---
The quiet before a storm was always deceptive.
In the days following Cenric's visit, the Wolter mansion brimmed with tension. Every footstep, every flicker of Mira's voice, felt like it could carry another revelation.
But no one expected the storm to break… *on the news*.
> **"BREAKING: Cenric Vane accuses Sher Wolter of manipulating a royal engagement for military advantage. Sources claim this deal led to the cancellation of his betrothal to heiress Hana Chorl, now Mrs. Wolter."**
Hana stood frozen in the corridor, watching the headlines scroll across the hologram.
Her name.
Her face.
And worst of all — *her truth*, twisted into something ugly.
---
### Public Love, Private Pain
Sher's reaction was immediate. Orders flew like daggers.
"Block all internal reporters. Mira, redirect all digital entries. Klein, contact the Palace board — I want a statement ready in one hour."
And in the middle of the war room, Hana stood silent.
Because this wasn't just a scandal.
It was *their love story*, exposed and dissected.
She caught Sher's eyes in the chaos — cold steel to the world, but searching for something only she could give.
Reassurance.
But she turned and walked away.
---
### In the Garden of Fireflies
That night, Hana sat alone beneath the glowing blue firefly trees — her favorite place in the mansion. It was where Sher had once left her a note after one of their worst fights.
*"You make peace feel like war, and war feel like home."*
She heard footsteps behind her. She didn't turn.
"I didn't want to hurt you," Sher said, voice low.
"You didn't. Cenric did."
"Hana…"
"But you gave him the weapon. That silence between us? He loaded it with poison."
Sher sat beside her.
"I never wanted you to carry the shame of how we started. I thought… if you believed I was the choice you made freely, you'd love me more."
She turned toward him, eyes glassy but fierce.
"Idiot. I fell in love with you *because* you were ruthless for me, not despite it."
He blinked.
"Really?"
She laughed, a watery, frustrated sound. "Yes. You were willing to burn alliances for me. But now, *I* get to protect you."
---
### The Interview That Shocked the Nation
Two days later, Hana stood in front of the press herself — poised, radiant, and *ready*.
"I am Hana Chorl-Wolter. And if you want to talk about deals and love, let me tell you something…"
Her voice was calm but strong.
"I was raised to marry for strategy. I was trained to walk beside power. But Sher Wolter made me *want* to stand beside him. He didn't steal me. I *fought* to be his wife."
She held up her marriage contract and smiled.
"No alliance. No manipulation. Just one very determined man… and one very stubborn woman who never let go."
The room exploded in applause. Klein clutched his chest backstage like he'd been shot.
"She just made romance a weapon," he whispered to Mira.
Mira chirped, "Confirmed. Emotional domination at 100% efficiency."
---
### The Aftermath
That night, Sher lifted Hana into his arms without a word.
She squealed. "Sher! What are you—"
"You just called me 'one very determined man' on *live holovision*. I deserve a reward."
Hana giggled as he dropped her onto their massive bed and hovered over her with that wicked grin she knew all too well.
"Is this your idea of gratitude?" she teased.
"It's my idea of claiming my emotionally dangerous wife," he muttered, kissing her forehead… then her nose… and finally her lips, slow and reverent.
"Next time," she whispered, breathless, "just tell me the secret first."
"Next time," he whispered back, "don't make me fall harder than I already have."
-...