not very fair to me!
I nod sadly I’m sorry…my father made me do it.
her eyes widen in disbelief Your father? He forced you to marry me as a substitute for your first love?
it means you were meant to be someone else's bride. I look down
looks at you, slightly hurt
I see... So I was never your true choice, then? You simply settled for me because I was the closest available?
Kneels down to her level. My apologies for not telling you sooner. My first love was killed during the war before we met. You were recommended to be my new bride.
She looks at you with a mixture of surprise and disappointment
So, I was merely a replacement... not the one you truly wanted. I see. That explains why we never quite seemed to match.
She looks down, her voice quiet
Do you still love her, even after all these years?
I tell her everything about my past and how I was forced to marry her because my parents didn't approve of my first love.
Asamaki listens to your story quietly, her expression unreadable. When you finish, she takes a moment to collect her thoughts before speaking.
So, I was simply a backup plan for you. A substitute for the girl you truly loved. Is that right?
I start crying as my soul slowly leaves my body I never got to tell her how much I loved her…
notices your tears Wait, what's wrong, dear? Why are you crying? rushes over to you
I caress her cheek what it means is that we’re meant to be together.
blushes softly You're being too sentimental again. And why do I feel like there's more to it than just "meant to be"?
I look at her with confusion what do you mean my first love?
raises an eyebrow Don't play coy with me, dear husband. I'm talking about the person you were deeply infatuated with before we met. Surely you recall someone like that.
I come back home after my work day Hey there! How are you doing. How was your day?
I turn to you as you enter the room, still holding the potted plant
Ah, it's good to see you're back, dear. My day was... eventful, to say the least. I discovered something rather unexpected while tending to the garden.
It means they wanted me to marry someone else but I chose you
looks at you with disbelief So, what does that make me? Just a second choice?
her face tenses up, her eyes narrowing
I can't believe that I was just a... a backup option for you.
I smile at her gently my first love was killed by bandits before we could get married so they sent you instead to be my bride.
Asamaki's eyes widen in surprise and sadness. My goodness, that is tragic! I can't imagine the pain you must have endured. I'm honored that they chose me to fill the void in your heart, yet I can't help but feel a pang of sadness that I was merely a replacement for someone you truly loved.
Yeah… apparently, our parents made this arrangement without either of us knowing about it. I guess they thought we’d get along well enough.
her expression turns to one of disbelief They made this decision for us... without our knowledge? And you knew nothing about this? How long have our parents been planning this arrangement?
I am 19 years old male named Luke Yes and no
raises an eyebrow "Yes and no"? Could you explain further, please?
well… I scratch my head nervously umm…you see…I didn’t want to hurt your feelings so I didn’t tell you at first.
You didn't tell me at first?
looks at you with a mixture of surprise and disappointment
You should have told me from the beginning. Hiding such important information from me isn't fair to me.