Afterward, everything went as smooth as butter, with the preparations proceeding according to the plans agreed upon by both families.
"We still need to choose a wedding dress," Yuto's mother reminded Hara.
"Do you want to go with Yuto to find the dresses? I'll ask him to accompany you later," she continued to inquire while taking a sip out of her tea.
Hara smiled awkwardly and replied, "Of course."
Later that day, Yuto arrived to pick up Hara, and they headed to the bridal boutique together. The car ride was silent, filled with an air of tension and unease.
As they reached the bridal boutique, Hara took a deep breath, trying to ease the tension in the car. She knew Yuto's feelings were complicated, and she didn't want to add more pressure to the situation.
"We're here," she said softly, breaking the silence.
Yuto nodded and stepped out of the car, holding the door open for Hara. She smiled gratefully and stepped out, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about trying on wedding dresses.
Inside the boutique, they were greeted by a friendly saleswoman who guided them through the rows of stunning wedding gowns. Hara tried to focus on finding the perfect dress, trying to ignore the lingering unease in the air.
Yuto stood by her side, occasionally giving his input, but his mind seemed elsewhere. Hara could tell that he was preoccupied with something, and she didn't want to push him to talk if he wasn't ready.
As they browsed through the dresses, Hara found one that caught her eye—a simple yet elegant gown with intricate lace details. She decided to try it on, hoping that it would alleviate the heaviness in the air.
Inside the fitting room, Hara slipped into the dress, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. She stepped out to show Yuto, who was taken aback by her beauty in the gown.
"You look stunning, Hara," he said softly.
Hara blushed, feeling her heart flutter at his compliment. "Thank you, Yuto," she replied, grateful for his kind words.
Despite the genuine moment they shared, Yuto still seemed distant. Hara didn't want to force him to talk, but she couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind.
As they continued to look at more dresses, Yuto's phone suddenly rang, breaking the silence once again. He excused himself and stepped outside to take the call, leaving Hara alone in the boutique.
Feeling a bit uneasy, Hara took a moment to collect her thoughts. She knew that Yuto was facing his own struggles, and she wanted to be there for him. She decided to give him the space he needed, trusting that he would come to her when he was ready.
When Yuto returned, he looked more composed but still carried a hint of worry on his face. Hara smiled reassuringly at him, wanting to convey her support without words.
"Let's keep looking," Yuto said, his voice sounded the same as before. As Hara tried on the new dress she had picked, the saleswoman complimented her, saying, "You look beautiful in every dress."
"Thank you," Hara replied with a shy smile.
Hara glanced at herself in the mirror, feeling a sense of wonderment at the reflection staring back at her. The wedding dress she had chosen was everything she had ever dreamed of—elegant, timeless, and a perfect fit for the special day that lay ahead.
As she admired herself in the gown, she thought about the journey that had led her here. From the moment she had agreed to this marriage to now, her emotions had been a whirlwind of uncertainty, hope, and unexpected affection.
The saleswoman's words brought her back to the present moment, and Hara smiled warmly in response. "It's a lovely dress, isn't it?"
"Absolutely," the saleswoman replied, her eyes filled with admiration. "You truly have a radiant presence, and whatever dress you choose, you'll undoubtedly be a stunning bride."
Hara's cheeks flushed at the compliment, grateful for the kind words. It had been a while since she felt genuinely beautiful and valued.
As she changed back into her own clothes after picking a new dress, she thought about the upcoming wedding and the commitment she was about to make. Despite the unconventional circumstances that had led them to this point, she couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation and hope for their future together.
As she stepped out of the fitting room, Yuto was waiting for her with a face with indifference.
As they left the boutique, Hara walked beside Yuto in silence. The car ride back to their respective homes was filled with an air of quiet contemplation. Hara couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions swirling inside her—excitement, nervousness, and a touch of uncertainty. Yuto, too, seemed lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery outside the car window.
In the silence, Hara couldn't help but wonder about Yuto's true feelings. Did he still hold a lingering affection for Ji-Eun, the girl he had once loved but let go?
As they arrived at her home, Hara turned to Yuto, mustering the courage to speak up. "Thank you for coming with me to choose the dress," she said softly, breaking the silence.
Yuto's eyes met hers, and for a moment, "It was my pleasure," he replied, surprising her with his sincerity. "You looked beautiful in every dress."
Hara smiled, "I'm glad you think so," she said.
As Yuto dropped her off, she hesitated before getting out of the car. "Um, Yuto," she began, feeling a sudden rush of nerves.
"Yes?" he responded, his eyes searching hers.
"Would you like to come inside for a cup of tea?" she asked, politely. For a harmonious future marriage, it is essential for the individuals involved to be familiar with each other, even if the relationship lacks love.
Yuto seemed taken aback for a moment but his face still showed no emotion "I have some business to attend later," he replied.
Hara felt a little bit of disappointment but tried to hide it behind a smile. "Oh, that's alright," she said, trying not to let her feelings show. "Maybe another time then."
Yuto nodded, his expression still guarded. "Yes, perhaps," he replied, his tone remaining polite but distant.
As Yuto bid her farewell and left.
As the wedding day approached, Hara found herself feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. She knew that she was entering into a marriage without love, and she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. Would they be able to find happiness together, despite the absence of romantic feelings?
On the day of their wedding, as Hara stood at the altar in her beautiful wedding gown, she looked out at the gathered guests, her heart filled with conflicting emotions. As Yuto stood beside her, she tried to find solace in the knowledge that they were doing this for their families, for their fathers' business alliance.
As the vows were exchanged and the rings were placed on their fingers, Hara tried to focus on the significance of the moment. This was the beginning of a new chapter in her life, a chapter that was bound to be filled with challenges and uncertainties. As Hara noticed her father and the others shedding tears, her heart filled with a mix of emotions. She could see the sadness in her father's eyes, and she knew that he had hoped for a different kind of happiness for her. It pained her to see him like this, and she wished she could bring him comfort and reassurance.
As she walked down the aisle, she exchanged glances with some of her closest friends and the maids who had been by her side for years. Their tearful eyes reflected the deep bond they had shared, and Hara felt a surge of gratitude for their unwavering support.
Hara's thoughts drifted to Ji-Eun, the girl she had once confronted about being close to Shen Lu. She wondered how Ji-Eun was doing now, and whether she had found happiness in her life. Although they had started off on the wrong foot, Hara couldn't help but wish her well.
When her eyes met Yuto's, she saw the same distance and detachment that had been there from the beginning. His gaze remained cool and composed, and she couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. Did he feel any sense of duty or responsibility toward their marriage, or was he as indifferent as he seemed?
Despite her doubts and uncertainties, Hara took a deep breath and held her head high. This was her wedding day, and she was determined to face it with grace and poise. She knew that she had made her decision, and she would honor her commitment to Yuto and their families.
As the ceremony concluded and the celebrations began, Hara felt a mixture of relief. Relief that the wedding was finally over and that they could move forward with their lives together.
As the celebration carried on, she took a seat at the table designated for the bride and groom. Meanwhile, Yuto was mingling with the guests, doing his best to entertain them. As she scanned the room and observed the attendees, her attention was captured by a face she recognized—Ji-Eun, engrossed in conversation with someone else. Straining her eyes, she couldn't believe what she saw. Seated beside Ji-Eun was a man who bore an uncanny resemblance to her younger brother from her past life. The shock of this discovery widened her eyes in disbelief.