My New Love That Isn’t Fated - Episode 29

The servants of the Griez household acted quickly.
They packed Lilia’s belongings into a trunk and handed it to Irma. Meanwhile, Heinz, the house steward—a calm, middle-aged man—ordered the servants to carry the motionless Elad to his room.

Then, with a weary look, Heinz bowed to Owen.

“Your Highness, we deeply apologize for the disgraceful events… Will Lord Elad be charged with a crime?”

“If Lilia wishes it,” Owen replied.

Lilia shook her head. She wanted nothing more to do with Elad. She didn’t want him punished. He had simply misunderstood.
He’d been convinced she and Owen were having an affair, and it drove him into a rage.

In this kingdom, men were often forgiven for infidelity, but women were harshly judged.
That belief still lingered, and not long ago, women weren’t even allowed to ask for a divorce.

So—she could understand Elad’s anger.
She felt like she understood him a little now. But it was too late. Their relationship couldn’t be repaired, nor did she want to try.

Even so, Lilia felt a sliver of sympathy for him.
There was something missing inside him, something left unfulfilled—just like in her own heart.

“I’ve had enough already. While I can’t forgive how he treated Prince Owen…”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” Owen interrupted. “I’ve gotten used to that kind of insult. I used my status today because I was concerned for you, but I don’t desire to wield power. I’ve stepped away from all that.”

“Thank you, Owen,” Lilia said sincerely.

“Lady Lilia… I am truly sorry,” Heinz said. “I served Lord Elad for years, yet I couldn’t stop him. I let you suffer so much.”

“Thank you for everything, Heinz. I enjoyed the time I spent with everyone. Not everything was bad. I’m sorry things ended like this.”

“You have nothing to apologize for.”

Neither Heinz nor the maids or servants tried to stop Lilia from leaving.
She followed after Owen, while Irma quietly carried her trunk.

The Griez estate grew smaller behind her.
The place she once thought she might crawl away from, even with broken bones, was now a distant memory as Owen carried her away, protecting her.

“…Owen, I can walk. Thank you, but I’m alright now.”

“Lilia, you don’t have to think about anything right now. Just leave it all to me. I know it might be hard to trust someone you just met.”

“That’s not true… I’m sorry for dragging you into my problems. I didn’t mean to trouble you.”

“You don’t need to apologize. You’re tired. And you’ve been hurt. You don’t need to say anything else. It’s okay now, Lilia.”

Owen’s calm, steady voice made her believe everything really would be okay.
He helped her into the carriage parked in front of the Griez estate.

“Your Highness, thank you so much. Lady Lilia, Heinz and I will make sure Lord Elad pays the compensation. I’m so sorry. You treated us all so kindly…”

“Irma, please don’t blame yourself. It was a short time, but I’m glad I met you. Running the stall at the open market was fun. Making jam together, doing embroidery… I’ll never forget it.”

“Lady Lilia…”

“Take care of yourself, Irma. And thank you—for protecting me.”

It was Irma who must have gone to get Owen.
For a woman to go against her master, especially one of a higher status, took great courage.

Lilia realized she had been blessed with good people in her life.
Things with Elad hadn’t worked out, but not all of it had been terrible.

“Your Highness, please take care of Lady Lilia.”

“I will. And you—don’t push yourself too hard. You have the right to choose whom you serve. You have your own freedom, too.”

“Thank you,” Irma said with teary eyes and a small smile.

Owen took the luggage from her and stepped into the carriage. The coachman closed the door, and the carriage slowly began to move.

Through the small window, the Griez estate grew smaller and smaller.
Eventually, it disappeared from view. She would never return there again.

Lilia’s train had departed. She didn’t know where it would take her, but she believed freedom lay ahead.
She wanted to believe that.
Owen gently reached for her hair.
His fingers softly smoothed it down. Lilia lowered her gaze.

He pulled her into a gentle embrace, holding her close.

“…If only I’d been able to save you sooner,” he murmured, regret in his voice.

Listening to the sound of his heartbeat, Lilia allowed herself to lean into him.
Just for now, she wanted to rely on him.

Just for now—she told herself.