The Kiss That Broke Me.

Liora stood frozen.

She couldn't believe her eyes.

Her heart pounded as if it might burst from her chest. Her gaze remained locked on the Blue Rose Garden, where the vision from her nightmare had become painfully real.

Step by step, she walked closer—slow, hesitant. Her legs felt like they might give out at any moment. When she reached the edge of the clearing, hidden behind a tall cherrywood tree, she saw them.

There he was—Crown Prince Lucien.

Golden-blonde hair glistened under the sun… piercing blue eyes that once looked only at her.

But now… they weren't looking at her.

They were looking at Lilith—with tenderness, with warmth.

Lucien had his arms wrapped around her. They were too close. Too intimate. And before Liora could even breathe, she saw him lean in.

Their lips were only a breath apart.

Then… he saw her.

Lucien's eyes flicked toward the tree she was hiding behind—as if he'd known all along that she was there. His gaze was sharp. Almost cruel.

Like he wanted her to see.

He didn't flinch. He didn't stop.

Instead… he smirked.

He pulled Lilith even closer and said loud enough for Liora to hear:

"Lilith, you were the first to confess your feelings to me, and I gave you my answer without hesitation."

He gently brushed a strand of hair from her face.

"But I'll say it again, so there's no doubt," he said, holding her hand and pressing a kiss to its back.

"I like you, Lilith. I truly do."

Liora's breath caught in her throat.

Her world collapsed—silently.

No screams. No sobs.

Just wide, tear-filled eyes… and a heart slowly breaking inside her chest.

She turned and ran.

Down the corridor, her feet barely touched the floor. She didn't know where she was going—just away. Away from the pain. Away from the truth.

As she reached the hallway, Nirelle spotted her and rushed forward.

"My Lady! What happened?" she asked, alarmed by Liora's pale face and trembling shoulders. "Are you alright?"

Liora didn't answer.

She only shook her head, lips pressed tight, and rushed into her room.

She was about to close the door—when a voice froze her in place.

"…Long time no see, Lady Liora."

That voice.

She turned.

Lucien stood at her door—smiling. Like nothing had happened.

She lowered her head, fists clenched at her sides.

He tilted his head.

"Hmm? Are you planning to talk to me from the hallway? Or are you not going to invite me in?"

Without waiting, he stepped inside.

Liora backed away, struggling to breathe around him.

He looked around the room, then met her eyes.

"So… how are you?"

Her eyes finally lifted—and the tears she had held back began to fall like rain.

Lucien sighed.

"Haah… You worked so hard for nearly a year to become a perfect noble lady. And yet… look at you. Crying like a child again."

"Don't you ever get tired of this, Liora?"

Her hiccups came suddenly, choking her breath.

"Go fetch water and drink it," he muttered, glancing away.

She just stared at him, silent.

Then he placed a hand on his forehead.

"I know you saw us… in the garden."

His voice turned firm.

"I like Lilith. She's kind, gentle… and she'll be the future Lady of this house. Everyone knows it. You know it too, don't you?"

Liora's voice finally broke free.

"Then… why are you telling me this? I already know you like her. Not me."

Lucien stepped closer, composed and cold.

"Because I want to officially break our engagement."

Her world stopped.

She opened her mouth to speak—but he didn't pause.

"Don't act like I betrayed you. We were engaged by duty, not love. You're reacting like I cheated on you."

"I never—" she began, voice trembling.

But he cut her off.

"Lilith is strong. Unlike you, she—haah…" He stopped, shaking his head.

Liora turned away, walked to the drawer beside her bed, and pulled something out.

The engagement annulment papers.

She had kept them… ever since Lucien had given them to her, once before—when she was too desperate to let go.

Lucien blinked.

"You had those ready?"

She didn't answer. Her hands trembled.

He stepped forward.

"Don't act like this is what you want. You love me, Liora. Don't pretend."

His words were knives—each one cutting deeper than the last.

Tears spilled freely down her face.

"I gave everything… just for a little love from everyone," she whispered.

"What did I do wrong…? Why does everyone treat me like I'm nothing…?"

"You did the same," she cried. "You used to like me, didn't you? Was it because I have no healing magic? Because I'm not special? Is that it? Lilith has everything. Everyone loves her…"

Her voice cracked.

"All I ever wanted… was to be loved back."

Lucien looked away.

"Love isn't everything. Be practical."

He reached for her hand again, pulling her close—their faces almost touching.

"You worked hard for a year… but during that time, Lilith and I grew close," he murmured.

"We kissed. We touched. We—"

"STOP!" Liora screamed, stumbling backward. "Please… stop don't say those things!"

He smirked.

"This is why no one likes you. Always trying to be perfect. Still so naïve."

He slammed the papers onto the table.

"Sign it. Now."

Liora walked slowly to the desk, picked up the quill, and with numb fingers…

She signed.

It felt like sealing her own coffin.

Lucien looked at her one last time.

Then he turned and walked away.

The door shut behind him.

And Liora sank to the floor.

She couldn't even cry anymore.

"What did I do… to deserve this?" she whispered.

And then… the door creaked open again.

---