Ryu never believed in love.
A billionaire by 24, and a playboy since 18, he treated women like drinks at a party—fun for the moment, forgettable the next. Every night, a different girl warmed his bed, and every morning, he sent them off with a smirk.
Marriage? That word made him sick.
So when Rika, one of his longer-lasting flings, begged him to marry her, he laughed in her face.
Yet, today… was his wedding day.
He sat in his lavish penthouse, yawning as servants prepared his tuxedo. He hadn't picked the suit. He hadn't picked the venue. Hell, he hadn't even shown up for the rehearsal. He didn't care.
"I told her I hate this crap," Ryu muttered, scrolling through his phone.
Just then, a message popped up.
[Coming over. Missed last night's fun. You better be shirtless. - Miko]
Ryu grinned. "Now that's a woman who gets me."
By the time Miko walked into his apartment, Ryu had already popped open a bottle of wine. They didn't even make it to the couch.
An hour later, Miko left the apartment in a red dress and a satisfied smile.
That's when the door opened again.
Rika stood there… in a white wedding gown.
Her makeup was smudged from tears, and her hands trembled as she stared at the barely dressed Ryu.
Behind her, guests and cameramen waited at the venue. But here she was—heart shattered.
"Ryu… today was supposed to be our wedding," she whispered. "I thought… maybe you'd change."
Ryu shrugged, stretching lazily. "I told you from the start, Rika. I don't believe in marriage. You're crying over a fantasy I never promised."
She stared at him, eyes darkening. "I loved you."
"Then you were a fool," Ryu said coldly, grabbing another glass.
Rika turned away, silent. Then, in a voice that chilled the air, she said:
"You will never get what you want. You will only get what you hate."
With that curse, she walked out.
Ryu chuckled and downed the drink.
Only this time… it didn't go down right.
His vision swam. His throat burned. He collapsed to the floor, gasping.
Poison.
And then—darkness.
---
He awoke to the sound of bells. Loud cheering. Soft lips pressed against his cheek.
"Welcome back, husband," a sweet voice said.
His eyes flew open.
A demon girl with red skin and glowing yellow eyes smiled at him.
Behind her stood hundreds of women—elves, beastkin, nuns, nobles, even orcs—each in bridal dresses.
"What… the actual hell!?" Ryu shouted.
---
[To be continued…]