It Seemed My Fiancé Hated Me, So I Distanced Myself—But for Some Reason, He Complained - Chapter 26

“Still, isn’t it uncomfortable living with parents like that? Even after learning how terribly Lord Ryan treated you, they showed no concern whatsoever.”

“To be honest, there are times when it feels suffocating, but there’s nothing to be done about it. I’ve grown accustomed to it now.”

“Clarissa…”

Prince Lucas looked at me with a sorrowful expression.

But this wasn’t me putting on a brave face. Ever since my mother passed away and my stepmother and Chelsea arrived, this had been my reality, so I had become completely used to this life.

The only problem was that now that my engagement to Lord Ryan was broken off, I would likely be treated even worse than before. Still, I felt I could endure that somehow too.

Whether they treated me like a servant or ignored me even more than before, none of it mattered. I was proud that I had severed my ties with Lord Ryan.

“Hey, Clarissa.”

Prince Lucas took my hand while looking at me with serious eyes.

“What is it, Your Highness?”

“If you’re willing, would you come to the royal castle? As my fiancée.”

His Highness spoke while gazing intently into my eyes. Stunned, I was at a loss for words.

“Th-that… I’m deeply grateful for your concern, but I believe there are far more suitable young ladies for Prince Lucas.”

“I want you. Didn’t I tell you before? That I fell in love with you at first sight during that party. I’m serious.”

Prince Lucas’s expression didn’t look like he was joking.

When he said he’d fallen in love at first sight, and when he asked me to become his fiancée, I couldn’t believe that someone like me called the Cinderella Lady would hear such words from a prince, and I couldn’t properly trust them.

But looking into His Highness’s eyes made me feel ashamed of my doubts. Here he was expressing himself so sincerely, while I kept running away.

Should I try trusting his words?

Yet, the moment I tried to respond, hesitation flashed through my mind.

Becoming the First Prince’s fiancée that shouldn’t be something decided so easily.

“Prince Lucas, I’m truly happy about your feelings. However, I still believe the person who becomes the prince’s fiancée should be someone wiser, more beautiful, and beloved by everyone.”

“You have all those qualities, Clarissa. Are you really refusing?”

“Yes, I don’t have that kind of confidence.”

When I said that, Prince Lucas looked sad. I felt pathetic for making His Highness who had supported me so much; wear such an expression, and I lowered my eyes.

But then Prince Lucas suddenly brightened up as if he’d thought of something.