ᴛᴡᴇɴᴛʏ-sɪxᴛʜ.

"You're so beautiful, Milady." A faint smile formed on his lips while staring at the woman whom he loved ever since he was a teenager. She can't bear to say something to him. She looked up at him and slowly nodded. 

"Congratulations on your wedding tomorrow. Please give me lots of nephews and nieces." Those fake laughs echoed inside the solar as they were the only ones around. 

"I will. Don't worry, Milord. I will make sure to build a family with your brother." She almost choked with her words. It was too difficult for her to say those. 

He was about to say another word when they suddenly heard footsteps approaching. The steward knocked on the door and the younger Archduke opened it. He furrowed his brows, wondering why the steward seemed to be agitated. He went in and immediately knelt in front of the Countess. He bowed his head to the floor and she just stared at him, expecting an explanation why he was doing that. 

"On behalf of Archduke Reiki, I am deeply apologizing for breaking the news. The wedding tomorrow is canceled." Their eyes widened and she quickly stood up from her seat to meet the older Archduke inside his bedchamber. 

"Reiki?" She called for him and it was the younger Archduke who opened the door for her. Barefooted and only wearing the white silk robe the Aoyama Household prepared for her, she almost fell on the floor when she saw Reiki and a woman with a toddler in her arms. 

"What is this all about, Brother?" Riku asked, supporting the Countess' body in order not to let her fall on the floor. Reiki stood up and approached them. 

"I'm sorry, Gia. I can't marry you anymore." Tears spilled from her eyes and Riku gritted his teeth as he wanted to punch him for the pain and misery he caused her. 

"I need to marry her. We have a child." She doesn't want to hear any more of his explanations since she already saw the real reason why her wedding is canceled. 

She stood up firmly and nodded her head. Riku looked at her with such concern and he quickly followed her out of the bedchamber. She doesn't know if she will be thankful that this happened because she knows that the one who got her heart is the younger Archduke. Is this how fate works? She stopped from her tracks and he didn't hesitate to hug her tight from behind. He can't help but to feel happy despite the disappointment it brought to them. She turned around to look at him. 

"Let's get married tomorrow." He whispered softly and she nodded once again. She doesn't need to hide her feelings for him anymore. She hugged him back tightly, burying her face on his shoulder. 

Reiki stared at them with a smile. He knows what is going on between the two because he accidentally read his twin brother's diary. Who is he to ruin their love and happiness? Though he learned to love her, he felt like it was still a wrong thing. He almost took the most important person away from his younger twin. He doesn't know how he can sleep at night knowing that he is the person who will marry her. He went back inside his bedchamber and carried his son. It can't be denied that he is not the father of his child. He can see his resemblance in him. 

"You're finally mine now." Riku mumbled while caressing her cheeks. A new red string of fate is tied to their pinky fingers. His hands traveled down to her robe but she stopped him. 

"Can't you wait for tomorrow?" She asked and he shook his head. She chuckled softly and he cupped her cheeks once again. He wiped her tears before nuzzling his palm against it. 

Sleeping in the Aoyama Household the night before the wedding is part of the agreement. Now that the wedding is canceled, the younger Archduke ordered the steward to tell his parents that it will still be held tomorrow. They walked in the great hall to tell them about his decision. His mother is glad about it. They just need to prepare for the criticisms they will receive once they learn that the one the Countess will marry is the younger Archduke instead. 

"It will not make them less privileged when they learn about it. They are not part of my life nor my decision. I will marry her. Will they feel threatened with the news that she got married to a General?" He asked while staring at his father. 

"You are tainting—" His father started but he immediately cut him off. He doesn't need to hear any more shameless comments from him. 

"I'm not tainting our family's history. Brother will continue our family's legacy and I will continue my dreams as a General. I will be able to get the King's blessing tomorrow." He continued and his father didn't say anything anymore. 

She smiled softly when the Archduke's mother hugged her. Perhaps, her first challenge as Riku's wife is to get along with his father. Will it be better if her wedding with Reiki pushed through? She still wanted to get married with someone whom she really loved. After the talk, he brought her back to her bedchamber and tucked her in the bed. How can she sleep now? She is feeling happy and sad at the same time. She is happy because the one she will marry tomorrow is Riku. She is sad because she planned her life together with Reiki already. 

He laid down beside her and pulled her closer to hug her once again. His heart is filled with happiness. He really can't believe that this will happen in just one snap. He left a kiss on her forehead and she slowly closed her eyes. She can feel her eyelids getting heavy. She must have been tired from trying to absorb everything now. She moved closer to him and buried her face on his chest. She must take a rest now.