Daddy, I Don’t Want to Marry! Vol. 1: Daddy, I Don’t Want to Marry, #1

By Hong Heesu

A fated death. A perilous present. An uncertain future.

 

Jubelian Eloy Floyen was determined to avoid her villainous fate. With the memories of her past life as a college student intact and knowledge of her predestined future, she set out to live a glorious new life as a duke's daughter.

 

A sudden discovery throws a wrench in her plans: a list of potential marriage partners her father has prepared for her. Among them is Maximillian Casein Assiette, the prince who may one day murder her in cold blood. At the same time, she meets her father's disciple, who may be just what she needs to make it out alive.

 

Stuck in a plot full of political intrigue, power struggles, and betrayal, Jubelian must find a way to protect herself and secure her future—even if it means using Max as her shield. Will Jubelian be able to outwit her enemies and reclaim her fate? Or will she be forever remembered as the villainess who fell from grace?

 

In this game of love and power, the stakes are as high as the rules are deadly.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WordExcerpt
• Release date: Dec 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890470300

Book preview

PART ONE

SUCCESSFUL ESTRANGEMENT

CHAPTER 1

REBORN INTO A VILLAINESS

In her tender years, the girl suffered the tragic loss of her mother. Her sole remaining family member was her father, who perpetually remained absent from their home. For as long as she could recollect, the girl was left to fend for herself.

One day, an ardent longing to reunite with her only kin welled up within her. I must see my father, she resolved.

Yearning for the companionship of her sole family member, the girl clandestinely sought to meet him. However, she was met with a frigid reception.

Why have you come here? her father said, coldly.

I-I…

With a resounding voice, the man scolded the girl, pushing her to the brink of tears.

Do not return here again, he commanded.

While the girl didn’t anticipate a warm welcome, accustomed as she was to his cold indifference, this piercing memory left an indelible scar.

My father does not hold love for me, she concluded.

With a wounded heart, the girl matured and made her debut in high society.

He did not attend today either.

Her grand debutante ball unfolded without the presence of her father. Eventually, she withdrew from the banquet hall, consumed by misery.

Did he abstain from attending due to being ashamed of my existence?

As she wept in solitude, a man materialized before her.

Why do tears grace your countenance, my lady? the man said.

His words emanated warmth, and his gaze remained attentive. For the man, it may have been a gesture of kindness he would extend to anyone. Yet, for the girl, starved of affection for countless years, it felt as if he were her savior.

From that day forth, she began to shadow him, beseeching his love until she succeeded in becoming his paramour.

I shall grant your every desire. All you must do is love me, she told him.

However, reality diverged from her yearnings.

I no longer require your love. Truth be told, I have fallen in love with the princess, her former lover stated one day.

He bade farewell to the girl, whose only dream was to marry him. The culmination of their three-year relationship left her devastated.

Even you… abandoned me. I shall never forgive you.

After some time elapsed, the princess, who had ensnared the girl’s lover, imbibed poison at a banquet, plunging into a comatose state. This predicament posed a quandary, for many had witnessed the person who presented the poisoned cup to the princess.

You! Did you attempt to harm her?

The girl, now transformed into a woman, vehemently shook her head. Although she harbored animosity towards the princess for stealing the man she loved, she had no intention of inflicting harm. She had merely handed the cup to the princess in response to her request for a refreshing beverage.

No, it was not I! she screamed in her defense.

Yet, no one believed her. The circumstances of the incident, coupled with her typical conduct, cast her as the perpetrator.

Once the truth became apparent, the emperor, incensed with fury, issued a stern command. Escort that wicked girl to the subterranean dungeon. Immediately!

However, no one heeded his orders. Perhaps it was because an even more fearsome figure than the emperor himself stood in support of the woman.

Father.

Despite his perpetual indifference, they were still connected by blood. The woman clung to his hand, shedding tears. Though advanced in years, he retained the visage of youth.

Father, I swear I am innocent!

He brushed her off, his action causing her eyes to widen in astonishment.

Duke Floyen regarded the emperor with an unwavering gaze. I shall personally apprehend her.

The emperor, wary of the extraordinary man before him, heaved a sigh. How can I trust you? I know you will only stir up trouble!

Duke Floyen endeavored to placate the emperor’s anger. You will be left with no choice but to trust me once I confine her within the Room of Shadows.

