The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 80
Chapter 80
It was impossible. But that didn’t give anyone the right to crush someone’s heart so cruelly.
The fact that Isabella never mentioned anything about knowing the crown prince’s identity shows how considerate she was being.
She could have used the fact that he had saved her life as leverage, asking for help because of her difficult family situation. But Isabella hadn’t. For ten long years, she had treasured the necklace Rio had given her, never once speaking of him.
Crown Prince, you b*stard.
Selena cursed Maximilian under her breath again, then addressed Isabella in a firm voice. “Isabella, listen carefully. I don’t think you’re that kind of person.”
“….”
“If you were keeping His Highness’s necklace out of greed, you would have used it by now.”
Isabella’s lips trembled, her wet eyelashes fluttering.
“So don’t let the words of an ignorant person sway you. Let’s just think about one thing.”
“What…?”
“Whether you want to meet the crown prince or not. Putting everything else aside, think about that first.”
Selena took Isabella’s hand reassuringly. Her green eyes, meeting Isabella’s, were filled with kindness. After a moment of hesitation, Isabella’s lips parted slowly.
“Okay, I’ll… think about it seriously.”
“Yes, think carefully and follow your heart. Even if something happens, I’ll take responsibility. Understand?”
Isabella nodded, her face calmer. A while later, Selena left Isabella’s house. Fuming, she headed towards the Imperial Palace.
***
How did Maximilian know to visit Isabella at such an opportune moment? It was because Rio had updated him on the progress of his request. Unaware that Maximilian was obstructing his search, Rio had innocently told him everything.
The disconnect stemmed from the fact that, despite their relationship being based on mutual interests, Rio considered Maximilian a friend, while Maximilian saw Rio as a useful pawn. It would be problematic if Rio, blinded by love, were to abandon his position as crown prince. To maintain control over his pawn, Maximilian had interfered with Rio’s request.
“Your Highness, Lady Selena Irving, the eldest daughter of the Irving Marquisate, has arrived and wishes to see you.”
“Let her in.”
Maximilian nodded casually at the attendant’s words. There was only one reason for Selena’s sudden visit. She must have found out he had visited Isabella. So what? That didn’t mean Maximilian had to avoid her. He calmly allowed Selena into his office.
“Selena Irving, requesting an audience with His Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince.”
Selena’s stiff greeting and hardened expression made it obvious she was angry. Maximilian arrogantly crossed his legs and nodded. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this unannounced visit, Lady Irving?”
“…You can’t possibly be asking because you don’t know.”
“Ah, I know.”
Selena clenched her fists, watching him shrug shamelessly. He was infuriating. If he weren’t the crown prince, she would have given him a good whack and started a feud between their families. Unfortunately, he was the crown prince, so Selena suppressed her anger as much as possible and said, “Why did you do that to Isabella? You didn’t have to be so harsh.”
“Is it a crime to awaken an ignorant person to reality?”
Maximilian retorted, raising an eyebrow at Selena’s reproach. “What Your Highness did wasn’t enlightening her to reality, it was hurting her feelings.”
“That’s because you always judge things emotionally.” Maximilian sighed dramatically and shook his head as if for her benefit. “Love is nothing but a fleeting emotion. Becoming the crown prince’s mistress would be the best outcome for that commoner, but once the crown prince’s affection fades, it would become the worst.”
Selena listened silently to Maximilian, who seemed to believe he was the only one capable of rational thought. “It’s foolish to live based on such cheap emotions. She, of all people, should know better.”
“….”
“It’s a problem that a commoner would even aspire to the crown prince in the first place. She’s delusional, chasing after something she can never have.” Maximilian’s lips curled into a cold sneer. “Am I wrong?”
“No, you’re right.” Selena agreed calmly. Before Maximilian could express his surprise at her unexpected response, she continued, “But at the same time, you have a fatal flaw.”
Maximilian’s face crumpled. “A flaw?”
“Have you ever asked His Highness the Crown Prince what he would do if he met Isabella?”
“….”
“Did you ever ask Isabella if she wanted to be a mistress, before speaking to her so harshly?”
Selena smiled knowingly at Maximilian’s silence.
“Of course not. Your Highness always judges and evaluates others’ feelings based on your own standards.”
“—What?”
“His Highness the Crown Prince said he has no intention of making Isabella his mistress. Isabella also said she doesn’t want to be a mistress.”
As Selena spoke calmly, Maximilian scoffed. “Do you naively believe those words? Everyone says that. What woman wouldn’t want to be with a wealthy and powerful man?”
“There are some,” Selena replied firmly. “Isabella is one, and so am I. Not everyone in the world desires someone based solely on their status.”
“….”
Maximilian’s face twisted at her words.
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