Chapter 2: The Wedding That Was Never Real

I went along with Cheryl's mission to win my heart because I also wanted to escape my early death ending.

I ignored the fact that she was a tasker sent to win me over and dated her as if we were an ordinary couple.

She would willfully lace her fingers through mine as we walked down the street, rise on her tiptoes in deserted corners to ask for a kiss, and whisper "I love you" into my ear over and over again.

She said it so often that I fell into a trance, convincing myself I really had someone who loved me.

Three years into our relationship, I made it safely past my 25th birthday, successfully rewriting the tragic ending the original story had planned for me.

But my affection level for her never quite maxed out.

Cheryl grew anxious. After an intimate night together, she urgently questioned the System.

"I even went as far as sleeping with him. Why isn't the mission complete yet? He was clearly caught up in the moment, wasn't he?"

I lay beside her, my racing heartbeat still not fully settled, quietly listening as she and the System discussed it for quite a while.

They finally reached the conclusion that what I might want was a formal marriage.

"Kevin is old-fashioned," she told the System. "He wants a real home. He wants a marriage that's recognized and blessed by everyone."

Cheryl decided to get a marriage certificate with me and plan a perfect wedding, so I could have the home I had always dreamed of.

She handled every detail herself, crafting a breathtakingly romantic ceremony.

I still remember that day. She was in a pure white gown, holding a bouquet of lilies as she stepped through the floral arch and walked down the aisle toward me.

That was the first time I ever saw her smile with genuine joy. Her eyes shone like stars, glistening with what looked like tears, and her dimples were sweet enough to drown my parched soul.

"So, this is what she looks like when she's truly happy," I thought.

I stood there like a statue, completely forgetting what came next in the ceremony.

"No wonder the groom is standing there stunned! The bride's smile is absolutely breathtaking. I think we're all starstruck! Let's give a huge round of applause for the happy couple!"

The emcee's jokes drew laughter from the entire room. Amid the applause and blessings, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope.

At that moment, was her heart finally beating for me? Even if it was only for that single moment.

But a split second later, I heard the System's voice. "Kevin's affection level for you is skyrocketing! It's at 99%. Once you exchange rings, the mission is as good as done!"

Cheryl was overjoyed. "Great! The buildup today was totally worth it. The second we swap rings, I'm out of here. I'm even taking this wedding dress back with me."

The realization hit me like a physical blow. Her happiness was all about completing the mission. Even the dress she had carefully chosen was only meant to be worn back to another world.

The joy that had swelled in my chest instantly receded like a retreating tide.

I couldn't suppress the agony and the disappointment knotting in my gut.

The System suddenly informed Cheryl that my affection level was plummeting.

I watched her smile falter for a fraction of a second, stiffening into a mask before shifting back into that perfect, practiced grin I knew so well.

She took a deep breath, looked me straight in the eye, and began her vows. "Honey, you're my soulmate and my only love. I promise to laugh with you and cry with you. Through the best of times and the worst, in prosperity and in hardship, I'll be by your side forever."

She knew me too well. Every word hit me right in my weakest spot, and I couldn't stop the tears from welling in my eyes.

I took out the ring and slid it onto her slender finger with the reverence of a sacred rite.

The System's voice rang out in my ears again. "It's working, Cheryl! His affection level is climbing back up. That was a masterstroke!"

Cheryl's internal tone was smug. "Told you. He's a sucker for sentimental stuff. Just hurry up and hit 100% already. I'm honestly so sick of him."

So, it was all fake. Not a single word of those vows was true.

My affection level dropped again. Cheryl failed to complete the mission at the wedding as she had hoped and was forced to stay.