The Room of Shadows, an infamous cell that incarcerated the most irredeemable sinners, was impervious to both magic and weaponry. Its notoriety stemmed from its impenetrability, ensuring no escape once an inmate was locked inside.

Only immediate members of the royal family held the power to unseal its doors, and by imprisoning her there, the duke was forsaking his own daughter.

How could you betray me in such a manner?

Engulfed by despair, the woman was led underground by her callous father. A pungent odor tainted the cold, musty air. Entering a prison for the first time proved more terrifying than she had ever imagined. Yet, the most dreadful part awaited her in the Room of Shadows, cloaked in darkness.

Before stepping into the cell, the woman resolved to make one last appeal.

"Father, I implore you, I…

Enter.

Although she besought him in distress, she received a frigid response. His icy voice pierced her soul, causing her tears to trickle down her cheeks, splattering onto the ground.

I have truly been forsaken.

At that moment, her father reached into his coat, surreptitiously passing something to her before forcibly shoving her into the cell.

Endure.

As the door closed, it shut out his heartless voice, and a radiant light coalesced into a circle, revealing a complex pattern. It served as a potent enchantment, sealing the entrance. Upon confirming the object her father had bestowed upon her, a wave of despair and hopelessness washed over the woman.

Why did he give me this? Does he desire me to take my own life?

As the frigid air within the cell settled upon her skin, so too did the harsh reality of his abandonment. Clutching the dagger her father had bequeathed her, she silently wept.

After a span of time elapsed, a stranger approached the woman, who was now wearied by frustration and misery. As a direct descendant of the royal family, he possessed free access to the cell. The prince, donned in obsidian armor, bore a reputation as a bloodthirsty warmonger.

I have come to interrogate the sinner who harmed my sister. Stand aside, he commanded the guards.

Though he maintained a turbulent relationship with his half-sister, it was doubtful that his presence aimed to rescue her. It was more likely that he sought to torment the woman, for he was known to revel in the suffering of others.

The appearance of the prince, shrouded in black armor as the rumors depicted, only heightened the woman’s fear.

Trembling with trepidation, the guards spoke with caution. Y-Your Highness, we apologize, but His Majesty The Emperor has yet to grant permission for interrogations.

The prince emitted a sudden, chilling laugh, causing the guards to quake in fear.

Do you assume that I intend to kill her?

A momentary silence ensued. It served as tacit affirmation.

Eventually, the prince spoke once more. Shall I sever your heads before commencing the interrogation? The guards pressed their lips into a taut line.

The prince chuckled. Only when the prisoner teeters on the precipice of death, wracked by excruciating pain, shall she divulge the truth.

He then turned to the woman.

Fear not. I shall spare your life.

The calmness with which he uttered such sadistic words deepened the woman’s terror.

Will he subject me to unspeakable torment until my demise?

Rumors abounded of the prince’s ruthless nature, not only on the battlefield, where he felled countless enemy soldiers but also in the execution of enemy retainers. Truly, he was an unhinged despot in the making. The prospect of enduring his torments proved utterly terrifying.

Maybe death would be preferable to enduring the torments of someone like him.

As rationality succumbed to frustration and fear, her final memory with her father came to the forefront of her mind. She longed for love, yet he had placed a dagger in her hands.

It is rather fortuitous that this has transpired. An individual such as myself…

The woman picked up the dagger, her laughter hollow.

It is best if I simply vanish.

The prince, sensing something amiss, reached out urgently.

Cease!

Yet, it was too late; she had already thrust the dagger into her chest. Thus, the woman ended her own life.

At this point, the online novel ceased updating.

Ah, how I yearn for a conclusive ending to this tale…

After all, the true culprit remained unidentified.

With a frustrated sigh, I pondered the situation.

Jubelian, a male voice said.

Jubelian Eloy Floyen: the name of the villainess in the novel—a character that had always vexed me.

Why have you summoned me here? the man asked—it was audacious of him to speak without a shred of remorse.

I can’t believe he has the audacity to keep someone waiting for three hours and offer such a lackluster response.

A female voice admonished the man. I see that you are three hours late.

The man’s face reddened in embarrassment before regaining composure.

Jubelian, he repeated, his tone lowered.

This reaction was expected, for it was likely the first time she had ever defied him.

Did I say something amiss?

Having been an avid reader of the novel, I somehow became Jubelian, the villainess who perished after being forsaken by the male lead.

