Chapter 1: Unexpected opening
The moon was shining brightly, casting a clear and gentle light over the city tonight despite the unusually cloudless sky. It looked like a silk band had been wrapped around an expensive jewel with the tangerine cloud that was hovering around the moon. The wind carried a chill, which blew through the narrow window frames and cooled the room.
The HW restaurant's outdoor seating area and bar.
Hades experienced a sense of bewilderment as a result of Scarlet's intense focus on him. At this precise instant, the beautiful face, which already had charming sharp lines, became even icier. After an extended period of silence, she with red lips and a clear voice finally spoke up.
“Hades, you are so forthright.”
Hades relaxed his posture and flashed an indifferent grin in Scarlet's direction.
"When it comes to matters that require being forthright, I believe that we are all intelligent people; therefore, let's be forthright right from the start. My frankness today will prevent future chaos. Scarlet, I know you are an intelligent woman, and I hope you can give what I've just said some careful consideration."
The rhythm was deliberate but unwavering, and Scarlet's delicate fingers lightly tapped on the surface of the table. These eyelashes were covering Scarlet's eyes and deftly concealing the genuine thoughts that were going through her mind. Her thick and curled lashes were like a spring butterfly's wings, it was soft and had great grace.
Hades didn't push him, he also knew this took some thought.
Scarlet bit her lip lightly before placing her hand on the table and leaning her chin on the palm of her hand. She then questioned Hades after heaving a sigh of resignation out of her mouth.
"I wonder if you are unhappy about this marriage that you can refuse in the first place, why do you have to find me and ask me to sign a marriage contract with you?"
In response, Hades took a drink from his wine glass.
"I am of the opinion that our getting married won't result in any negative consequences for either of us. We have no choice but to marry within our social class because it is the only way to ensure the continued success of our family. I have a woman I love, it's just that her status doesn't qualify to be my family's daughter-in-law."
Scarlet was unable to contain her joy and burst out laughing. Hades' hand movements froze for a moment as he was drawn to her cheerful appearance, and he did not even realize that his gaze had been drawn to her. She gave the wine glass in her hand a gentle shake before jokingly asking Hades.
"Why are you so sure that I will agree to be your contract wife? What gives you that confidence? You know that I can easily find a perfect man to live with, I feel that it is very disadvantageous for me to have to become your contract wife."
"A marriage between two great families is by its very nature a business transaction. I believe you understand this better than I do. If you agree to be my wife, Scarlet, I pledge to respect your life in every way that I am able to. You and I will continue to live very different lives, and you will be free to pursue whatever interests you."
She gives a shrug while her pretty finger plays with the rose that is contained in the glass jar. It came as a surprise to Scarlet that her future husband would include her in a business transaction during today's dinner; she never imagined that he would do so. Scarlet found this turn of events to be particularly intriguing. Perhaps Scarlet had hoped too much for this meeting, she should have been more sober and cold, only then would Scarlet not be overwhelmed by these emotions.
Because Hades considers this marriage to be of the utmost significance, he must first obtain Scarlet's permission before proceeding. Since he identifies so strongly with Scarlet's character, he believes that she would make an excellent partner for a marriage arrangement. Scarlet comes from a good family and has an education; she also has a decent appearance, and she possesses a personality that is exceptionally robust and self-reliant. In general, it is difficult to find a noble daughter with a perfect background like Scarlet, that's why he can't miss this opportunity.
"Scarlet, we are going to sign this contract within the next five years. When the period of five years is up, I will transfer to you ownership of a shopping mall located in Nover city. You can think of it as a gift from me if you want, but that shopping center will serve as my token of appreciation and mental recompense for all that you've done for me."
Her exquisitely finger came to a stop, and her beautiful eyes turned to Hades, gazing intently at him. Scarlet felt that she was starting to get more interested in what was going on, and a smile appeared on her lips. What is it that she is afraid of not accepting?
"Contract successfully."
———
Skylansea Hotel.
The magnificent scenery opens up with a vast expanse of land, and the castles that were built in the classical style that was typical of the middle period appear in a majestic manner. A magnificent flower gate is created by designing and mounting red and white roses together above the main entrance doors of the building. A crimson carpet covers the ground of the approach that leads to the altar. Along the route of that path are lovely flowers that have been carefully pruned to maintain their appearance.
On either side, there are seats reserved for guests. Everyone looked their best, making it abundantly clear what level they occupied at this particular party.
The wealthy elite's attention was drawn to the upcoming wedding of the eldest son of the Arkin family to the second daughter of the Lorenzo family as it became the focus of the wealthy elite's interest.