Karenina's Story

Karenina actually understood what happened. She knew Nicholas didn't love her and hoped she would break their engagement. She was not dumb. However, she chose not to take the hint.

How could she ask the king to end their betrothal? She was pressured by her father and her extended family. They relied on her to elevate their family's status.

She also had to carry the shame if those other noblewomen, who were jealous of her luck, mocked her further. By agreeing to the engagement five years ago, Karenina had made herself subject to so many jealousy and awful gossips.

She was between a rock and a hard place. If she insisted on being the king's fiancee, she would have to suffer silently because he didn't love her. And if she broke off their engagement, she would also suffer all kinds of humiliation.

Wouldn't it be better for her to suffer but still get the king in the end? At least her suffering would mean something.