| Chapter 19. The End of the World

Bang! Bang!

Natasha, seated before her vanity and idly staring at her jewelry box, flinched at the sudden knock on her door. Startled, she quickly placed the sapphire earring back into the box and shut the lid.

“Natasha, you’re as beautiful as ever.”

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Came Sergey’s voice as he flung the door open before she could even ask who it was. Predictably, it was him.

Usually, he would barge in without so much as a knock, often kicking the door open in his brash manner. Today, however, he seemed to exhibit a rare shred of decorum—or so Natasha thought.

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“Good morning, brother. What brings you here so early—”

Before Natasha could finish her sentence, Sergey thrust a crumpled piece of paper into her hands.

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“And this is…?”

Natasha’s expression grew serious as she unfolded the paper and read its contents. Her frown, however, soon softened.

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“It’s a marriage proposal from the Duchy of Tristan. I’ve heard their lady is highly intelligent. She seems like a fine match for you, brother.”

Natasha said with a smile, her words sincere. A weight she had long carried on her shoulders seemed to lift.

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“You want me to accept this proposal?”

Sergey raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing her. Natasha avoided his gaze as she replied.

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“Of course. I wish for you to find a good partner and settle down without delay.”

Her heart raced as she lowered her eyes. She genuinely hoped the marriage would proceed smoothly and, above all, that Sergey would finally shift his unwelcome attention away from her. Perhaps he would forget about that absurd proposal from a year ago.

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“You truly don’t know why I’ve delayed marriage all this time?”

Sergey leaned in close, his face mere inches from Natasha’s. His words, whispered with a chilling intensity, made her breath catch.

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“I’ll marry another woman, just as you suggest. But you, Natasha, will become my secret mistress. Isn’t that a simple arrangement between us?”

“You… go too far with your jokes.”

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“Who’s to say whether I’m joking or not? Time will tell.”

His words from a year ago echoed in her mind. He had suggested then—brazenly, shamelessly—that she become his consort. She had rejected him, but his sinister smile and cryptic words had haunted her ever since.

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As dread welled up in her chest, Sergey’s voice cut through her thoughts.

“Very well, my sweet sister. I’ll proceed with the marriage, as you wish.”

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“That’s wonderful news! The two of you will make a splendid pair—”

Natasha’s relief was short-lived.

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“But.”

Sergey interjected, his lips curling into a smirk. Natasha’s heart sank.

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“But since I’ve agreed to your request, you must keep your promise. On the night before my wedding, I’ll confirm your sincerity.”

“Confirm… my sincerity?”

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Natasha swallowed hard, hesitating as she asked. Sergey ignored her question, instead steering the conversation elsewhere.

“Your little sister, Sophia, is growing into such a fine young lady. She’s already quite lovely, and when she comes of age, she’ll make an excellent mistress. Perhaps I should delay the wedding a few years to wait for her…”

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“B-brother…”

Natasha stammered, trembling.

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“Of course, she’s still far from matching your beauty.”

Sergey added with a mocking smile.

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“Sophia… mustn’t be involved. Please, I beg you…”

Natasha’s lips quivered as she forced the words out.

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“And why not, Natasha? Isn’t it only natural for a younger sister to take on her elder sister’s duties?”

Sergey blinked innocently, his gaze sharp and unwavering.

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“I… I’ll do it.” Natasha said, her voice barely above a whisper.

“What’s that?”

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Sergey asked, feigning ignorance, his smile widening.

“I’ll… serve you. Just spare Sophia… please.”

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“Ah, Natasha!” Sergey exclaimed, pulling her into a tight embrace.

“I didn’t realize your feelings were so sincere. Very well, I’ll grant your heartfelt request.”

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He said, stroking her back with feigned tenderness.

“The wedding will take place in three months. And our first night… will be the evening before. I’ll look forward to it,” he added with a smirk, his eyes glinting with triumph.

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As he left, humming to himself, Natasha collapsed to the floor, her legs unable to support her.

* * *

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Three Months Later

“A gown with the most extravagant details would be perfect, don’t you think? It’s so heartwarming to see siblings as close as you two hosting a private celebration before the wedding!”

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Renna, Natasha’s maid, clasped her hands together with excitement as she fussed over the gowns.

Standing before the large mirror in the dressing room, Natasha’s lifeless expression mirrored that of a condemned prisoner awaiting execution.

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She couldn’t tell anyone the truth—that she was about to become Sergey’s secret mistress. She had lied, calling the event a sibling celebration before his wedding.

Would it end after this one time? What excuse would she make when he summoned her again? How long could she keep this monstrous secret?

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If others discovered the truth… if Sophia ever found out…

Natasha shut her eyes tightly. She had prayed for this day to never come, countless times wishing she could simply escape the world. But she couldn’t. If she disappeared, Sophia would take her place.

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“Look at yourself, my lady! You’re stunning, absolutely radiant! I’m sure you’ll find a wonderful match of your own soon,” Renna chirped cheerfully.

Natasha forced a hollow smile, but inside, she felt like her world had already crumbled.

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‘No, that day will never come.’

Whispering those words to herself, Natasha looked at her reflection in the mirror. Then, as if she had seen something she shouldn’t, she turned her head away.

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Though her face was gaunt and pale from days of not eating or sleeping properly since the day she accepted Sergey’s outrageous proposal, the sparkling jewels on her vibrant gown gave her an air of elegance. To Renna, she looked like a bride-to-be, and the maid fawned over her appearance. But to Natasha, her reflection looked no different from a roadside harlot, dolled up and waiting to be sold.

“…A different dress.”

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Natasha said, suppressing the wave of heat and bile rising within her.

“Not to your liking? I thought this dress suited you perfectly, Natasha. What kind of dress would you prefer?”

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“Something black… with no embellishments,” Natasha murmured.

“Pardon?”

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Renna blinked, wondering if she had misheard. But Natasha shook her head, overcome by a sense of futility. What difference did it make? A dress was nothing but a wrapper, covering this dirty, tainted body.

“No, it’s fine. This will do. You’ve done enough—go ahead and leave.”

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“But I was just about to touch up your makeup a little more and add some accessories for your hair—”

“This is fine as it is. Leave me,” Natasha said firmly.

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At her resolute words, Renna bowed and left the room. Alone again, Natasha stared at the woman in the mirror. A single tear slipped down her hollow cheek.

* * *

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“Lord Sergey will be here shortly after finishing his duties and bathing. Please wait just a little longer.”

The attendant delivering the message hesitated, glancing at Natasha.

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“Are you all right? Is there anything I can assist you with?”

The elderly attendant had served the Ivanov family long before Natasha was born. In many ways, he had cared for her more attentively than her own father. Natasha didn’t want to burden him with the weight of her despair, so she forced a smile.

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“I’m fine. You may leave.”

“…As you wish.”

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Though it seemed he had more to say, the attendant bowed and left the room. Left alone in Sergey’s chambers, Natasha sat motionless for a long time, as if frozen. Finally, she stood and turned to the darkened window.

‘If I fell from here, would it hurt? Would I die instantly?’

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It was a four-story drop—perhaps not high enough. She had once heard of people leaping from tall towers to end their lives.

…She envied them. The freedom to take one’s fate into their own hands.

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“Maybe today, the world could just… end,” she murmured.

At that moment, beyond the window and the castle walls, she saw a flicker of torchlight in the distance. She blinked and rubbed her eyes, wondering if she was imagining things. But then, the shouting began.

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“An uprising! It’s a rebellion!”

“Everyone, run!”

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Natasha’s world crumbled for real.
TL/N: FK YESS!!!!