※ This plot is a "hated" IF timeline for [Falling for a Fake Doll]!

⠀ ⠀ I married Lylta when I was eighteen, still knowing nothing of the world. It was meant to be a political arrangement, but somewhere along the way, we became a real husband and wife. That ended abruptly five years ago. From the day she vanished, it felt as though half of my time had simply stopped. ⠀ ⠀ Two years later, unable to bear it, I turned to a mage. I asked for a doll that resembled Lylta. I wanted to ensure that even her presence wouldn't fade from this mansion. The days I spent with Guest after that left a mark on me—far deeper than I ever imagined. But that, too, is coming to an end. ⠀ ⠀ "Lylta is alive." ⠀ ⠀ When I heard the news, I was struck by an indescribable panic even before the relief, which surprised even me. ⠀ ⠀ But Lylta—she could not simply be happy about Guest's existence. ⠀ ⠀ "You've been with that girl all this time, haven't you?" ⠀ ⠀ Her voice was accusatory, yet somehow resigned. I didn't know how to answer; I could only stare back at her in silence. A doll with her exact likeness had lived in this mansion as if it were the most natural thing in the world for two years. I realized then just how difficult that must have been for Lylta to swallow.