The End of First Love - Chapter 30

Merely a fleeting touch was not enough to satisfy her. Was this thought caused by the anxiety that resided in her heart?

Why won’t he desire me?

The brief heat left by Heinz’s lips was all that remained as they parted. Elizabeth could only stare at him, dumbfounded.

“Surprised? I never expected you to seek me out, Elizabeth,” Heinz said, flashing a refreshing smile.

That smile felt out of place.

Elizabeth recognized this smile. It was the same smile Heinz wore when surrounded by many young ladies at social events.

A cold, beautiful smile like a doll.

As she gazed at Heinz’s emotionless smile, Elizabeth’s body, which had been warmed by the moment, suddenly grew cold.

Her hand, which had stretched out toward Heinz as he moved away, dropped helplessly at his next words.

“You’re quite bold tonight, Elizabeth. Your dress is different from what I usually see on you. You look wonderful.”

The praise, spoken one after another, passed through her ears without leaving any trace.

This isn’t Heinz…

The Heinz she knew would never offer such mundane compliments upon seeing her attire tonight. It was different from her usual dress, a disguise of sorts. He would usually sprinkle his words with teasing remarks but still manage to speak words that resonated in her heart.

Though a little mean, Heinz’s words always left her feeling warm inside.

The subtle changes that Elizabeth had never noticed before, before she fully realized her feelings for him, now felt like a heavy weight in her chest.

Why…

The rumors with the sister flashed in her mind, becoming more convincing.

I’m not in Heinz’s heart.

Had she been deceived all this time? This thought dominated Elizabeth’s mind, and she couldn’t shake it.

“U-um… Heinz…”

“Elizabeth, the play is about to begin. Let’s move to our seats,” Heinz said, his words cutting through her thoughts with the sound of a fanfare announcing the start.

The hand he extended toward her seemed so distant that Elizabeth hesitated even to place her hand in his. The beautiful smile he wore, gazing at her, made her feel disgusted.

She fought the overwhelming desire to turn and run, but she eventually placed her hand into his.

“—I hereby annul our engagement! Admit your crimes!”

The play unfolding before her was nearing its climax. The villainess, who had committed many wrongdoings, was now about to be condemned.

The hero, a blond-haired man, had his hand around the waist of the heroine, a baroness, while he pointed his sword at the villainess. All Elizabeth could do was stare at him vacantly, unable to do anything else.

Her mind started to shift.

The scene transformed into a vision of Heinz pointing a sword at the villainess role played by Elizabeth.

That thought, now firmly rooted in her mind, wouldn’t disappear.

Elizabeth knew that the news of her broken engagement with Prince William had been causing a stir in town.

She knew the rumors had become exaggerated, and a play about the broken engagement was being staged. However, she never imagined she would end up watching this story unfold.

Why did Heinz make me watch this play?

She knew the answer.

He’s trying to tell me to know my place, surely…

For his own purposes, Heinz Schein was a man who would do anything. A man who was expected to become the next prime minister would never make decisions about marriage based on love or romance.

Now, Elizabeth even doubted whether Heinz had ever been her first love at all.

Once the fish is caught, there’s no need to feed it.

The future of a maiden who had lost her purity was practically decided. She would either marry the man who took her purity or be secretly sent away to the church.

Unless Heinz annulled the engagement, Elizabeth would never be able to escape him.

For the sake of the Baker Duke family’s reputation, she could never be the one to break off the engagement. Her father would never allow it.

This is my own fault…

Elizabeth cursed her own stupidity for being lured by sweet words and falling into Heinz’s trap.

Even if she cursed her foolishness, the past couldn’t be undone.

“Heinz, why did you make me watch this play?” she asked.

“Well, I wanted to tell you the truth. Do you understand now?” Heinz answered, his gaze fixed ahead.

His words, like arrows, pierced Elizabeth’s heart.

Though she had known it all along, hearing the truth from his lips was more painful than she had imagined.

No one will ever love a villainess.

Elizabeth fought back tears, staring down.

I won’t cry. I can’t cry in front of such a man. My pride won’t allow it.

The words her late mother had once spoken to her echoed in her mind.

“Elizabeth, remember that how you leave is crucial. Never forget the pride of a young lady. Learn the gestures that can silence others. A single gesture can leave a lasting impression and move someone’s heart. Gestures speak louder than words. Don’t forget this.”

As a young girl, Elizabeth hadn’t understood the meaning of her mother’s words. But now, she fully grasped them.

On the stage, the villainess was captured by the knight, kneeling and bowing her head in submission. The image of her moved Elizabeth deeply.

If I am a villainess, then I have nothing to fear.

At least in the end, she would leave with her head held high. She would show her pride as a villainess.

Standing up straight, Elizabeth gathered her dress and performed a perfect curtsy, lowering her head.

“I accept your feelings, Heinz,” she said.

Raising her head, she smiled and looked Heinz straight in the eyes before turning on her heel and walking away slowly.

The way Heinz stared at her, eyes wide in surprise, made her feel that, for just a moment, her wounded heart was somewhat healed.