She was an heiress who had fallen into a pit with no visible bottom.
In a single sweep, everything she once had was taken—her inheritance, her name, even the reputation her family had carefully built over generations. What remained of "Reina Yuki" now felt like an empty title, spoken more out of habit than meaning.
Yuki Group, the company founded by her grandparents after a lifetime of relentless work, had once stood among the top international firms. Now, it had slipped into the hands of an outsider as if it had never truly belonged to them at all.
And Reina… was left with nothing but the aftermath.
Yet Rui Griffin had still chosen her.
Not as compensation. Not as responsibility. Not even as an obligation tied to that night she refused to fully acknowledge in her mind.
As his wife.
Reina's voice was quiet, but firm. "You don't need to marry me because of what happened that night. I don't want you taking responsibility for something like that."
Rui Griffin nodded once, unhurried.
"Yes. That part is true," he said evenly. His gaze stayed on her, composed and unwavering. "But I didn't choose you out of responsibility."
A faint, almost imperceptible curve appeared on his lips.
"I chose you because I want you."
Reina's eye twitched slightly.
He always said things like that—calmly, confidently, as if his words were already facts the world had agreed upon.
"And I believe," he added, voice lowering just a fraction, "you feel the same."
"…You always say things so smugly," Reina muttered under her breath.
Rui Griffin turned away slightly, as if he had already anticipated her reaction.
Then, after a pause, he spoke again.
"You should know something," he said, his tone quiet but absolute. "I decided a long time ago. If I were to marry anyone… it would only be you."
Reina's brows tightened. "I don't understand what you mean."
"You don't need to understand," he replied without hesitation. "Just accept it. Be my wife."
His lips curved into a faint, controlled smile—one that carried certainty rather than warmth.
Reina stared at him, still unable to process his words.
"As a wife…" she murmured slowly, almost to herself. "What am I supposed to do?"
She had been engaged before, but marriage had never been something she truly considered. It had always been distant—something others decided, not something she lived.
Rui Griffin looked at her then.
Not at the heiress. Not at the fallen daughter of Yuki.
But at her.
His expression softened, just slightly.
"As my wife," he said, "you don't need to chase anything or prove anything to anyone."
His voice was steady, low.
"You can do whatever you want. You only need to tell me what you want. I'll take care of the rest."
Something in Reina's chest tightened.
Not trust. Not certainty.
But something she hadn't felt in a long time.
Security.
In the past, there had only been two people who spoke to her like she wasn't alone in the world—her grandmother, and her little aunt. After they were gone… all she had received were accusations, pity, or silence.
But Rui Griffin was different.
No matter what his reason was, in this moment—he was standing on her side.
"…Alright," Reina said quietly, lowering her gaze. "I understand."
Even if understanding didn't mean acceptance.
Even if acceptance didn't mean safety.
When she looked up again, Rui Griffin was already closer than before.
She hadn't noticed when he moved.
He stood by the edge of the bed, his presence calm yet overwhelming in its quiet control. Then, without warning, he leaned down and pressed a brief kiss to her forehead.
Simple. Controlled. Almost gentle.
"We're married now," he said, as if stating something obvious. "Let's have dinner together."
He extended his hand toward her.
An invitation—not a command.
Reina hesitated, then slowly shook her head.
"No. I'm not hungry."
Her voice had softened without her realizing.
Too many things had happened in too short a time. Revenge, betrayal, inheritance, him—everything was pressing against her thoughts at once.
Rui Griffin's gaze lingered on her a moment longer.
Then he spoke again, quieter this time.
"Not hungry?"