Chapter 3

Charlotte's POV

Over the next few days, I went through all the formalities to leave the pack and head for Silvermoon City.

I left early and came back late every day just to avoid running into Layson. No matter how hard I tried, I still witnessed his clear fondness for Grace.

She loved swimming, so he had all the cherry blossom trees we planted together removed to build a private pool for her. When Grace felt unwell, he canceled an important meeting and stayed with her throughout the night. If she casually mentioned liking a piece of jewelry, it would appear on her dressing table the very next day.

All the gentleness, care, and appreciation he once showed me, he now devoted to Grace without holding back.

I no longer clung to him or threw tantrums the way I used to. I quietly watched it all, like an outsider.

While waiting for the paperwork to go through, I began packing my belongings.

First, I organized my luggage. Then, I gathered the sketches I had drawn of Layson, the love letters I had written him, and the albums I had made to confess my feelings. I tore them up and placed them into a large cardboard box, planning to throw them all away.

When I walked out the door with the rubbish in my arms, I happened to run into Layson, who had just returned to the castle. He was carrying a small box of pastries, probably something he had bought for Grace.

I lowered my gaze, pretending I hadn't seen him, and prepared to pass by without looking.

But then, Layson suddenly grabbed hold of my wrist.

He gripped me tightly, his voice low and dangerous. "Charlotte, have you been hiding from me these past few days? Is this your new trick?"

"I have not."

He leaned in closer, studying my evasive expression.

"You're not hiding from me? Then why do you leave early and come back late every day? Why do you turn away the moment you see me and refuse to speak? Aren't you avoiding me?" His voice sounded deep as he stared me down with a powerful sense of oppression. "Why? Just because I'm with Grace now?"

"No, that's not it. Your Majesty, you're with your fated mate. I should be happy for you. I truly wish you both happiness and may the Moon Goddess bless your love forever. And don't worry. I don't like you anymore. I won't call you anything inappropriate ever again."

I spoke in a calm, even cool tone, as if stating a perfectly reasonable fact.

Yet Layson's expression darkened in an instant. "You don't like me? Charlotte, are you trying to get my attention in another way?"

He watched my face as though scrutinizing me. When I tensed up slightly, he sounded even more sure of himself.

"You confessed to me once, and I turned you down. You hovered around me every day, and I ignored you. Now, you've changed tactics and are trying to play hard to get?"

He moved step by step toward me. Then, he spotted the box in my arms and let out a cold laugh.

"You wrote so many letters to me and secretly drew countless portraits of me, and you followed me around for five long years. Now, you say you suddenly don't like me anymore? Charlotte, don't you think that's ridiculous?"

I lifted my head and silently watched the man before me. Yes, it sounded absurd. I had truly loved him, so nobody would believe I no longer cared.

But it was the truth.

"Your Majesty, I loved you for a long time, but you never felt the same. In fact, you even hate me. So, I've already let go."

After I spoke, I moved around him and dumped all the items related to him into the bin.

When I looked up, I saw that Layson's expression had grown colder, his gaze deep and unreadable. While I stood there uncertain, his cold voice suddenly fell on my ears.

"Keep pretending. Charlotte, I watched you grow up. I know exactly what you're thinking. I do spoil you, but we'll never be together!"

I never understood why he couldn't love me. Was it because he was my father's friend? Because he was 20 years older than me? Or were those just flimsy excuses so he could have both of us at once?