Chapter 1

Our village has a tradition of bride snatching—the groom must sneak into the bride's home at night, carry her on his back, and break through all obstacles.

I'd waited three years for Ethan Quinn. Finally, the night came when he and his brothers crept into my family's courtyard.

I waited joyfully for him to carry me away, but instead I heard him say to his crew:

"When chaos breaks out, grab Chloe. We can't let her marry that playboy from the next village over."

"As for Aria, she's got a fiery temper—she'll protect herself just fine."

His friends exchanged uncertain glances.

"Ethan, this isn't right. You and Aria already got your marriage certificate. If she finds out the truth, all hell will break loose."

"Let it break loose then." His tone was dismissive. "

It's pitch black out here—mistaking someone is perfectly normal. I'll smooth things over with her afterward. Besides, that marriage certificate is fake."

I stood behind the door in silence, then calmly retreated to my room.

Then I simply climbed onto another stranger's back and became his bride.