We decided to meet at a restaurant.
By the time Jin Wei arrived, I had already rehearsed this conversation in my head at least fifty times.
And failed all fifty.
He sat across from me, calm as ever, dressed in dark robes like he hadn't just agreed to marry a woman who fainted in the middle of her own dowry ceremony. Typical Jin Wei—unbothered, unreadable, and mildly terrifying.
I cleared my throat.
There was no point delaying this.
"I remembered everything," I said.
His eyes sharpened—not surprised, not shocked. Just… attentive.
"The real Lady Yang," I continued, fingers tightening in my sleeves. "Her memories. Her feelings. Her… stupidity."
That earned me a faint lift of his brow.
I laughed dryly. "Yes, stupidity. Loving someone who couldn't even spare her a few words when she needed them most."
Silence settled between us, thick but not uncomfortable.
"I didn't call you here to cry," I said quickly. "I called you because I want to make a deal."
Now, *that* got his interest.
"A contract," I added. "Very clear terms. No hidden clauses. I don't trust fate, destiny, or men who say 'we'll see'."
That—finally—made him smile. Just slightly.
"Go on," Jin Wei said.
I inhaled.
"First condition."
I met his eyes. "No matter what happens in the future—politics, power struggles, betrayals—you will never harm the Yang family."
His gaze darkened. "Never?"
"Never," I repeated firmly. "My parents. My siblings. Even that one distant uncle who exists only to complain at family gatherings."
This time, his lips twitched.
"You're asking for immunity," he said.
"I'm asking for peace of mind," I corrected. "If I wanted chaos, I'd marry into the imperial family."
He studied me for a long moment.
"I agree," he said at last. "The Yang family will remain untouched."
My shoulders relaxed slightly.
Now came the difficult part.
I hesitated.
Then hesitated some more.
Then mentally apologized to every romance novel I had ever read.
"There's… a second condition," I said, staring very intently at the teacup in front of me.
"Yes?"
I coughed.
"You will not—" I paused, heat rushing to my face. "You will not do anything… that normally happens between husband and wife."
The silence this time was deadly.
I rushed on, words tumbling out. "I mean—I know it sounds ridiculous, and yes, I know we're getting married, and no, I'm not accusing you of anything—but I'm not ready, and I don't want expectations, and—"
"Lady Yang," Jin Wei interrupted calmly.
I stopped.
He leaned back slightly, eyes amused now. "You could have simply said you want a marriage in name only."
I groaned. "Please don't phrase it so neatly. It makes this worse."
"So," he said thoughtfully, "no physical intimacy."
"Yes," I said firmly, then added, muttering, "This is a political alliance, not a honeymoon package."
That earned me an actual chuckle.
"And in return?" he asked.
I straightened.
"In return," I said, meeting his gaze head-on, "I will be loyal to you. Only you. No emotional wandering. No secret feelings. No looking back."
Especially not at the Crown Prince.
"I will stand by you publicly and privately," I continued. "I will support your claim, your plans, your rise. If you want the throne—I'll help you take it."
His smile faded, replaced by something sharp and dangerous.
"You understand what you're offering," he said quietly.
"I do," I replied. "And I'm not offering it lightly."
Silence fell again.
Then Jin Wei stood.
He extended his hand toward me.
"Then we have an agreement," he said. "A marriage built on honesty, ambition, and mutual benefit."
I stared at his hand.
No flowers.
No promises of love.
No lies.
Just a contract.
I placed my hand in his.
And for the first time since waking up—
I felt in control.
Because in this marriage, I wasn't the woman waiting to be chosen.
I was the one choosing.