Love Has Become an Empty Memory

"Dad, Mom, I've decided—I'll go through with the marriage arrangement with the Kingston family. I'll be back by the end of the month."

Daphne Wharton made the decision in the middle of a camping trip with Luke Hardy.

She curled into herself, pulling her scarf higher against the chill.

For a moment, there was only silence on the other end of the line. Then, her mother's voice came through, thick with tears.

"Daphne, we know this isn't fair to you. Our company is struggling, and the Kingston family is willing to help—but only if you marry their son. We've failed you as parents…"

Her father let out a heavy sigh beside her mother.

Daphne listened, her gaze unfocused. A faint, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "It's okay, Mom, Dad. This is what I should do. I'll be back in fifteen days—when their son returns to the country."

After Daphne and her parents exchanged a few more words of mutual consolation, the call ended.

"Daphne, who were you talking to this late at night?"

She turned to see Luke emerging from the darkness.

He wore a deep blue windbreaker, the fitted sleeves hinting at the firm muscles beneath. His face, sharp and striking with a touch of untamed wildness, carried an undeniable allure.

He pulled her into his arms, brushing his chin lightly against the top of her head before placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Sorry for making you wait so long for this trip," he murmured.

"It's fine. The company matters too."

His hand moved slowly along her back, sending a faint shiver through her.

The quiet mountaintop felt charged, the air between them thick with something unspoken.

She stepped back from his embrace and looked at him with expectant eyes. "Let's get our marriage certificate the day after tomorrow. I checked the calendar—it's a good day."

Luke stilled for a moment before letting out a soft chuckle, ruffling her hair.

"Baby, not so soon. You know this is one of the most important moments of our lives. I want to give you the perfect, most romantic ceremony—something that'll make everyone jealous of you. But there's not enough time to prepare. Let's wait a little longer. When everything is set, we'll do it properly. Alright?"

Daphne had already expected this answer, but she still hesitated for show. "Really? You're not just making excuses?"

Luke tightened his arms around her. "Babe, of course not. I just want to give you the best. This isn't something we should rush."

Daphne's mind drifted back to the first time they met.

That day, she had accompanied her brother to a competition. His teammate was Luke. Her brother introduced him, saying he was the most reliable guy he knew.

And in that instant, she had been drawn to him.

From then on, she found excuses to attend every similar event, just to be closer to him.

One night, she heard from a friend that Luke was drinking alone at a bar, one