The End of First Love - Chapter 48

Beneath a deep azure sky stood a quiet church nestled in the forest. The sunlight poured down, streaming through the stained glass windows, casting vibrant hues of red, blue, and yellow that lit up the interior of the church.

It had been such a long journey…

Standing at the entrance of the chapel, just before the doors, I found myself reflecting on the days that led up to this moment.

How long had it been since Lord Heinz appeared at the Baker Duke’s residence, carrying the Marriage Ceremony Permit?

Over a year had passed since that day. To not have been able to hold the wedding ceremony for such a long time was almost unthinkable. I wanted to say, “This is all Father’s fault,” but recalling how he was this morning brought a small laugh to my lips.

He cried his heart out during the bride’s final farewell. I had never seen him like that before. He was always composed, always rational, never showing his emotions in front of the family—a man full of dignity. I never imagined he would break down in tears.

I imagined him now, seated in the front row of the chapel, wearing his usual stern expression—and couldn’t help but smile.

I know I am loved. By my father, my brother, Miria, and everyone serving in the Baker household…

These were the people who truly faced the emotionless Elizabeth after Mother’s death. The ones who gently guided the Elizabeth who had been blinded by her love for Prince William, indulging in her selfishness, with patience and care.

As the faces of all the people I’ve met and who have supported me over the years flashed through my mind, my heart swelled with emotion.

“Milady, don’t cry! If you ruin my masterpiece, I won’t let it go unpunished, you hear me?”

“You say that, but… you’re crying too, Miria.”

“Of course I am! It’s your big day, the one I’ve poured my heart and soul into preparing you for. And you even chose me to lower the veil? What were you thinking? Are you trying to make me cry?”

There was a good reason I asked Miria to perform the role usually held by the bride’s mother. I couldn’t imagine anyone else doing it.

When Mother passed away and I lost all emotion, Miria stayed by my side. It’s thanks to her that I was able to truly feel again.

The day Heinz saved me at the spring, when I returned to the Duke’s residence soaking wet, it was Miria who truly scolded me. Her words, spoken through tears, pierced straight into my heart. It was through her that I realized the depth of my wrongdoing—and it was her words that made me genuinely want to change.

(No matter how hopeless I was, it was always Miria who corrected me, guided me, and stood by me as my greatest ally.)

She was like a friend, a sister, even a mother to me. I believe I was able to remain true to myself because she was there.

“Miria, thank you for everything. I’m not confident I can stand on my own without you, but I will absolutely be happy. I’ll become so happy that you can rest easy, knowing it was all worth it—so keep watching me.”

“Of course! If you don’t end up happy, I won’t forgive you!”

She gently lowered the veil, delicately embroidered along the edges. Through the soft white fabric that clouded my vision, I could still see Miria—crying.

“Lady Elizabeth, it’s time. Now go, and enjoy your moment to the fullest. Don’t worry about me.”

With a light push on my back, I turned toward the doors. At that very moment, the harmonious sound of a hymn echoed, and the doors slowly opened. I lifted my face, and it felt like the one I loved was smiling at me.

(Lord Heinz…)

The chapel was filled with a solemn, sacred atmosphere. Familiar faces filled the pews on either side. Even the path leading to the altar was a blur through the tears that welled up in my eyes.

(Get a hold of yourself. This is your big moment!)

Lifting her chin with resolve, Elizabeth began to walk forward, each step steady and graceful, wrapped in the warm melody of the hymn. As she reached Heinz’s side, the priest welcomed her with a gentle smile.

Her mind wandered back to a day long past.

The day her mother passed away, and many were engulfed in sorrow. Even the priest standing before her now had worn a pained expression and shed tears that day.

She silently addressed her mother in heaven, who had surely been waiting for this day with bated breath.

(Mother, thanks to the many people who supported me, Elizabeth was able to reach this day. I will be happy. I will live a joyful life together with Lord Heinz…)

In her mind’s eye, her mother smiled back at her—gently, lovingly.