Once Promised to Be the Finest

Jason paused, his wine cup halfway to his lips. Though his smile remained, a flicker of unease betrayed itself in his eyes. "The half-year deadline has yet to arrive. Matters of state must come first."

His evasive reply sparked an immediate ripple of whispers among the guests.

Sharp-eyed courtiers exchanged meaningful glances. "It seems His Highness's heart truly lies with Miss Kimberly..."

Hearing this, Kimberly could no longer suppress the smile tugging at her mouth. Feigning nonchalance, she raised her voice. "His Highness and I share a bond of loyalty and trust—we are true allies." Her gaze drifted pointedly toward Nova. "Not like some, who waste their days drowning in trivial romance, tying their entire worth to a man."

Every eye in the room shifted between the two women, weighing the unspoken balance.

And Jason remained silent, letting that wordless insult hang in the air like a blade, slowly stripping away her last vestiges of pride.

Nova could no longer keep her composure. She rose abruptly and left the banquet hall.

Cold moonlight bathed the lotus pond in the rear garden. Standing in the wind, she hurled the tightly clutched sachet into the water with all her strength.

As the embroidered silk sank and surfaced, she seemed to see him again—that youth who would turn to ice at the slightest disrespect shown toward her.

Would the Jason of old ever have tolerated anyone diminishing the dignity of the Crown Prince with the casual label of "brother"?

And now he spoke of such nonsense as "treating each other as equals"...

Yes, feelings change with circumstances. Love shifts, affection fades.

Nova was about to leave when Kimberly's laughter sounded behind her.

"Sister Nova, you're not angry with me, are you? I didn't mean to steal your spotlight. If I made you jealous, I apologize right here." Her tone turned lightly mocking. "Honestly, fighting over a man is so pointless."

Nova turned, her gaze fixed on that deliberately innocent face. A chill shot up from the depths of her heart.

"Spare me the act," she said coldly. "I know exactly what you are. Whatever is between you and His Highness is your business. Don't put on this sickening display in front of me."

With that, she turned decisively to leave. Yet Kimberly's voice clung to her like a shadow.

"Is that so? But what if His Highness... just happens to dote on me?"

Before the words had fully faded, a panicked cry and a loud splash erupted from behind!

Nova spun around to see Kimberly already struggling in the icy pond, crying out for help.

"Someone! Help her!"

Jason's furious roar was already at her back. He didn't even wait to understand what had happened before rushing up to Nova, his eyes burning with a rage she had never seen. Every word was a blade.

"Nova! When did you become so vicious?! She merely offered helpful insights to ease my burdens, and you, out of petty jealousy, would try to kill her?!"

Nova stood frozen, staring at this man who had become a complete stranger. She felt the hot prick of tears, her eyes reddening instantly.

In all their years, when had he ever shown her even a hint of such severity?

Now, for the sake of another woman, without even asking for an explanation, he branded her "vicious."

"I did not push her."

Nova's voice trembled, but she kept her spine straight. "She jumped in herself. Your Highness, you know my methods. If I truly wanted to deal with her, would I use such a clumsy way?"

The fire in Jason's eyes intensified. "So this is your revenge for her having your heating removed in the dead of winter? Pushing her into an icy pond—when did your heart become so cruel!"

Nova suddenly began to laugh, a low, bitter sound soaked in sorrow. "Your Highness, do you know why I have never touched her? Only because I feared it would hurt you... But why do you keep hurting me, over and over?"

When she looked up, all warmth had fled her eyes, leaving only a glacial sharpness. A cold smile touched her lips.

"Yes, it was me. I pushed her. I saw Miss Kimberly's room overflowing with extravagant warmth, a sheer waste. Since she advocates for frugality, I thought she could use a chill—good for the constitution, and it saves the Crown Prince's Palace some expenses."

"You...!" Jason was speechless with anger, his pointing finger trembling slightly.

Nova took a step forward, each word dropping like a stone.

"If the very sight of me has become so repugnant to you, just say the words—'I never wish to see you again'—or write a letter of divorce. I, Nova, swear to heaven I will not cling. Otherwise, grant me the respect I deserve."

She looked at him, a thin film of tears rising in her eyes.

"Do you remember? When your headaches struck, it was you who held my hand all night and said, 'Sister, if not for you, I'd have died in pain and no one would have known'... And now, you think the sachets I blended for you are unworthy."

Jason stood stunned, the anger ebbing from his face, replaced by dawning regret. "Nova, I—" he began, his voice uncharacteristically soft.

"Jason... I'm so cold..."