CHAPTER 2

FAREWELL, OLD LOVE. WELCOME, NEW LIFE!

In my previous life, I was an ordinary college student plagued by a dearth of job prospects.

I must confess that I frequently immersed myself in novels during my spare moments. Nonetheless, I led a diligent existence: working a part-time job, amassing pertinent experience for my desired career; and attaining various certifications, be they in programming or unrelated fields like tea sommeliership or bakery craftsmanship.

Alas, all my efforts were in vain. Had I foreseen that I would be struck by a car on my way to work, I would have allocated more time for personal pursuits.

I often indulged in fantasies of reincarnating into a character of noble lineage. However, never in my wildest imaginings did I envision becoming a villainess, especially one fated to meet a premature demise like Jubelian.

Typically, the reincarnated individuals I read about strived to avert their untimely demise. Yet, thus far, my actions remained faithful to the original narrative.

If only I had realized sooner that I was trapped within this novel.

This was because I only recollected the intricate details of Jubelian’s life later on. It was only three days ago, on the anniversary of my second year with Mikhail, that I suddenly recalled her incessant harassment of him. I also remembered that my future demise was fueled by accusations corroborated by her malevolent conduct.

I used to persistently torment anyone who approached Mikhail.

In the past, Jubelian would throw tantrums and curse at anyone who dared to engage him in conversation. On numerous occasions, she resorted to threats bearing her family’s name.

This behavior was far from ordinary.

As a result, Jubelian, now inhabiting my being, acquired many adversaries.

Thankfully, I found myself at a juncture in the novel where I had yet to encounter other significant characters, such as the princess and the crown prince.

The necessity to amend my conduct was clear and pressing.

I sighed, gazing upon my grim future.

At that moment, I heard a deep voice, laced with annoyance. Are you vexed because I am tardy?

I found myself perplexed by his inquiry.

Had I ever harbored anger towards him? I didn’t believe so.

Mikhail, the man Jubelian loved with all her heart and the novel’s leading male character, stood before me. Yet, my heart remained unnervingly still. A despondent sensation washed over me.

I used to be so enamored with him, but now I felt nothing.

In the past, Jubelian regarded Mikhail as her savior. She yearned for his affection, hanging on to his every word. At the slightest change in his expression, anxiety would grip her—a constant fear that he might abandon her as well.

However, my experiences in the modern world profoundly transformed Jubelian’s persona. I had to shoulder the burden of tuition costs, maintain exemplary grades, search for employment opportunities, and cover living expenses all on my own.

I don't need someone to be my savior. Moreover, I possess the power to mold my own destiny.Having reached this realization, I mustered the courage to speak. I am not angry.

I simply wished to cease wasting any more time and emotions on him.

Jubelian. Mikhail gazed at me with a slightly irritated expression.

Though our relationship had been forcibly initiated, it had endured for two years, nonetheless. I could discern the weight of his words simply from the tone of his voice.

If you continue to fuss over trivial matters in this manner, could it not jeopardize our relationship? His words were not a request but rather a thinly veiled warning. He urged me to stop bothering him.

I maintained my usual innocent smile, except this time, it held genuine sincerity.

I am not angry. When I scolded you for being late, it was merely a joke, I said pleasantly to lighten the atmosphere, but my response displeased him.

He regarded me with a stern expression.

A jest? That does not align with your character. He huffed and observed me wearily. So, why did you summon me here?

Upon witnessing his blatant displeasure, I let out a sigh. Well, I suppose it is only natural for him to be upset. The previous Jubelian often disrupted his training.

Due to her past mistakes, I decided to grant him some leniency.

Mikhail, could you please—"

You mentioned that you only required a brief moment, he interjected before I could finish speaking.

I burst into laughter, but he did not appear amused.

If it is of no great importance, I shall take my leave, Mikhail said.

True to form, Mikhail was about to depart first. He was too impatient to remain in my presence any longer. Despite his impolite demeanor, I understood that fostering enmity with the novel’s leading male character would yield no favorable outcome.

It will only take a minute.

I must depart now. There is a crucial training session I must attend.

When I encountered his icy gaze, irritation surged within me. Ah, what a lamentable situation! I'm not even deemed worthy of five minutes of his attention!

