Chapter 2: First Contact (Why Is She Staring at Me Like That?!)
Miller stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his collar for the fifth time.
"…Okay. Calm down."
He pointed at his reflection.
"You are not the scumbag anymore. You are the reformed, kind-hearted, loyal fiancé."
He paused.
"…Who is trying very hard not to get kidnapped."
A servant's voice came from outside:
"Young Master, Miss Ana is waiting in the dining hall."
Miller froze.
"…Already?!"
That was fast.
Too fast.
Dangerously fast.
The Walk of Doom
The corridor felt longer than usual.
Every step echoed like a countdown.
Step.
"Stay calm."
Step.
"Just act normal."
Step.
"Normal people don't get locked in dark rooms."
He stopped walking.
"…Right?"
Dining Hall: Target Acquired
Ana was already seated when he arrived.
Elegant.
Quiet.
Perfect posture.
She looked exactly like the novel described—refined, gentle, almost fragile.
Like someone the world had overlooked.
But Miller knew better.
That's a hidden final boss right there.
"…Good morning," he said carefully, sitting across from her.
Ana looked up.
Their eyes met.
And for a split second—
Miller felt something cold run down his spine.
"…Good morning," she replied softly.
Her voice was gentle.
Her expression was calm.
But her gaze lingered.
Too long.
Like she was… studying him.
Internal Panic Mode: Activated
Why is she looking at me like that?!
Miller forced a smile.
"Did you sleep well?"
"…Yes," Ana answered.
Pause.
"…You asked about me yesterday."
Miller blinked.
"Oh—yeah. I just thought—uh—you might be busy, so…"
What am I saying?!
Ana lowered her gaze slightly.
"…No one usually asks."
That hit harder than expected.
Miller hesitated.
Then, more naturally this time, he said:
"Well… I will."
Silence.
Ana's fingers paused slightly on the table.
"…You will?"
"Yeah," Miller nodded. "I mean—we're engaged, right? It's normal to care."
GOOD SAVE. NORMAL. VERY NORMAL.
Ana.exe Has Stopped Responding
Ana didn't reply immediately.
Instead, she just looked at him again.
That same quiet stare.
But this time—
There was something else in it.
"…You've changed," she said.
Miller's heart skipped.
Oh no. She noticed. I'm dead.
"Haha… have I?" he laughed awkwardly.
"Yes."
A simple answer.
Too simple.
Too certain.
Emergency Recovery Attempt
Miller quickly grabbed a piece of bread.
"People grow, right?" he said. "I just realized I should treat you better."
Ana tilted her head slightly.
"…Why?"
CRITICAL QUESTION DETECTED.
Miller's brain went blank.
Because I don't want to be kidnapped?
Because future you is terrifying?
Because I saw the bad ending?!
"…Because," he said slowly, "you deserve it."
Silence.
Absolute silence.
Even the servants froze.
Direct Hit
Ana's eyes widened just a fraction.
Not enough for anyone else to notice.
But Miller saw it.
Her fingers tightened slightly.
"…I see."
She lowered her gaze again.
But this time—
A faint smile appeared.
Different from before.
Not just soft.
Not just gentle.
But… satisfied.
Miller's Survival Instinct Screams
Why do I feel like I just triggered something irreversible?!
He laughed nervously.
"Eat, eat! The food's getting cold."
"Yes," Ana nodded obediently.
But she didn't start eating immediately.
Instead—
She said quietly:
"…Then you should stay by my side more."
Miller blinked.
"Huh?"
"If you want to treat me better," she continued calmly, "you should spend more time with me."
That sounded reasonable.
Very reasonable.
Totally harmless.
…Right?
"Sure," Miller said cautiously. "We can do that."
Ana looked up again.
"…Promise?"
Miller hesitated for half a second.
Then smiled.
"Promise."
Narration (He Has Fallen Into the Trap)
That single word—
Was the beginning.
Because for Ana…
A promise was not just a word.
It was a chain.
A binding.
An absolute truth.
And in a world that seemed to favor Miller—
His promises would always come true.
One way…
Or another.
After Breakfast
Miller escaped the dining hall alive.
Barely.
He leaned against the wall outside, exhaling deeply.
"…That was intense."
A servant passed by and bowed.
"Young Master, Miss Ana seems very happy today."
Miller blinked.
"…Happy?"
"Yes. It's rare."
Miller looked back toward the dining hall.
"…I didn't do anything special."
Inside the Dining Hall
Ana sat quietly.
The food in front of her was untouched.
Her fingers lightly brushed the edge of her cup.
"…He promised."
Her voice was soft.
Almost inaudible.
Then—
She smiled.
This time, there was no restraint.
"…Then he won't leave."
Elsewhere… The Story Begins to Shift
Far away, a car stopped in front of a grand mansion.
A young woman stepped out.
Confident.
Sharp-eyed.
Radiating presence.
The real daughter had returned.
Cloe.
Final Scene: Dual Perspective
Miller (clueless):
"Step one complete. I think I'm doing great."
Ana (quietly):
"He's mine."
Cloe (smirking):
"Time to take back what belongs to me."