Chapter 1830:

Clive hesitated, his gaze dropping to the floor as if the truth were hiding somewhere in the grain of the polished wood. “Did you figure out it was me? How did you know?”

Elyse smiled. “It wasn’t easy to guess,” she admitted. “But your perfume… its main ingredient is the Evernight Rose. My gardener happens to be quite knowledgeable about rare botanicals.”

Clive’s bitter smile twisted his lips. “So, do you hate me now?”

“I should be the one apologizing,” Elyse replied softly. “I can only refuse your feelings, Clive. I never wanted to hurt you.”

A heavy silence stretched between them before he spoke again, his voice rough with the strain of acceptance. “No, I should be thanking you. I’ve been living in a delusion—pretending you weren’t taken, pretending I still had a chance.”

He swallowed, the truth tasting sour. “Now, you’ve given me a reason to finally face reality.”

eyes glimmering. “I couldn’t decide whether to confront you or pretend I knew nothing. But

held her gaze. “Having the truth laid bare hurt. But I needed

laugh, trying to lighten the crushing tension. “Better to rip the bandage off, right? You need to

a flicker of resolution tightening his jaw. “You’re right. Facing reality

shoulders sagging with relief. “While your feelings for me aren’t

me,” Clive replied. “Go ahead. I just need some time alone to

and left, her


him. “I’ve liked you for so long… Moving on isn’t that simple.” His lips quirked into a sad, self-mocking smile as he murmured to himself, “What a fool I am, causing you trouble, yet you’re still so gentle with me. That kindness of yours

conversation with Clive had been an emotional battle, but now that it was over, the weight lifted

all the answers. Her lips curved into a genuine smile. “Care to

a brow, smirking at her enthusiasm. “Since you’re asking so sincerely, how

pretending to be all high and

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