chapter twenty-seven

The past two weeks had been exhausting.

Day after day, Selene and Keith worked tirelessly, devising plan after plan to win back Evangeline's heart. Selene had drawn from her modern-world knowledge, orchestrating grand gestures of romance—roses delivered to Evangeline's hands by various admirers, extravagant gifts appearing at her bedside, and even Keith kneeling in apology whenever he saw her, his pride and reputation cast aside.

Even Keith's valet had been sent out countless times to retrieve materials for their schemes, running himself ragged in the process.

But despite all their efforts, nothing seemed to work.

Keith was beginning to lose hope.

As he slumped into a chair in Selene's quarters, rubbing his temples, he let out a deep sigh. "Maybe… maybe it's time to let her go."

Selene, sitting across from him, frowned. "What are you saying?"

Keith exhaled slowly. "Love isn't about forcing someone to stay. It's about wanting their happiness, even if it means letting them go. Maybe Evangeline would be happier without me chasing after her."

Selene bit her lip. She understood his pain—far too well.

But still, she refused to let him give up so easily.

"Just try one more time," she urged. "If it doesn't work, then you can let go. But love is worth fighting for."

Keith looked at her, his golden eyes searching hers for a long moment. Then, he let out a small chuckle. "I don't want to become an obsessive lover… or a stalker."

Selene froze.

Keith immediately regretted his words. He saw the way her expression shifted, the brief flicker of pain she tried to hide.

"I didn't mean—" he started, but Selene cut him off with a small, forced smile.

"It's fine," she said quietly.

But it wasn't fine.

Keith swallowed, guilt gnawing at him. He had never truly considered what his past actions had done to her—the way he had treated her, ignored her, belittled her. It wasn't just that she had loved him in another life. It was that she had *suffered* because of it.

"Selene…" he hesitated, but she shook her head, brushing it off.

"We should focus on tonight."

And just like that, the moment passed.

Selene cleared her throat and straightened her posture. "I have an idea. If this is going to be the last attempt, we need to make it *perfect.*"

She then explained her plan—a romantic evening in the secluded garden behind the academy.

Keith listened attentively as she described the details, a small spark of hope returning to his expression.

---

The preparations took the entire day.

First, they secured the location—a small, hidden garden behind the academy, untouched by the usual bustle of students.

They wove wisteria and ivy along the archways, their delicate blooms cascading down like nature's own decorations. The scent of blooming jasmine and roses filled the air, blending with the faint aroma of lavender that Selene had scattered along the edges of the stone pathway.

At the center of the garden, beneath a canopy of blossoms, they set up a rustic wooden table draped in ivory lace. Fine china with gold-rimmed edges sat atop it, accompanied by crystal wine glasses and polished silverware that gleamed under the glow of candlelight. A handwritten menu, tied with a silk ribbon, rested at each place setting—an elegant, personal touch.

Keith's valet and Isolde had been running in and out of the academy all day, gathering the materials they needed.

By the time they were done, the sky had begun to darken, the evening setting in. The last detail, a message spelled out in red and white rose petals, forming Evangeline's name in the center of the garden___was carefully arranged, a final, silent plea for her to come.

Selene let out a deep breath, wiping sweat from her brow. She turned to Keith, who was adjusting the position of a lantern. "Go freshen up," she told him. "I'll handle the hardest part."

Keith arched a brow. "Which is?"

Selene gave him a dry smile.

"Convincing Evangeline to come."