The engagement was set at the Landis family’s
old mansion, and the time was midnight.
My fingertip gently traced those words.
Such a strange time. Livia was probably so
dizzy with the dream of becoming the
president’s wife that she didn’t find it strange
at all.
Midnight was the time when yin energy was at
its peak.
In my previous life, my wedding was also at this
place, at this time.
At the time, I just thought it was a peculiar rule of the wealthy.
It wasn’t until later that I understood the true meaning of that wedding.
<
10:30
Livia, do you think you received a wedding
invitation?
I raised my head, met Livia’s expectant gaze,
and agreed with a smile.
“Okay.”
“I will definitely be there for such a happy
occasion!”
88
On the day of the engagement party, I arrived at the Landis family’s old mansion early.
The car drove into a dark, tree–lined road and finally stopped in front of a huge Chinese–style courtyard.
I opened the door and got out of the car, and a cold wind swept over me, carrying a musty
smell.
<
10:30
88
2500
Livia had several bridesmaids, all of whom were
her close friends from college.
Everyone was a little daunted by the scene.
“Livia, this… this place feels so eerie?”
“Yeah, why would you choose to have the
engagement party here? And why are there white lanterns hanging?”
In the dressing room, Livia was sitting in front of the mirror, wearing a snow–white wedding dress.
Her face was full of uncontrollable excitement and happiness.
Hearing her classmates‘ questions, she waved her hand dismissively.
“You don’t understand, this is called style.”
<
“The Landis family is a centuries–old family
with many rules, and they value heritage.
Prescott said that this is the most important
ritual in their family and must be held at the old
mansion to receive the blessings of the
ancestors.”
Her words convinced the girls who had never
seen the world.
They immediately began to feel envious.
“I see, the wealthy are so different!”
“Livia, you’re so lucky, Prescott is so good to you.”
I sat quietly on the side, watching Livia being surrounded by everyone, her face filled with longing for the future.
She was probably thinking that after tonight, she would be the legitimate daughter–in–law of
<
she would be the legitimate daughter–in–law of
the Landis family, and no one would dare to
underestimate her again.
But she didn’t know what she was about to
face.
The night grew darker and darker.
The entire mansion was eerily quiet, with only
the rustling of leaves in the wind.
There was no festive atmosphere that an
engagement party should have, only a large
number of white chrysanthemums and quietly
burning white candles placed in the courtyard.
The bridesmaids couldn’t smile anymore, their
faces pale as they huddled together.
Only Livia was still immersed in the beautiful
dream she had woven.
–
.
く
10:30
Finally, the old–fashioned clock on the wall
struck twelve times.
Dong–dong–dong-
The chimes were hollow and distant, as if
coming from another world.
An emcee dressed in a black robe walked to
the front of the stage and announced in a monotone voice:
“The auspicious time has arrived.”
