On the 23rd of November, 1911, at Aries House, London.

Today is my wedding day. To Augustin Morten. Everyone is raising their glasses in celebration, but I feel empty. I have been granted a private room on the second floor by the Morten household, a month prior to the formal ceremony. After tonight's ceremony, Augustin and I will share a room and begin the "task" of bearing children. I do not feel unfamiliar or hesitant about this, for is it not the mission of a woman in any era? I laugh at the face of destiny. How colourless!

Here, I have a new maid, and surprisingly, her name is also Anna. Unlike in the countryside, the women's makeup style here is more discreet, quiet and less colorful. But I am not concerned. What is the point of being beautiful when I cannot feel joy in my heart? I will let Anna put whatever color she wants on my face. If I am beautiful, the Morten household will be proud. If I am ugly, everything will fall on Anna's fault. Therefore, I believe the maid will know what to do.

Andermis is waiting for me outside the door to accompany me to the church, where Augustin is waiting. I step out in a white dress adorned with pearls and layers of folded lines that create depth, and a white veil covering my head. Andermis looks at me silently, and even though he says nothing, I can see regret on his face. I politely respond with a stiff smile. He gently teases under a veneer of praise:

"You are almost the most beautiful!"

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"Just almost?" I lightly laugh. "Do you know that after today, our positions have changed?"

"I fully understand that."

"I will become your sister-in-law...", my voice trails off, sounding melancholy. "What do you think about that?"

"That you have made a bad decision. But it's too late now, even if I objected, there is nothing I can do."

We bow our heads down as if we cannot find anything to say anymore. Anyone who cares about me feels this is a foolish and rash decision. I examine myself in the mirror: a beautiful face adorned with expensive jewellery, but behind it is a tired and worn-out appearance. I no longer have time to look back at the past. The honking of a car below awakens me. It's time to leave!

I wrap my arm around Andermis and together we step into the waiting carriage to take us to the church. Before I enter the carriage, Andermis stops me and whispers in my ear:

"I had hoped you would choose me, but you did not. Nevertheless, I still hope you remember that I will protect you if you need it."

Before I can respond, Andermis escorts me inside. We sit together on the same bench. Throughout the journey, we do not exchange any words. I watch the continuous stream of people left behind by the carriage, each one happy and free in their own way. Even the travellers have their own pleasures. Only Andermis and I, trapped in the carriage, feel that our days are long and boring. The day we are free to take flight will be our final moment together. Lost in thought, I do not realise that the carriage has stopped right in front of the church. Oh God! What am I going to do?