The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 22

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Chapter 22

“Would it be acceptable if it is not marriage?”

“Pardon?”

“You have consistently opposed marriage. So, wouldn’t it be okay if they were merely dating?”

Since Gabriella had no intention of marrying Dominique Dixon, their relationship will remain at the dating stage, so there should be no issue at hand. As Selena suppressed a smirk, the confident visage of Maximilian contorted ever so slightly.

He retorted sharply, “Not even dating.”

“Why?”

“Because Gabriella is naive, easily swayed, and foolish. If Dominique Dixon proposed marriage, she would undoubtedly fall headlong into it.”

Maximilian’s assertion left Selena bewildered by his underestimation and disregard for his younger sister.

“The princess is not that kind of person,” Selena muttered softly. “She herself said to me that she harbors no thoughts of marriage.”

Even if, by some chance, she were to consider it, it would ultimately be her decision. So, what could possibly be the problem? Sir Dixon is no ordinary man either.

Maximilian fixed his gaze on her coldly, his features chiseled in perfect symmetry. He was the crown prince, so Gabriella had a duty to her one and only brother—that was to lend him her support.

If she were to pursue marriage out of her own will, it would not bode well for her future as a princess.

“Give up the commission while you still can. There is a limit to how much I can give you,” Maximilian warned, looking straight at her in a warning that bordered on threatening.

In response, Selena stared boldly into Maximilian’s eyes, undeterred. “No, I will continue with the princess’ request.”

Selena didn’t want to deceive anyone. However, if she were to heed Maximilian’s words, she would be deceiving the princess’ wishes from behind her back. She could not, under any circumstances, simply comply with Maximilian’s will.

A sigh escaped Maximilian’s lips, his frustration apparent as he ruffled his perfectly groomed hair. Selena’s refusal seemed to agitate him greatly.

“Do you wish Gabriela’s life to be ruined? I won’t tolerate it, as I’m her brother.”

“Then why don’t you personally approach the princess and make her abandon the request?”

“Why should I? It’s my loss.”

“If I cancel it, it will be my loss too. If Your Highness cannot be truthful, then there is no other choice but to continue.”

Selena’s smile broadened, a self-assured expression on her face.

“Furthermore, I cannot tolerate anyone obstructing the love of others for their own sake. Please do not dismiss love so easily.”

“….”

Maximilian’s face contorted abruptly at her words. Sinister energy emanated from his reddened eyes. As the prince’s gaze turned chillingly fierce, Selena’s resolve, once blooming, quickly withered.

Perhaps she needed to cancel it after all…? Selena anxiously recalled that he was one of the potential suitors who could potentially end her life.

‘Is he planning to kill me even before our marriage?’

Observing his glare as if he could kill her, she began to entertain the possibility. Selena clutched her dress tightly, contemplating an escape through the terrace door if matters deteriorated further.

“You dare to whine in my presence, Selena Irving.”

“….”

“Fine, if you are so confident, go ahead and do as you please.”

“…What?” Selena failed to comprehend his unexpected statement.

“Yes, if both you and Gabriella possess the same blind eye when it comes to men, then act as you wish, regardless of whether I accept the request or not.”

“…!”

Gasp! Selena covered her mouth. How could he suddenly allow such a thing?

In a state of bewilderment, she stood there frozen, and Maximilian approached her to whisper, “However, if things go well with that guy, I won’t just stand idly by.”

“…?”

Wait a minute; hold on. He told her to do as she pleased, but was this really what he really meant?

‘Look at him… doing as he pleases!’

Just as Selena was about to protest, Maxmillion raised his hand and tousled her hair. Selena, whose mouth was half-open, flinched and became stiff.

Her long, brown tresses flowed gently through the slender gaps between his fingers. He gently brushed away the slightly disheveled strand, tucking it behind her ear.

‘What…?’ Amidst the unexpected action, Selena looked up at Maxmillion.

Besides feeling uncomfortable, she couldn’t shake off her sense of familiarity with his touch.

Maximilian, who had been gazing silently at Selena, who was keeping her eyes downcast, finally parted his lips in a subdued tone.

“Dominique Dixon is nothing more than a cunning man.”

After giving Selena’s hair one final stroke, he withdrew his hand and turned away. Without even a perfunctory farewell, he simply walked out onto the terrace.

‘Huh…’

Left all alone, Selena let out a belatedly chilled breath and blinked her eyes.

‘’He truly is unbelievable…’

* * *

On that day, as soon as Selena stepped out of the terrace, she headed straight back home. She no longer had the will or drive to remain at the party.

Until the following morning, she pondered over the prince’s contradictory words and sought the opinions of Lucy and Randy at work. Their reactions were vastly different.

“Does it mean he’ll kill you if you truly act as you please?” That was Lucy’s opinion.

“Maybe he meant it quite literally, telling the Boss to simply act as she pleases.” That was Randy’s opinion.

Selena found herself more inclined towards Lucy’s line of thinking. The prince was not a mere person who spoke without any hidden implications, like Randy.

Only someone genuinely kind and good-hearted like Randy would speak so openly.

Nevertheless, just to be safe, Selena decided to inquire about one more person. And that person happened to be none other than Lemon, who was as innocent, kind, and endearing as Randy.

“Lemon, what do you think?” After recounting the story and seeking his opinion, Lemon pondered earnestly and finally responded.

“In my view, it would be best for Lady Selena to act as you please.”

“As expected of you, Lemon.” Selena applauded, clapping her hands together. In truth, Lemon’s response was precisely what she desired.

It was the crown prince who told her not to connect them, but it was also the crown prince who told her to do as she pleased, and Selena really wanted to do as she pleased.

“However, it’s somewhat concerning that His Highness referred to Sir Dixon as a cunning person in the end. Regardless of Maximillian’s opposition to Dominique for his own benefit, there must have been a reason behind his choice of words.” Read ahead here.