The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 78

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 78

Rio’s desire was genuine. This was his last chance. Once he returned to Tifae, he would marry his betrothed. Even if he visited the Empire again, he wouldn’t be able to seek out Belle.

This meeting would be his final farewell to his first love.

“No matter how much I care for Belle, too much time has passed. I have more responsibilities now, and I won’t shirk them.” Rio’s voice was steady. “Nor do I want to hurt Belle with my selfishness, or the woman who will be my wife. I want to put my old feelings to rest, apologize to Belle for deceiving her, and say a final goodbye.”

His words and the look in his eyes rang true. Selena’s heart wavered. Remembering Maximilian’s words, she asked, “…What if Belle is living unhappily?”

The Crown Prince had warned her that Rio was soft-hearted and wouldn’t be able to ignore Isabella’s suffering. “What if her life in the Empire is so miserable that you can’t bear to see it?”

“In that case…” Rio sighed heavily, then continued with a serious expression. “I would do my best to help her, to repay the kindness she showed me ten years ago by saving my life. But that would be all. No man wants to make a concubine of the woman he loves.”

He clearly stated that he had no intention of confessing his feelings or taking Isabella back to his kingdom, even if she was struggling. Sensing his genuine sincerity, Selena finally revealed the truth.

“Actually, I found Belle.”

“Is that true?” Rio’s eyes widened, his body tensing as if he might jump up. “However, she’s not living in very good circumstances. Her father is a gambler, constantly accumulating debts, and it seems the creditors are harassing her.”

“Oh dear…. So that’s why you asked me those questions earlier.”

“Yes, I apologize if I offended you. Even with a request like this, there are ethical lines.”

If Rio had intended to make Isabella his concubine, Selena would never have revealed her whereabouts. That was her ethical line. Rio, understanding, waved away her apology.

“So where is Belle now? Is she suffering greatly?”

“Yes, but I can’t tell you her location just yet. I want to ask her if she’s willing to meet you first. Would that be alright?”

Rio nodded immediately. “Yes, of course. That’s perfectly understandable.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Not at all. I wouldn’t want to impose on her if she doesn’t wish to see me.” What would be the point of forcing a meeting on someone who didn’t want it?

“Even this final goodbye is selfish of me. If she refuses, please just convey my gratitude and apologies.”

“Yes, I understand.” Rio and Selena exchanged small smiles.

***

The next day, Selena and Lucy went to visit Isabella. They intended to explain the situation honestly and arrange a meeting with Rio.

Knock, knock.

“Isabella, are you there?” Lucy called, knocking on the wooden door. They waited, but no one answered. Worried that Isabella might have mistaken them for debt collectors again, Selena knocked this time.

“Isabella, it’s me, Selena Irving. Are you home?”

“Hmm, maybe she’s gone out?”

“That’s strange. I was told she didn’t have anything planned today.”

Selena had already confirmed Isabella’s schedule through Lemon. Today wasn’t a workday for her. While she might have gone out for an appointment, Selena’s gut feeling told her otherwise.

“Isabella, are you really not home?”

Bang, bang. Selena knocked persistently, calling her name. Finally, they heard rustling inside, followed by Isabella’s faint voice.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t want to see anyone. Please go away.”

“Why? You don’t even know why we’re here.”

“I know why you’re here. I don’t want to see him. I’ll return this necklace, so please don’t come back.”

Isabella pushed the cameo necklace through the small gap beneath the door. Selena picked it up. Remembering how Isabella had treasured this necklace just two days ago… the situation felt incredibly strange. “Isabella, come out and talk to us. Otherwise, we’re not leaving.”

“I’m sorry, but I really don’t want to see you. Please, just take the necklace and go.”

“No. If you want us to leave, open the door and tell us yourself.”

There was a distinct tremor in Isabella’s voice. Sensing something was seriously wrong, Selena pressed further. “We’re not leaving until you open this door.”

Finally, unable to withstand Selena’s persistence, Isabella opened the door. “Please, just go…”

Isabella’s face was a mess. Her eyes were swollen and bloodshot, her cheeks stained with tear tracks. Selena stared at Isabella, who was clearly trying to hold back her tears, then pulled a handkerchief from her bag. In a low voice, she asked, “Who is it? Who made you cry?”