Bloom Again, My Heart

The Parhams immediately put Viola under house arrest and sent over expensive tonics to apologize to me.

Fabian's mother was so furious that she nearly fainted, and she ordered Fabian to apologize to me in person.

That night, Fabian arrived with the apology gifts in hand.

He tossed them onto the table carelessly and looked at me with clear irritation.

"I didn't save you today, but that has nothing to do with Viola. Why did you make the Parhams punish her and lock her up? Did you do it on purpose?"

I lifted my arm, wrapped in layers of gauze with fresh blood seeping through.

"Do you see this?"

Fabian pressed his lips together.

"Well, you're still alive, aren't you? Everyone knows you're the Bowens' only girl. If you shout for help, a whole crowd will rush to save you. But Viola only has me to protect her.

"You saw it today. She almost got hurt, too. Can you stop blaming her? Go ask your grandpa to release her from house arrest, or I'll cancel the engagement and won't marry you."

His tone was full of confidence and entitlement, as if he believed I would give in without question.

A cold disappointment washed through me. I shook my head slowly, too tired to respond.

"See Prince Fabian out," I ordered the steward.

The steward motioned for the guards, and they escorted Fabian out of the house.

Fabian was furious but had no choice but to swallow it. As he left, he threw back one last line. "Sonia, you'll be sorry!"

The next day, Fabian didn't come to see me.

My grandfather took my marriage very seriously and hosted a grand banquet at the estate.

Dressed in a gorgeous embroidered gown with pearl and diamond accessories, I slowly entered the great hall.

Fabian stood at the center, with Viola by his side, smiling like a blooming flower.

I lifted my brow slightly. I was surprised that someone under house arrest could show up here.

My grandmother was furious.

"Fabian must've run to the Parhams and used his title to get her punishment lifted! He really does care about Viola. How come he never showed this kind of effort for Sonia in her last life? He's such a jerk!"

Fabian shot me a cold glance before turning away.

Guests whispered among themselves.

"Prince Fabian looks like he wants nothing to do with Ms. Bowen, and he's acting so close to the Parham girl. I heard Prince Chandler also fancies Ms. Bowen. Could someone else be the groom-to-be?"

"Don't talk nonsense. Even if Prince Fabian only loves Ms. Parham after losing his memory, Ms. Bowen only has eyes for Prince Fabian. I'm sure she has chosen him as her fiancé."

Chandler's sharp gaze cut across the group.

They fell silent instantly.

My grandfather, full of energy, held my hand.

"Sonia, today is your engagement banquet. Announce who your fiancé is."

"Alright."

I nodded with a gentle smile, feeling Fabian's stare glued to me.

I met his gaze and smiled ever so slightly.

He clenched his fist unconsciously, his eyes filled with a strange hope.

I turned toward the guests and spoke with a bright smile, "Thank you all for coming to my engagement banquet. Now, I'll announce the name of the person I'm going to marry. My fiancé is…"