Arranged Marriage

Vol 1: A year (5)

Hiiii 🙌 Early chapter this week! I decided to focus on the AU for now to finish its volume 1 (since the story is at its peak!) After that, I'll return to the usual schedule between DTR original and AU volume 2 ❤️

Just a quick update! Enjoy the chapter 🫶

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That room.... is Marquis Gordon's study room, where he spoke with Karlyle.

Then something crosses his mind. He remembers the conversation he had with Karlyle on that rainy day. The conversation they had while sitting on the windowsill together.

'....I had my first kiss here.'

At that time, he was unfamiliar with himself for being jealous with an unknown person, so he didn't think much of it. What did Karlyle look like when he answered that mischievous question of his? Karlyle was looking at him.

It wasn't a good idea to dig too deeply into it so he just passed it over. Karlyle stated that he had never dated Alpha, so he didn't even think there was a possibility. That kiss was definitely a precious memory and was the reason why he started dating Alpha. However, he did not dare to assume that that boy was Karlyle.

"Have you forgotten?"

Seeing him being silent, Hazel asks in a playful voice. Ash shakes his head with puzzled eyes. He wonders if it's possible, but at the same time, he wants to confirm it.

"No, it's not like that."

"You said it was your first love. When we heard that, Mackie and I made fun of you a lot. I found it funny because it was so typical of you to say that someone you didn't even know his name was your first love."

Ash holds back the urge to go and confirm it with Karlyle right away. However, he has to ask when he meets Karlyle tomorrow. If this unexpected coincidence is real....

"Hazel, can I ask you one question?"

He asks, his hand ruffling his hair. He isn't sure whether it's because Hazel reminds him of an old memory, or because Hazel is someone who doesn't know much of their story, but he wants to ask Hazel for advice.

"Of course."

Hazel smiles kindly. This must have been what Mackie liked about Hazel. Hazel chose a different career path so they broke up with each other. After that, Hazel didn't contact him either, so their group separated. But Mackenzie asked Hazel to come here, so they probably had a talk.

"Can I hold on to someone who doesn't love me?"

Hazel's face turns worried. He seems cautious, as if he has figured out his situation without having to ask. After thinking for a while, Hazel asks him.

"That person doesn't love you, yet he agreed to marry you?"

"There were circumstances."

"You're not the kind of person to do that."

He knows, he knows that. That's why he proposed that odd contract at that time.

"Your partner doesn't love you, how could he marry you?"

"Lyle is someone like that."

Moreover, Karlyle prioritizes his family over his own will. He had this thought earlier. They would never have met under normal circumstances. If it hadn't been for a movie-like condition like an arranged marriage, they would have never crossed paths the entire life. And Karlyle would be with someone else....

His chest tightens. Hostility towards a non-existent opponent rises in him. He pulls the chair and sits down. His throat is burning up, Ash gulps down the cool black tea. The bitter taste of the tea on his tongue makes him feel a little better. His mood lightens as he thinks this is the tea Karlyle drinks every day.