Bloom Again, My Heart

My grandmother's voice shook with anger.

"That little mutt. In Sonia's last life, he pretended to lose his memory just to fool her. After marrying her, he still messed around with that sneaky Viola!

"He made poor Sonia so upset that she fell sick, then he had the nerve to use the Bowens' influence to climb his way into the crown prince's seat. That brat just wants everything for himself!"

Hearing that, I looked at Fabian.

His expression was calm, and the lie came out of his mouth so smoothly that I might've believed him again if my grandmother weren't here.

I had once loved Fabian deeply and truly believed we cared for each other.

Just like three years ago on my birthday, when he took my hand and led me up the stargazing tower he had built just for me.

He had looked at me with such gentle eyes, almost nervous.

"Sonia, I like you. I want to marry you and take good care of you."

My heart wavered, and we shared our feelings with each other under the starry sky.

Even though we never officially got engaged, I treated him as my future husband for the past three years.

I never imagined he had never let go of Viola at all.

That tender affection he showed me had only been an act, all because he wanted the Bowens' backing.

Now that he couldn't stand pretending any longer, he used the assassination attempt to fake memory loss. That way, he could openly pursue Viola while still marrying me to keep my family's support.

People always say that you can't have your cake and eat it too. But he sure didn't understand this principle.

I pressed my lips together, swallowing the bitter laugh rising in my throat, and said nothing.

Since he wanted to play this way, I wouldn't expose him. I wanted to see what expression he would make the day after tomorrow when he learned I didn't choose him.

When I stayed silent, Kemp leaned in and whispered, "Did you really choose Fabian?"

I curled my lips slightly. "The royal edict will arrive in two days. You'll find out then."

I stepped past them and headed toward the gate.

Behind me, I heard Kemp's envious voice.

"Fabian, I'm sure Sonia chose you. Back when you caught that plague on your disaster relief trip, she went straight to your place and took care of you herself for three days without sleeping. It's obvious she's into you."

"Is that so?" Fabian smiled faintly, his tone drifting. "I'm honored to be favored by Ms. Bowen."

A dull ache spread through my chest, and my eyes stung. I bit down hard and refused to cry.

I loved Fabian.

People whispered behind my back that I had no shame, but I never cared.

My parents died early, and my grandparents were always too busy running the academy to be around. I was slow and awkward, and none of the other children wanted to play with me.

Only Fabian would hang out with me.

I had been in love with him since I was little, so when he told me he had feelings for me, I was thrilled beyond words and secretly swore I would treat him well all my life.

But all this time, he'd had hidden intentions and not one ounce of true sincerity toward me.

"Sonia, wait."

Fabian's voice came from behind me. He strolled up, casual as ever.

"Since you chose me as your husband, I'll keep my word and marry you, making you royalty. But you need to understand something: The one I truly love is Viola. I hope you won't get too jealous and don't interfere with us."

I met his eyes steadily. "Didn't you forget about me? How can you be so sure I'd pick you?"

Fabian raised a brow. "They told me everything. You're very in love with me. Who else would you choose if not me?"