FreeNovel"Why?" Annabeth asked, clearly unwilling to do so.
"Why do you think?" Bella's eyes glimmered with a hint of reproach. "I'm worried that if your parents find out you gave away a family heirloom as a wedding gift, it could strain relations between the two countries. You're a pampered princess. You're free to do as you please without worrying about the consequences. But you can't ignore how your actions affect others. If you cause trouble, someone else might have to pay the price. Do you think that's fair for them?" Annabeth's expression turned glum as guilt crept in. She lowered her head, her delicate fingers fiddling with the hem of her dress. "Actually... I had my own reasons." Bella tilted her head, seeking out Annabeth's tear-filled eyes. Her gaze was soft as she gently exposed the young princess's intentions.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"You know I treat Carrie like my own sister, so you went all out, hoping to win my favor. You thought if you impressed me, I might help you get closer to my third brother, right?" Annabeth's cheeks flushed a deep red as she stammered, "You... You figured it out... Does this makea schemer? Am I an awful person? I'm sorry..." Bella could not help but feel her heart soften. She gently stroked the girl's back, her tone comforting.
"Don't be so hard on yourself. I never said that. Besides, using a bit of strategy to get close to someone you like is fine. What's wrong with that? As long as you're not hurting anyone or doing something unethical, it's okay." Annabeth sniffled. Her nose reddened. Then, she spoke in a small, wounded voice. "I like Declan... I like him so much that I'd give up being a princess just to be with him. My aunt married a commoner, and he wasn't even as well-off as Declan. Declan is wealthy. He can definitely take good care of me..." Upon hearing that, Bella fell silent for a moment.
It was true. The Thompson family's wealth might not be far behind that of Sentania's royal family.
But Annabeth's straightforwardness was almost too much. Anyone listening might think she was just after his money.
"Bella, please help me." Annabeth suddenly threw herself into Bella's arms, her soft, delicate face nestled against her chest, filled with pleading and dependence. "After all... We did share a bed once, and you're Declan's favorite sister. If you speak for me... Declan will surely be as kind toas he used to be. He's so distant now... I can't stand it... I really can't..." Content belongs to en.swAs she spoke, she began to cry. Tears streamed down her face like a pitiful, delicate flower.
"Anne... Don't cry..." Bella comforted her, feeling a deep ache in her heart.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmWhat on earth did her third brother say that night to be so cruel and hurtful that it brought this once-proud princess to her knees and reduced her to such humility? "Am I really that awful, Bella?" Annabeth's sobs grew louder, her voice trembling with self-doubt.
"Not at all! Don't ever think that way.
If anything, it's Declan who isn't good enough for you. If anyone's to blame, it's him for making a gift cry!" Bella quickly pulled her into @tighter embrace. Content belongs to en.swThe last thing she could bear was seeing a girl lose her self-worth, giving up her dignity and sinking into a pit of self-bland doubt, all because of someone she loved.
She knew that pain all too well. She lost herself in it for three long years. Back then, she suffered and tormented herself every day.
Meanwhile, in the car trailing behind them, Declan sat with Ralph. He had not taken his eyes off the car in front, his long lashes quivering as he stared intently ahead, his gaze filled with longing. Content belongs to en.sw"Dec, why are your eyes red? Did you not sleep well?" Ralph leaned closer, scrutinizing Declan's face, then suddenly gasped, "Dec, did you cry?! Are you feeling emotional because Carrie is getting married?" "Yeah." Declan closed his reddened eyes briefly before he turned to the window and said in a flat tone, "I wish them eternal happiness."
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