Review: FATHER, I DON’T WANT THIS MARRIAGE, Vols. 1 & 2 is full of misunderstandings, mayhem, and Max in disguise

Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage, Vols. 1 & 2

Story: Hong Heesu (Adaptation by Yuri)
Art: Roal
Publisher: Inklore (Print & Digital Vol. 1, Vol. 2)
Translation: C&C Revolution
Publication Date: August 6, 2024 (Vol. 1), February 25, 2025 (Vol. 2)
Rating: Teen
Genre: Manhwa, Webtoon, Fiction Graphic Novels

This review contains spoilers for Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage, Vols. 1 & 2. I received a free copy from Inklore in exchange for a review.

Juvelian is a villainess so universally hated that when she is accused of jealously poisoning the princess of the Ashet Empire, her own father leaves her to die a traitor’s death. Faced with the threat of interrogation by the infamously tyrannical Crown Prince Maximillian, she takes her own life.

And that’s how the story ends–or at least, that’s how it was supposed to end. Now a reborn Juvelian has joined the cast, and she is determined to rewrite the finale. But even if she manages to change the ending, she will still need to contend with her father’s feral protege–a young man who sees juvelian as an obstacle to his dangerous amibitions.

Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage, Vol. 1

Volume 1 collects episodes 1-14 of the webcomic.

Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage wastes no time plunging readers into drama, betrayal, and the emotional wreckage of a young noblewoman’s downfall. Volume 1 opens with Juvelian desperately pleading with her cold and distant father, begging him to believe she did not poison the princess. Though she loathes the royal, Juvelian is no fool—she knows how dangerous such an act would be. Still, her father sends her to the dreaded Chamber of Shadows and, in a chilling moment, offers her a dagger with the simple instruction: “Use this.”

Alone in the dungeon and utterly heartbroken, Juvelian realizes her father has never loved her. When the infamous Crown Prince arrives, threatening torture to uncover why she would hurt his sister, she uses the dagger—not against him, but to take her own life.

And then… we join the very much still alive Juvelian in the next scene.

In a jarring but satisfying twist, Juvelian finds herself sipping tea in an earlier moment of her life, facing her fiancé, Mikhail, who had previously thrown her aside for the princess. This time, she beats him to the punch, calmly ending their engagement and wishing him well. It’s a bold moment of character growth, especially for fans of the “villainess turned heroine” genre.

Juvelian’s relationship with her father, Duke Floyen, takes a surprising turn next. Due to a misunderstanding, he believes she’s heartbroken over Mikhail and begins attempting to comfort her with some very awkward and adorably misguided bonding time. Though Juvelian remembers the cold, unforgiving man from her previous life, this new version of him begins to show signs of tenderness.

Enter Max: her father’s mysterious, red-eyed protégé. After a chance meeting during a shopping trip, Max becomes curious about Juvelian. Under the assumption that he’s a penniless wanderer, she generously invites him to stay with her until he makes his fortune, much to his amusement. Originally intending to kill her to sever his master’s emotional ties, Max finds himself completely thrown off by Juvelian’s warmth and wit. Their budding connection adds a touch of romantic tension and humor to the story, balancing the emotional gravity of Juvelian’s past.

Meanwhile, Mikhail continues to pine (and act like a jerk), sending increasingly rude letters in an attempt to win Juvelian back—letters her father promptly orders to be burned. Honestly? Good riddance.

Juvelian is also determined to avoid the “death flags” from her past life. One key decision? Attending Rose Arlo’s birthday party. With renewed purpose, Juvelian commissions a soon-to-be-famous artist, Ian Fiodore, to create a custom gift. She also picks out a pair of cufflinks for her father, though Mikhail, ever the narcissist, assumes they’re for a new man and spirals further.

Volume 1 ends on a strong note, with a heartfelt creator’s message thanking readers for their support—and by that point, it’s easy to understand why this series has gained such a passionate fanbase.

As someone who originally read Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage when it debuted on Tappytoon, I was instantly hooked by the breathtaking artwork and nuanced characters. I’m a sucker for villainess/redemption arcs, and Juvelian’s transformation—from desperate and unloved to confident and clever—is deeply satisfying to watch unfold. Every character, even the side ones, feels carefully designed and fleshed out.

