The FL and her mother discover a novel that reveals the future. Fearing for her daughter's safety, her mother warns her to stay away from the main characters. The novel tells the story of the original FL, who was kidnapped and missing for fifteen years before finally returning—only to be shunned by the nobility due to rumors about her time living among commoners.

The story grows darker when the original FL meets a duke who falls in love with her at first sight. After learning that she alone can calm his curse, he becomes obsessed and resorts to cruel schemes to keep her by his side. When his efforts fail, his curse runs rampant, driving him mad and ultimately killing him after he attempts to mu*der the prince who protected her.

In the present, the FL begins dating a man she believes to be a foreign merchant in order to drive away a persistent harasser. After he rescues her, a night together brings them physically closer, and they continue dating for three months before she ends the relationship.

Later, the FL accidentally witnesses the duke's hidden curse and discovers the terrifying truth: her ex-boyfriend is the villain of the novel. Claiming their breakup only happened because she didn't know his true identity, he insists there is no reason to separate. Now that she knows his secret, he declares that the only option left for her is marriage.

Terrified, the FL attempts to flee but is caught. With no way out, she delays the engagement, planning to give her answer after the imperial banquet—when the duke is destined to meet the original FL and fall in love with her.

Instead, the duke collapses before her, and the FL somehow manages to calm his curse. Afterward, she investigates it further, wondering if she herself might be able to save him. However, doubt lingers when she realizes the duke may have fallen for the original FL—the very person she asked to hold his hand to stabilize him, and the one he woke up because of.

When the FL turns around, the duke is standing behind her. Shocked and worried about his condition, she embraces him and bombards him with questions. The ML is equally surprised, joy flickering in his eyes. He takes her away and tells her that he has already secured the emperor's approval. From now on, she will live with him to prepare for marriage.

Reluctantly, the FL moves in, resentment lingering as she convinces herself their relationship will eventually end. When the original FL and her father come to visit, jealousy drives her to drink alone in her room. That night, she ends up in the ML's room, where they spend a passionate night together.