Chapter 9

Mayor Kingsley kicked him hard.

“Emma marrying into my family benefits you, too. From now on, we’ll be a family. Otherwise, my son’s life… Well, I’d hold you responsible for it.”

To save his own life, my dad nodded in agreement.

Instead of worrying about having no one to tend to his grave later, he was more afraid of Mayor Kingsley ending his life now.

Though this was a ghost marriage, it was still the mayor’s son, so the ceremony was grand.

There was a formal process, and the village hosted a large banquet. Rumor had it that an important person was attending—someone who regularly sent college volunteers to our village.

On the wedding day, I wore a white gown and entered the main hall.

My dad sat above, his eyes complicated.

“Emma, don’t blame me for being heartless. Being the mayor’s daughter-in-law is a good path for you. You’ll have no worries about food and clothing.”

I remained expressionless, holding the cup steadily with both hands.

Step by step, I