Merely three days prior, I had inquired about his availability out of fear of interrupting his training. Yet today, at our agreed-upon meeting, I had spent three hours waiting in the Imperial Knights’ antechamber. Regardless of my efforts, this man continued to disregard them, valuing only his own time.

Well, there's no reason for me to endure this any longer.

Setting the tone, I lowered my voice. Please, have a seat. It will only take a moment.

I believe I already declined. His voice adopted a menacingly low tone, as if he deemed himself superior in this relationship.

I felt compelled to shatter his illusion. My father is aware that we are meeting today. It would appear odd if you returned so soon.

Mikhail’s expression stiffened upon mentioning my father, his boss, whom he both feared and respected.

Five minutes, he conceded.

Even the mightiest knight held trepidation when facing the sole Sword Master in the empire. Reluctantly, Mikhail obeyed and took a seat.

Perhaps I should've mentioned the duke a bit earlier. A chuckle escaped me as I reminisced about the moments when I had strained so hard to earn the favor of the man before me. All my efforts had been in vain. A straightforward solution had been within grasp all along...

At that moment, I heard a stern voice.

What is so amusing? Mikhail’s countenance exuded annoyance, yet it didn’t matter, now that I no longer sought his goodwill.

For the past two years, we have spent quite a bit of time together. I commenced with a sentimental opening.

He assumed I sought attention from him, interrupting me with a low voice. Did you summon me merely to state that?

He did not permit me to complete my thoughts, already growing impatient. It seemed he truly detested being in my presence.

He's remarkably impatient. I had even prepared a gift for him.

Though disheartened by his words, I offered him an insincere smile that I had learned from my part-time job. You will not be preoccupied anymore.

What are you implying?

His demeanor caused a frown to mar my expression. He is truly unbearable.

Indeed, I longed to utter the words, I shall inform my father of this, and he shall dismiss you. He, too, was aware of Jubelian's influential background, and such a lesson would showcase the authority I held. However, my father would never dismiss a subordinate for whom he cared deeply. If Mikhail and I were to become adversaries, the repercussions would be solely detrimental to myself.

Let us no longer be adversaries. My objective is to lead a long life.

With this affirmation echoing in my mind, I said slowly, I am saying that I shall release you.

At my words, his eyes widened before gradually returning to their normal state. Even the corner of his lips curved slightly, as if he could not fathom my sincerity.

You must be bluffing. Do you expect me to believe that? he asked, in doubt.

I sighed at his cautious demeanor. Very well, it would be futile to say more.

Whether you choose to believe it or not is entirely up to you. I have already expressed what needed to be said.

I turned to leave, but a cold voice halted my departure. Fine, I shall trust you. Just ensure you never cross my path again.

A twinge of satisfaction tugged at the corners of my mouth upon hearing his unexpected words.

I guess the breakup went smoothly. Whatever his reasons, he acknowledged it. A wave of relief washed over me.

Now, my objective was to savor life to the fullest. Though my father remained indifferent towards me, he did not mind funding the opulent lifestyle I enjoyed as his daughter. It would not be amiss to live joyfully, basking in his wealth.

My spirits soared as I envisioned a radiant future. Glancing back at Mikhail, I offered a smile.

I apologize for everything that has transpired thus far. May happiness befall you.

With a heartfelt farewell, I turned away.

In the past, when meeting Mikhail, I often donned elegant yet uncomfortable shoes. The ones adorning my feet today were plain, with low heels.

Was it thanks to these comfortable shoes that I could depart without regret?

She expressed her regrets for everything? Mikhail scoffed as he gazed at the woman’s retreating figure. Nonsense. This must be a ploy to capture my attention.

He was certain that she would turn back, returning to him. However, contrary to his expectations, she continued walking without sparing him another glance. As she vanished from sight, he clenched his fists.

Was she sincere?

Jubelian Eloy Floyen.

Without a doubt, she possessed incomparable beauty, despite her troubled state of mind. For the past two years, he had endured her actions, which she justified in the name of love. She followed him wherever he went, exhibiting hostility towards those with whom he interacted, and rejoiced even at the slightest bit of attention he bestowed upon her. She resembled a dog—a foolish creature that wagged its tail despite being pushed away, showering affection upon its master even when unreciprocated.

Though it proved considerably vexing, he tolerated her due to the attention he received from her father and his idol, Duke Floyen.

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mikhail, the duke had stated upon their initial meeting. Moreover, her presence effectively deterred other bothersome women from approaching him.