divorce chapter 1

“Nervous?” the man beside me asked casually.

“No.”

“Your voice trembles, Estelle.”

His gentle tone prompted me to look up at him. A face, perfectly sculpted as if by an artist’s hand, turned towards me. Deep blue eyes like a tranquil lake, and silver hair shimmering like a fairy’s in the light. His captivating face, the kind that would make anyone stop in their tracks, was framed by a high-collared uniform, lending him an almost ascetic air. I never dreamed I’d marry such a beautiful man. If he weren’t the male lead of this novel, I’d be dancing for joy.

“Yes, I am nervous.” Despite that fact, facing my impending marriage filled me with both trepidation and anxiety. Perhaps this was the most important decision of my life. As I wrestled with these thoughts, a large hand enveloped my shoulder. I flinched and looked up at him; he smiled gently.

“Then let’s hold hands and go out there.”

“What?”

“Actually, I’m nervous too.” His faintly smiling face betrayed no hint of nerves. Despite my dubious expression, he unlinked his arm and extended his hand.

“Take my hand.” It was obvious he was just looking for an excuse to touch me. Hesitantly, I placed my hand in his. His slightly cool fingertips brushed against the back of my hand. He had always made me uncomfortable, yet today, his presence felt reassuring.

“Don’t be nervous. Just think of it as a casual social gathering.”

“A social gathering that happens to be my wedding.”

“Rather than a wedding, how about thinking of it as an act of revenge against your family?” As he spoke, the piano music announcing our entrance began. I took a deep breath and looked straight ahead. Unlike traditional weddings adorned with white flowers, this venue was decorated with broad-leaved tropical plants, giving it an exotic feel. If I weren’t the bride, I’d probably be too busy marveling at the decorations to notice anything else. Just like those guests over there. And among those guests, I could see people glaring at me with murderous intent. People who, until recently, I called family.

“Don’t worry,” the man murmured, as if sensing my gaze. “I will protect you. Didn’t I promise?”

“You had better keep that promise.” Yes, I’d come this far; there was no turning back. I gripped his hand tightly and stepped forward. He led me slowly down the aisle of this wedding, where not a single soul offered a blessing.

“Even the clergy look displeased.”

“Why would they be pleased? You aren’t the Saintess, who he was supposed to marry.” Suddenly, their disapproving stares felt almost welcome. Finally, we stood before the officiant, who seemed equally unenthusiastic about our union. The short ceremony concluded, and we faced each other.

“Now, the kiss to seal your vows.” At the officiant’s words, we looked at each other. Once we kissed, there would be no going back.

“Are you sure about this?” he asked.

Instead of answering, I pulled him towards me and kissed him. If escaping the original story was impossible, ruining it seemed like the next best thing.

“Of course.” I smiled brightly, watching him step back, his lips flushed as he pressed the back of his hand against them.

***

I realized I had been transported into a novel when I became an adult. One day, while browsing the library as usual, this world suddenly felt unfamiliar. An awkwardness surrounding things that should have been familiar. And a sense of déjà vu accompanying the occasional small incidents. The truth behind these oddities dawned on me only after my fiancé’s portrait arrived. 

I had been transported into the novel, Only One Soulmate. Despite its demure title, it was a reverse harem novel centered around Sierra, the next Saintess. Most of the content was filled with explicit scenes, leaving little room for actual plot. The story revolved around Sierra, who, after receiving a divine revelation, explored all sorts of things with three men who ruled the world. There was only one reason why these incredibly powerful men were obsessed with Sierra: she was their unparalleled companion.

In this world, there were people with special abilities called “Awakened.” These Awakened possessed powers beyond ordinary humans, but there was a catch. The more they used their powers, the more their minds became corrupted, eventually leading to a loss of control and a destructive rampage. Companions existed to purify the mental corruption of the Awakened. 

These companions were fewer in number than the Awakened, and most of them were raised in the church from a young age. Furthermore, because the Awakened’s powers were far greater than their companions’, the companions’ lifespans were relatively short. In such a world, Sierra lived a long and healthy life despite having three Awakened partners. Her power of purification was on a different level. One by one, the male leads fell for the sweetness of her purification, and the story ended with them all living together.