The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 42

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 42

Charlotte flinched, her voice softening. “I… I wouldn’t know, would I?”

“You and the Prince are no longer engaged. Whoever he chooses to be close to is none of your business, Lady Flotte.” Selena stated the objective truth in a monotonous tone. They had broken off their engagement weeks ago; Charlotte had forfeited any right to be involved in his personal life.

Charlotte bit her lip, her teeth gnawing at the pale flesh. In a strained voice, she attempted to retaliate.

“That may be true, but… but you know, it hasn’t even been that long since the broken engagement…!”

“Are you saying it’s unethical? What about you, Lady Charlotte? How long was it between His Highness’s broken engagement and yours?”

Charlotte had approached Maximilian a week after his previous engagement fell apart, and they were engaged within a month. When she thought about it, Charlotte was the one who had acted unethically. As Selena clearly reminded her of this fact, Charlotte’s body trembled.

“To begin with, His Highness and I are not in the kind of relationship you’re implying, and I find it offensive to be misunderstood. Just because you acted that way doesn’t mean everyone else would have.”

“…!”

“And don’t think that the power you gained as the Crown Prince’s fiancée will last forever.” Selena looked down at Charlotte with cold eyes.

Truthfully, considering only their families, Charlotte was in no position to challenge Selena. The Irving family was far more prestigious and had a longer history than the Flotte family. The only thing that gave Charlotte a temporary shield was the fact that she had been the Crown Prince’s fiancée.

“Sob…” A faint sob escaped Charlotte, who had been unable to refute Selena’s words.

“Are you crying?”

“Sob…” As Selena questioned her with astonishment, Charlotte fully covered her face with her hands and began to sob. Muffled sounds came from behind her hands.

“You don’t understand. I truly love His Highness.”

At her words, Selena let out a scoff. “And you’re going to continue living like this? Hating and badmouthing anyone who even breathes near His Highness?”

Instead of answering, Charlotte plopped down and let the tears flow freely. Seeing her like this, Selena felt a twinge of pity and spoke in a softer voice.

“I know you’re hurting from the broken engagement, Lady Charlotte. But if you don’t want to keep torturing yourself, you need to let go, no matter how hard it is.”

“.…”

“I’m truly saying this for your own good.”

There was no point in clinging to Maximilian. The moment he had a new fiancée, the previous one became nothing. Moreover, people wouldn’t pity or sympathize with Charlotte forever. It would only tarnish her reputation, just like it did for all of Maximilian’s previous fiancées.

“As I said, His Highness and I are not involved in any way, so please stop with the misunderstandings.”

“But what about the forehead kiss…?” Someone blurted out, oblivious to the atmosphere.

Selena gritted her teeth. “That was just… His Highness whispering something to me. And it was about Her Highness, no less.”

“Ah….”

With that, everyone fell silent, at a loss for words. Suddenly, Charlotte, who had been clutching her dress and sobbing, jumped up and ran out of the tent. No one had a chance to stop her.

Watching Charlotte disappear, Selena thought, ‘She couldn’t even apologize before running off.’

Though annoyed, Selena had no desire to chase after a crying lady and demand an apology. She quietly sat down and spoke to the other ladies, who were now looking at her nervously.

“From now on, if you have something to say, say it to me directly. Don’t gang up on someone. It’s an unsightly thing to do, don’t you agree?”

“…!” The ladies stiffened. Some even choked on their tea and started coughing. Unlike before, their eyes were downcast, unable to meet Selena’s gaze.

“Just so you know, if today’s events get twisted and spread around, I’ll know who to thank. And I will do my best to spread my own version of the story. Keep that in mind.”

“…What will you say?” someone cautiously asked.

Selena smiled sweetly. “Well… that you were all so enamored with His Highness that you tried to get close to Her Highness? Or that you enjoy bullying others? Oh, but that wouldn’t be spreading rumors, would it? It would be telling the truth.” She tilted her head.

The ladies were speechless. Honestly, what she said was close to the truth. Seeing their subdued expressions, Selena felt a sense of relief.

‘Good. At least the rumor about me and the Crown Prince being a couple with her won’t spread.’

She would rather have the ridiculous rumor about dating ten men at the same time than be linked romantically with Maximilian.

For a while, only the clinking of teacups could be heard in the tent. The silence was finally broken when Gabriella returned.

“I apologize for being late.” Looking around the quiet tent with a puzzled expression, she noticed the empty seat. “Where’s Lady Flotte?”

“She wasn’t feeling well and excused herself,” Selena answered on behalf of the silent ladies.

“Oh, really? What’s wrong…?”

“She mentioned having a bit of a headache. Actually, now that I look around, everyone seems a bit under the weather. Perhaps we should end today’s gathering here?” Selena gently suggested.

The mood couldn’t be salvaged after what had transpired. And it wouldn’t be polite to make it obvious that they were uncomfortable in the Princess’s presence. It was best to wrap things up naturally.

The other ladies seemed to agree, as no one objected to Selena’s suggestion and remained quiet.

“Let’s do that then. It’s a shame to cut it short, but it’s for the best.”

“Thank you for understanding, Your Highness.”

“Not at all. Everyone looks tired. Please go back and get some rest.”

Gabriella saw the ladies out one by one. Selena was the last to leave the tent, and she bowed to the Princess.

“Until next time, Your Highness.”

“One moment, Lady Irving. If you have something to say, stay for a bit, will you?”