The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 29

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 29

Gabriella nodded eagerly at Selena’s suggestion. They were currently seated at an outdoor tea table in the Imperial Garden, surrounded only by maids, while the knights were stationed further out. This was why it was difficult to see Dominic Dixon within the Imperial Palace; the knights were usually guarding outside. However, they could naturally encounter the knights while taking a stroll. Selena quickly finished her tea and dessert and began to walk around the vast Imperial Garden with Gabriella.

“How are you doing with Sir Dixon these days, Your Highness?”

“It’s the same as always. He’s always considerate and takes care of me, but I’m too timid to express my feelings.” Gabriella laughed, blushing and embarrassed. Selena, still unsure about Dominic, was relieved. It seemed like the princess’s heart fluttered easily. She couldn’t let Dominic get close to her until she was certain.

“Oh, how do you see Sir Dixon, Lady Selena? I’ve been wanting to ask, but I couldn’t because he was always close by due to the escort,” Gabriella asked with a gentle smile. Selena hesitated for a moment. It was too early to tell the princess directly.

“He’s both what I expected and not what I expected.”

“Really? What was different from what you expected?”

“Well, I didn’t feel he was just kind,” Selena replied carefully. If she said Dominic was only kind to Gabriella, she might misunderstand and think she was being given special treatment. She tried to be as vague as possible to avoid giving the princess any reason to be smitten.

“He’s someone with a clear and decisive side.”

“Oh, is that so? I’ve never thought of him that way, so it’s a bit surprising.” Gabriella seemed to be lost in thought for a moment, as if her unexpected answer had taken her by surprise. Her profile, with her eyes slightly lowered, was elegant and beautiful. And somehow, it reminded her of Maximilian, her older brother. Oh, she shouldn’t be thinking about the Crown Prince here.

Selena shuddered slightly, recalling Maximilian’s fierce gaze from the last time she saw him.

Meanwhile, Gabriella, after finishing her thoughts, spoke.

“Did Sir Dixon ever behave rudely to you, Lady Selena?”

“What?” Selena’s eyes widened at the unexpected question. Had she suddenly become perceptive? Gabriella hadn’t noticed Dominic’s preferential kindness towards her even when they were together. Was she blind with love, or did she not even notice Dominic not holding the door for Selena? But now, with this sudden question, Selena wondered if the princess’s love-stricken heart had regained its wits.

“Ah, now that I think about it after hearing what you said. It seems like Sir Dixon might have been a little bit like that.” Gabriella laughed awkwardly and then spoke in a serious tone.

“Above all, you are my friend, Lady Selena. If he did that, I will warn him.”

“For me? Really?”

“Of course. I value friendship as much as love.”

“Your Highness…” Selena looked at Gabriella with admiration. She was glad that Gabriella hadn’t misunderstood her words and had even regained some of her perception, and even more so, that she was on her side rather than Dominic.

‘I can’t help it, I really have to become friends with the princess.’

Selena had secretly regarded Gabriella as just a client and had taken her words about being friends lightly. But she had changed her mind. Selena’s way was to give her heart when she received someone’s sincerity.

“Your Highness, then…” Selena was about to tell Gabriella about Dominic’s strange behavior as a true friend, when they stopped near a fountain with a statue. As they stood there, the statue next to the fountain swayed slightly forward and then fell right on top of their heads.

“Your Highness, danger!”

“The statue…!”

“Oh my, Your Highness!” The maids screamed, their familiar voices echoing. Gabriella instinctively raised her head and froze at the sight of the falling statue. Selena realized that she was closer to the statue than Gabriella and reached out her hand. She pulled Gabriella’s arm, switching their positions, and fell to the side, shielding Gabriella as they both fell.

“Your Highness, Your Highness!”

“What to do, someone go get the doctor!”

“Everyone, take care of the Princess first!” Amidst the cacophony of panicked voices searching for the Princess, Selena calmly rose from her fall and checked on Gabriella.

“Your Highness, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?”

“I, I’m fine. I’m more worried about you…” Gabriella, startled by the sudden turn of events, couldn’t finish her sentence. Noticing her trembling, Selena was about to reassure her when someone abruptly intervened, pushing between them.

“Your Highness, are you alright?!”

“Ah, Sir Dixon…”

It was none other than Dominic. He turned his back on Selena and knelt before Gabriella, effectively blocking her from Selena’s view.

“Your Highness, your complexion isn’t good! We need to see a doctor immediately!”

“T-the maids have summoned the doctor, so please take care of Lady Irving…”