Staring at her master, Lia felt helpless and fearful. One would be shocked to find the usually gentle and virtuous lady Evelina behaving so cruelly and heartlessly.

Though she learned of Evelina's true colors long ago, Lia was unwilling to leave Evelina's side. After becoming Evelina's personal maid, she was much more respected in the mansion. In her opinion, working for Evelina isn't that bad. As long as you obey her every word, you'll be fine.

"My lady, would you like me to get you anything?" Lia asked.

"No. You leave." Evelina glanced at her with a cold gaze.

"Y-yes m'lady...!" Lia left in a rushed and timid manner.

"Tsk..." Evelina rolled her eyes, annoyed and bored.

**************

Rienne waited in the lobby as she paced back and forth nervously.

"My lady.... You need to calm down." Rienne's personal maid, Luna stood aside indifferently while watching Rienne panicking

"I can't calm down Luna! She is coming home!" Rienne panicked even more. Then she saw her father and twin brother hurriedly walk down the main stairs, they too seemed panicked.

Rienne watched as her father fixed his hair and inspected her brother's attire. They all stood together in front of the door and stared at it anxiously. 

Then...

"I'm back!" A beautiful woman with long red hair pushed open the door. She dropped the suitcase in her hand and looked at the three with a big smile.

"Hey mom..." Rienne awkwardly waved to her mother.

"Welcome back sweetheart...!" Rienne's father ran to his wife and put away his wife's coat for her, acting like an obedient wife welcoming her husband back from a trip. Even though it was the other way around...

"Hmph. How's everything? Did something worrying happen?" Duchess Balloria stood proudly, enjoying her husband's service.

"Nothing dear! Everything is well! But much has happened?" Duke Balloria messaged his wife's shoulders carefully. "Are you tired, my love? Should I ask the servants to bring you a fragrant cup of tea?"

"Hah, you must have been missing me!" Duchess Balloria guessed and raised her chin, looking very pleased and prideful.

"Indeed, indeed! Could I get anything for you, my beloved wife?" The duke hugged his dearly missed wife and acted intimately.

Adrien laughed at the side. His usually cold father actually acted so submissive. Only his mother could make his father act this way...

************

That night, Angelina sat alone in her room, painting. She didn't leave her room for the whole day. One wouldn't be able to discover her emotions by observing her expressionless face.

Angelina didn't exactly know why she was so unwilling to step out of her room. She just felt too ashamed and disgusted. Thus she decided to merely paint all day. Looking at her side, she could see four paintings that are laid to dry.

Suddenly a knock was heard from the balcony. The young lady already had a premonition in her heart about who it could be.

She lazily stood up and approached the source of the sound.

"Sorry for always bothering you Lily. I'm just worried, are you okay?" Charles asked after Angelina opened the doors.

"I'm fine... Why are you here?" Angelina sighed. She wasn't in a good mood therefore she responded with a not so happy expression. She didn't realize such a little action could affect his feelings so much.

Charles was saddened by her unhappy response and became slightly nervous.

"You can tell me anything Lily... You know I'm here for you, right? Tell me what's one your mind. Please don't be annoyed..." Charles grew even more anxious as he watched Angelina's frown deepen to his words.

"Why care so much? Why are you so nice to me? You're an Emperor and you lower yourself so much just for me? I mean... I don't even remember you. Why bother with me?" Angelina furrowed her brows. She felt suspicious of him. She knew he meant no harm. But... It all felt so strange to her. But she does have a small guess in mind.

"....." The pair of sapphire eyes widened. He didn't feel hurt because she was questioning him. He felt hurt because she reminded him that she had no memory of them together in the past.

He would trick himself and pretend she did remember. But he can't change reality...

His face darkened and his hands were clenched into fists.

"What? Are you in love with me or something?" Angelina snickered while crossing her arms, sarcasm in her tone.

He subconsciously took a step back before he asked her, "Would you dislike it if I am...?"

"....huh?" A part of her wished it was a joke. But judging by his flushed and hopeful appearance, she knew it wasn't.

......

Angelina's stunned face frightened him. Does she dislike him? Is she disgusted by him?

Thinking this, Charles panicked. His heart started beating uncontrollably and he could feel sweat forming on his forehead.

Angelina felt awkward and confused all of a sudden. She didn't know what to do or where to look, thus she looked away to gaze at the starry night sky, hoping to calm herself.

Her silence only made Charles panic even more. Should he quickly say he was merely joking? But…

Remembering the arrogant and fierce, yet charmingly sweet young girl who would sing him to sleep, give him snacks secretly, and take care of him when he's sick made him unable to take back his previous words. He was scared that he would lose her again! He can't let go of this opportunity!

"....?!" Angelina stiffened when she felt her hand being held by someone. She turned her head and saw him kneeling before her.

"Lily… I… I love you! I love you so much! You don't know how much you mean to me! Though you don't remember me and probably don't care for me at all, I don't mind! All that is important is that I know how much you mean to me!" The kneeling Emperor held her hand and finally confessed. He knew he was acting impulsively. But he really did love her. He wanted her to know that...

"You..." Angelina wanted to stop him but he continued.

"I have not forgotten Lily the past years we were apart. I never have! Please don't leave me... I'll treat you very well and strive to make you the happiest person! I only have eyes for you. Please accept my feelings Lily..." Charles's tone sounded as if he was begging. His eyes were full of tenderness yet desperation.

Angelina felt horror slip into her heart. She wasn't shocked. But… this sudden confession caught her off guard.

"....." Angelina retracted her hand and crossed her arms once again before answering, "I'm sorry..."

His heart sank as he heard her. His hands were trembling.

"Why...? I promise I will never leave you, Lily. Do you not believe me?" His voice was shaking and his heartbroken eyes never left her. He's really trying his best to refrain from taking her away right this instant.

"It's not that," Angelina turned away, "Charles, It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself… It's simply because... My heart is tired. I'm tired. It's my fault. I just don't have the heart and energy to devote myself to someone. Not after... Him"

"...."

"Please forgive me. You're not to blame. You're a good man, I can see that. But…" Angelina knew she was being cruel. But it's the truth. She gave all her love to Chase. She gave him so much that she has none left for anyone else...

"Thank you for always being here to comfort me though. I... Very much enjoyed your company. You're a great friend." Angelina turned to face him with a spiritless smile.

She was shocked.

He was... In tears.

"I..." Angelina felt guilty and wanted to say something but she couldn't as she was pulled into an embrace.

"It must have been painful for you..." He hugged her waist and cried. He didn't know if he was crying because of himself, or for her. All he knows at this moment is that he wants to be close to her.

"I'll wait for you." He whispered.

A "What...?" escaped her lips.

"I'll wait for you. Wait till the day you're ready. I'll always be here waiting for you... I'll never give up!" Afraid that she will say no, Charles left in a hurry.

.....

While Angelina remained speechless and dumbfounded.

***********

Duke Skyler rubbed his forehead in annoyance. He was unable to sleep all night. His mind kept repeating Angelina's words ...

Why? Why did she have to remind him of that woman?

"As much as I'm ashamed to admit it, I'm your daughter too!'

"Your grace, this is your child as well!"

The duke let out a frustrated sigh. Why are they so similar?! It's truly bothersome...