Volume 1 sets the stage brilliantly, and while Juvelian’s second chance at life seems promising, the tension makes it clear that things won’t stay peaceful for long. You can feel the twists coming—you just don’t know from where.

I can’t wait to dive into Volume 2.

Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage, Vol. 2

Volume. 2 collects episodes 15-31 of the webcomic.

Volume 2 of Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage kicks off with what this series does best: misunderstandings, romantic tension, and enough dramatic irony to make you want to shake the characters (affectionately, of course). Right from the start, Juvelian and Max clash over her gift of cufflinks—Max wrongly assumes they’re for her loathsome ex-fiancé, Mikhail, and immediately judges her for clinging to a toxic relationship. Juvelian, rightfully annoyed, clarifies they’re actually a gift for her father, leading Max to breathe a very suspiciously relieved sigh. (Admit it, Max—you’re falling hard.)

Meanwhile, Duke Floyen gets word from one of his knights that his daughter “misses” him (which she never says, lol), and this sets off a whole new wave of doting father antics. Juvelian writes a sincere letter of apology and attempts to deliver the cufflinks, only to stumble upon a list of potential suitors… including the Crown Prince himself. Alarm bells are ringing in her head, and naturally, this leads to more miscommunication.

In a surprising reveal, we learn that Max isn’t just the duke’s mysterious protégé—he’s actually the Crown Prince. (Cue dramatic music.) Summoned back to the palace, Max departs but not before leaving Juvelian a note promising to return.

As the story unfolds, we get several fun layers of parallel misunderstandings. Duke Floyen wants to protect Juvelian from unworthy men. Max is investigating her love life while hiding his real identity. Juvelian, determined to avoid trouble and gossip, prepares to attend Lady Rose’s birthday with a safe, scandal-free partner—her cousin. Duke Floyen interprets her thoughtful cufflink gift as a signal he’s the chosen escort (lol), and Max? He’s stuck in a love-struck spiral and genuinely wonders if he’s losing his mind.

Lady Rose’s party ends up being a huge moment for Juvelian. Her thoughtful and well-received gift earns her the title “Angel of Floyen,” and thanks to Lady Rose’s defense after Juvelian is carried out by her father mid-event, our heroine’s social status skyrockets. But not everything is sunshine and roses—Max and Juvelian share a brief, charged dance before Duke Floyen interrupts, crushing a wine glass in pure dad-mode fury. Despite the drama, Juvelian’s popularity explodes afterward, and she’s suddenly drowning in party invites.

Volume 2 wraps up with one last juicy twist: Juvelian proposes a contract relationship with Max—still unaware of his true identity—hoping to avoid an arranged marriage with none other than Maximillian Cassian Ashet, aka the tyrant Crown Prince. Max is completely caught off guard, especially when Juvelian passionately declares she’d rather be alone forever than marry a sadist like him. Oof. Someone hand this man a drink or two.

The irony continues as Duke Floyen gently encourages Juvelian to read more about the Crown Prince, trying to dissuade her from marrying him. Naturally, she misunderstands again, assuming her father is pushing her toward the marriage.

The volume ends on a cliffhanger with Juvelian defending a disguised Max during a shopping trip, standing up to a snobby noble. While I personally wish they had ended Volume 2 a few pages later (fans of the webcomic will know what I mean), I still thoroughly enjoyed the pacing, the emotional beats, and, of course, the chef’s kiss artwork. Every panel is a visual treat, and even characters like the insufferable Mikhail are drawn with stunning detail.

The evolving trio dynamic between Juvelian, Max, and Duke Floyen continues to shine. Their intersecting goals, misunderstandings, and heartfelt moments keep the tension alive while still delivering laughs and “aww” moments galore.

Father, I Don’t Want This Marriage, Volume 3 dropped on April 22, and you can bet I’ll be diving in the moment I get the chance. This series keeps getting better, and with every chapter, I’m more invested in Juvelian’s journey—and how long it’ll take before she finds out who Max really is.