I once believed I was the happiest girl in the world. My wedding was just days away, and I was eagerly preparing for it. I was ready to start a new life with the man I loved, Ronal Gwein.
But in a single moment, that happiness shattered. And it was all because of my sister and my fiancé.
I am Luana Ruan, the youngest daughter of Baron Ruan. Unlike my siblings, I was born as an illegitimate child, the result of an affair. Despite this, my father was kind enough to take me in. Or so I thought.
At first, I was happy to be with my father, believing I would finally have a family. But reality was cruel. Baron Ruan already had a wife and children, and I was never truly welcome in his home. The day I stepped inside the mansion, my life turned into a living hell.
The only light in that darkness was Ronal Gwein, my childhood friend. We were both illegitimate children, so I thought we understood each other. I believed we would be happy together. But today, that dream shattered.
The wedding preparations were almost complete, and my gown had just arrived. Excited, I put it on and rushed to Ronal's mansion, eager to show him.
Mona, my maid, tried to stop me. "Lady! Slow down, or you might fall!"
"It's okay," I laughed, my heart light. "Ronal missed the measuring session. I have to show him."
We were already engaged, so I had been staying in his mansion. I ran to his room, hoping to surprise him. But as I reached the door, I heard voices inside.
And then, my world crumbled.
"Ahh! Ronal, you're so naughty." My sister Rose Ruan's voice sent a chill through my body.
"You're so beautiful. What can I do?" Ronal's voice followed, filled with desire.
"But are we really going to keep doing this? What if Luana finds out?"
"Then it's her fault. She wouldn't let me touch her, even though we're engaged. Don't I have needs as a man?"
I froze. My heart pounded painfully in my chest. My hands trembled.
The door opened.
Ronal's eyes widened in shock. "Luana! What are you doing here?"
Tears blurred my vision. "How… How could you do this to me? And with my sister?"
Ronal sighed, as if annoyed. "Now that you've seen it, it makes things easier. I was going to tell you—I've had a change of heart. I love Rose now."
I stared at him, my breath shaky. "A change of heart? After everything we've been through?"
His gaze turned cold. "Listen, Luana. At first, I thought we were the same—both illegitimate children. But after my older brother became disabled, I became the sole heir. Don't you think I deserve better?"
My heart broke. Again and again, with every word he spoke. But with the pain came a strange sense of clarity.
I smiled bitterly. "They say the first thing a blind man throws away once he regains his sight is the stick that supported him."
Ronal scowled. "What did you say?"
"Nothing." I stepped forward, walking past them.
My fingers found a pair of scissors in the drawer.
Rose screamed, clutching Ronal. "Sister! I know you're angry, but don't hurt us! We did nothing wrong! We're in love!"
More servants gathered at the commotion, whispering among themselves.
I laughed, tears still falling. "Oh… so I'm the one standing in your way?"
I lifted the scissors. But instead of turning them on Ronal or Rose, I slashed my wedding dress.
"Luana! What are you doing?" Ronal shouted.
I laughed again, the sound hollow. "What's the use of a wedding dress if there's no wedding?"
Piece by piece, I destroyed it. Then, without another word, I turned and walked away.