"Our contract is for one year."

A cold, low voice drifted from across the table.

I nodded, trying my best to maintain a composed expression.

"I am aware."

A political marriage arranged by the Emperor's decree. It was a marriage without love or expectations.

At least, for him.

But for me, it was different.

I had liked him for a long time.

The ice-cold Duke of the North, Damian Asterion.

Countless noble ladies feared him, but to me, he was always an object of admiration.

And now, I had become his wife.

"We shall divorce once the contract ends."

"...Yes."

I had to smile. I had to act like it was nothing.

But inside, I was thinking something entirely different.

'Absolutely not.'

One year.

To him, it might just be the time remaining until the contract expires—

But to me, it was the final opportunity to make him love me.

'Alright. I'll seduce him somehow.'

I'll melt the heart of this frozen Duke.

And I'm going to turn this contract marriage into a real one.