Broken Promise, Restored Affinity

Jonathan sighed again, his voice heavy as he glanced at me in the dim light of the carriage. "Lana, she's a princess. So many eyes are watching—can't you just give in?" He spoke softly, yet his words stung. "Fortunately, she's magnanimous and hasn't made a fuss about it. Otherwise, you'd be guilty of offending royalty!"

He turned towards me, his expression a mix of disappointment and exasperation. "We've been married for so many years, yet you still act willfully and stubbornly."

I met his gaze, my voice cold. "So, you think I'm in the wrong too?"

"Lana, she's a princess. You should understand the difference. You could kneel to her as royalty, but she is still a concubine. Since when does the wife kneel to the concubine?" My words were sharp, biting through the air.

Jonathan shook his head, his face clouded with frustration. "You need to calm down." With that, he turned away, leaving the conversation hanging in the suffocating silence of the carriage.

My sister, having heard of my struggles, soon came to visit, trying to console me. "Lana, your husband loves you. Even with the princess in the house, she poses no real threat to you."

She paused for a moment before continuing, her tone softer but firm. "Besides, Princess Hilton is reasonable. If she wasn’t, you’d already be gone without a word."

Her words cut deeper. "Your husband has been facing repeated criticism from the emperor. Isn’t it clear why? He’s been under pressure, all for you! He’s done enough—you should be content."

I stood there, stunned by her words and finally nodded. "You're right, sister."

Taking a deep breath, I decided to visit Maria, my husband's mother, to pay my respects. But as I approached, I heard the sound of joyful laughter from inside the house.

"Quincy, eat more fish…" Maria's voice was warm and gentle and the child giggled in response, full of innocent delight.

Princess Hilton was sitting beside Jonathan, delicately placing a piece of roasted mutton on his plate. Jonathan had never liked mutton, but he didn’t refuse this time. He accepted it with a small smile and she followed with a bowl of hot soup for him.

It was a picture of the perfect family—everything Jonathan had always wanted.

My chest tightened at the sight. I couldn’t bear it any longer, so I fled, rushing back to my chambers. I couldn’t shake the image from my mind. Summoning my strength, I sent word for Roma, my cousin.

But before Roma could arrive, Jonathan stormed into the room, his face full of displeasure. "Why are you calling Roma? You're married now. It's improper for you to stay close to your cousin from your mother's side."

His eyes narrowed as he crossed the room. "When did you start using these tricks to provoke me?"

I looked up at him, my voice quiet but resolute. "I've been thinking these past days."

Jonathan's expression shifted slightly, softening as he waited for my next words.

"You’ve done all of this for the family, for its reputation, for its survival." I swallowed, steeling myself for what I was about to say. "I don’t want to make things difficult for you anymore. I willingly give up my position as your main wife."