The anger in Askin’s eyes made me shudder.
"Impressive," he spat, his voice trembling with a quiet, lethal rage. "Is this why you’ve been acting so differently? Was it all just a setup for this grand announcement?"
"No! Wait, just listen to me for one second!" I shouted over the downpour. "Please!"
"I don't want to listen to you anymore," he said, turning away.
The sound of the rain was like a thousand needles hitting the ground. I sighed, a bitter, hollow laugh escaping my lips.
"When have you ever actually listened to me?" I whispered. "I know you have no obligation to. But please... I really tried. I really did."
I was grateful for the rain. The cold drops hitting my cheeks were the only thing hiding the warm tears that finally began to fall.
"My grandfather... I never imagined he would do something like this," I said, my voice thin and fragile.
Askin hesitated for a split second, then scoffed. "Your family has always exceeded my worst expectations. Today’s event was hardly a surprise."
'You're lying,' I thought, rubbing my cheek. 'If you weren't surprised, you wouldn't be this angry.'
But Askin didn't give me a chance to explain further. "It was quite a performance, Princess. But now that the truth is out, we can finally end this farce. Consider the engagement broken."
His voice was colder than the rain. I felt a sharp, stabbing pain in my chest. He was sincere. He really believed I’d set him up.
Finally, I couldn't hold it back anymore. I cried. I knew it was unfair to feel resentful toward him—he was the victim here—but I couldn't help it.
"I went into debt to help your estate!" I screamed into the storm. "I wanted to impress you! I wanted to show you I’d changed! Was it really so hard to give me a single chance?"
I couldn't see his face through the wall of tears. I expected him to look at me with that same cold indifference, as if I were just throwing another tantrum.
"Fine! Do whatever you want! You're the good guy here, aren't you? You're so perfect!" I laughed through the sobs, a jagged, desperate sound. "I’m sorry I’m such a mess. I’m sorry I’m not who you want me to be."
I wasn't Charlize. But for a brief moment, I’d actually admired Askin’s integrity. I’d wanted to be someone he could respect.
"Eat well and live well, you son of a bitch!" I shouted, turning my back on him. I didn't want him to see me like this.
I walked away, my shoulders shaking. 'What does it matter anymore?' I thought. 'No one is watching. I don't have to pretend to be strong.'
I collapsed into a sobbing mess, crying like a lost child in the middle of the Imperial grounds.
* * *
"Seriously, that is a pathetic sight."
Loxdian stood in a covered corridor, watching the Princess cry in the rain like a drowning mouse. He clicked his tongue in mock disapproval.
'If she’s finally done with that boring guy, she should be laughing. Why is she crying? Pathetic.'
Noah stood beside him, looking worried. "Your Majesty... didn't you bring that umbrella for the Princess?"
"..."
Loxdian was indeed holding a large, expensive umbrella that he didn't need in the sheltered hallway. At Noah's words, he tossed it aside.
"Are you going to go out there and play the hero?" Noah asked.
"Why bother?" Loxdian nodded toward Charlize. "Can't you see? She wouldn't want anyone to see her like this. Her pride is the only thing she has left."
Noah sighed. He knew Loxdian was right—Charlize would probably rather die than show her vulnerability to the court.
"Let’s go back before we catch our own deaths out here," Loxdian said, whistling as he turned back toward the palace.
The discarded umbrella rolled across the floor, forgotten. But as Loxdian disappeared into the building, a hand reached out and picked it up.
* * *
The rain was relentless. 'At least it drowns out my crying,' I thought, wiping my eyes.
I’d been sobbing for what felt like hours, but luckily the path was deserted. If anyone had seen the "Evil Princess" like this, the rumors would have been even worse.
'It doesn't matter. Everything is ruined anyway.'
I straightened my back and turned to head toward the carriage. I needed to cover my face, to pretend I hadn't been crying. But as I turned, I slammed into what felt like a solid stone wall.
"Ugh, what now?" I muttered, stumbling back.
My dress was heavy, my head was spinning from the alcohol and the emotional exhaustion. I was about to fall when a pair of strong arms caught me.
Suddenly, the rain stopped hitting me. I looked up and saw a familiar face.
"You're going to catch a cold," a soft, friendly voice said.
I felt a surge of irritation. Why was he being so kind? It was dangerous to be vulnerable right now.
Ian Niño was holding the umbrella over me, his face full of concern.
"Get your hands off me," I snapped, trying to pull away.
Ian didn't move. His smile faltered for a second, his expression hardening as he looked into my eyes. It was like he was seeing the real me for the first time. Then, just as quickly, the mask of the "soft and sensitive" nobleman returned.
"It’s pouring," he said gently. "You shouldn't be out here without an umbrella."
I didn't miss the flicker of emotion in his eyes. It was sympathy.
*Slap!*
My hand moved before I could stop it. The old Charlize’s reflex was too strong—she detested being pitied more than anything.
"Do I look like a joke to you?" I hissed.
I was certain I was going to die soon anyway. All my plans for survival were in tatters. I didn't care who I offended anymore.
Surprisingly, Ian didn't look angry. He just turned his face back toward me, the red mark of my hand clearly visible on his cheek. His smile hadn't changed at all. It was unnerving.
He held the umbrella out to me. "I apologize. It was a mistake to touch you without permission. I was just worried."
When I didn't take the umbrella, he pressed it into my hand.
"I don't need this," I said, throwing the umbrella onto the ground. I didn't want his help. I didn't want anyone's help.
If my grandfather really intended for this man to be my next fiancé, I needed to stay as far away from him as possible. Not that it mattered—I’d probably be dead before the new engagement could even be finalized.
I turned and started walking toward the carriage, my head down. 'I just want a warm bath and a bed,' I thought. 'I’ll figure out how to die tomorrow.'
I’d only taken a few steps when I felt something warm and heavy settle over my shoulders.
I turned to see Ian standing there in just his shirt and vest. He’d draped his jacket over me. He gave me a wide, fox-like smile.
"Do you like the rain, Princess?"
"...No."
"I like it too," he said, ignoring my rejection.
I tried to pull the jacket off, but he grabbed my shoulders, holding it in place. I glared at him, trying to look as fierce as possible.
"Wow, I’m sorry," he said, feigning a look of terror. "I’ve offended you again. I suppose I should prepare for another two or three slaps? But please, keep the jacket on. It looks much better on you than on me."
He kept his hands on my shoulders and began to guide me calmly toward the carriage.