Starting Off Survival With A Small Treehouse - Chapter 51: Preparations Before the Event

He always told me that he dreamed of me at night.

[Warning: Mature Content]Shuri Lee never imagined her quiet, unassuming life would lead her to Noran Kingston, a world-renowned pianist admired for his brilliance. Despite her humble background and the Kingston family’s disdain, their love was pure and unstoppable. Against all odds, they eloped, creating a life of quiet joy—until tragedy struck.Shuri’s life was cruelly taken, leaving Noran broken and consumed by vengeance. In his grief, he destroyed those responsible before ending his own life, desperate to reunite with her.But fate granted him a second chance.Awakening years earlier at the peak of his fame, Noran vows to rewrite their story. This time, he will protect Shuri at any cost. “I’ll never let you go, Rin. Not again.”No longer just a pianist, Noran builds a global empire to shield her from harm. But as he reshapes their future, he discovers that Shuri carries secrets—hidden truths that could still tear them apart.

It’s been 11 years since I’ve lived for others and not for me.

The moment I cried out wanting to get away from my exhausting life, I opened my eyes in the body of some Count’s 20-year-old daughter.

Since this happened, I decided to live my life freely as a single woman.

But…

“I need a lady to act as my fake wife for a certain period of time.”

“A contract marriage?”

“The term is one year. When the time is up, I’ll give you divorce with no strings attached.”

The Duke of the Empire whom I had happened to meet at a ball was hitting on me.

Turns out he’s no other than the Emperor’s beloved brother, Duke Scade!

Hold on, it’s just going to end in a clean divorce with no strings attached?

“You should also give me alimony. Give me one of the best lands of the Ducal household with 10 years’ worth of profit.”

“…..What?”

“If you don’t want to do that, then we cannot get married.”

This time I’m going to live a life taking care of the things I need first!

***

“I’ll escort you since it’s late.”

Where to? My bedroom is just around the corner.

“Tonight, I’ll do my best.”

No, I don’t need you to do that.

“Did you just look at that man?”

Excuse me, Duke, you said it’s for a limited time only, so why do you keep obsessing over me?