CH 32

Everyone at home was shocked to see Ella riding a rental carriage. She had returned home earlier than they had expected. Aware that Ella had met with the crown prince at the garden, they were much more furious. The duchess was fuming as she sat down in Evan’s room. When she heard that Ella wanted to purchase some new dresses, she was delighted. Now, that happiness from earlier was gone.

“What happened? Did Prince Cladis say something to the prince? I mean, even then! How dare he make you go home in a rental carriage? The absurdity of all this!”

She couldn’t endure any more humiliation. Whatever the crown prince had said must have upset Cullan, which caused him to act so rude. The duchess believed that the crown prince was at fault. Then, Ella sat next to her and held her hands. “Mother, Prince Cullan wanted to take me home in his carriage, and I refused. I needed some time alone.”

“What did that crown prince say to you? Was it about that woman? Don’t worry about her. I’ll take care of it. I’ll deal with that foolish girl who does not know her place, so you do not worry about it,” said the Duchess.

“Mother. I want nothing of that sort. Please leave Lady Mellin alone. I’ll take care of her myself.”

“Ella, my dear baby. Women like Lady Mellin are not what you think they are. They’re not as pure-hearted as you. I just don’t want you to get hurt.”

The duchess had her heart set on getting rid of Clara, so Ella looked at Evan for some help. It seemed like she couldn’t stop the Duchess only on her own. “Brother, you promised to help me deal with that woman, right? Will you keep that promise?”

“Ella, it would be best if we let mother deal with this.”

“No, I don’t want anyone to get rid of her. In fact, I want her to take my spot next to the crown prince.”

“ELLA!”

Both of them shouted at Ella after hearing her words. Although they criticized the crown prince for his wrongdoings and rudeness, they blamed themselves for accepting this marriage. Ending the engagement was close to impossible, even for the Constance family. If she continued with this marriage, she would eventually become one of the most influential figures in the empire. On the other hand, if Ella were to end the engagement by herself, problems were bound to arise in the future for her. Not only that, the Royal family will become in a mess like it had never before. Evan and the duchess were aware that Ella’s decision wasn’t an easy one and felt a bit anxious. Ella, however, was confident in her words. Evan was overwhelmed with thoughts on how to stop Ella.

“You can’t do that. After what he’s done to you, I know how you feel. But this was an agreement between our families. This situation isn’t something to be taken lightly.”

“I understand that too. But no. I thought about it last night and today when I talked to him. I don’t think I can become Crown Princess or someone higher while facing such a situation and live. I can’t do that, and I don’t want to do that.”

“That’s precisely why I’ll handle this,” said the duchess.

“No, mother. Getting rid of her won’t solve anything. Although his highness will be by my side, his heart won’t.He doesn’t love me anyway. Instead, another woman will capture his heart, and his heart will never belong to me. This cycle will continue. I don’t want to experience that.”

Both of them were at a loss for words. They couldn’t fool Ella into believing that everything will be alright once they get rid of Clara. She knew too much now. But they couldn’t force her to accept her fate. Silence filled the room until Ella broke it. 

“I want to try as best as I can. Please.”

“Ella…” said Evan with a hint of sadness in his voice. He wanted to stop his sister from trying the impossible, but he understood why his sister was insisting.

“You don’t need to do anything. Don’t do anything. Please.”

“Do you really wish to go down that road? What you’re doing might anger his highness and his majesty. The path that you are worried about and trying to reject can become much worse. Do you understand that?” 

It was a position that was impossible to reject. As long as the emperor wanted her to join the royal family, she had no choice but to. As a result, Evan was worried. Compared to the crown prince, who Evan disliked, the emperor was far worse. The emperor was kind only to Ella, the future crown princess However, that could all change once he finds out what Ella is planning to do. On top of that, the crown prince…

“His highness already knows.”

“ELLA!”

“I figured he might find my offer tempting, considering how much he cares for Lady Mellin. But he didn’t. He has no intention of stopping this marriage.”

“At least his highness still has his sanity.”

Evan shook his head as he complimented Cladis, who he hated so much. At least Cladis was still in the right mind. He was thankful that Cladis didn’t side with Ella on this issue.

“But he also said he wouldn’t try to stop me.”

“What?!”

Immediately, Evan regretted complimenting him a few seconds ago. ‘What is that b*stard trying to do?!’ If given the opportunity, Evan wanted to choke Cladis. Was he trying to blame Ella for everything related to this marriage? Unlike Evan, who was visibly upset, the duchess was silent. She remembered her past. When she was young, she did her best to avoid her arranged marriage at all costs. Thinking back to those days made her smile. After all, this was her daughter. There was no stopping her, just like the young duchess herself.

“Do you have a plan?”

“I’m going to think of one. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“I don’t want an affair involved with your plan,” replied the duchess, nodding. 

Evan was so appalled that he shouted, “Mother! Ella!”