Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

"But why?" Yuliana was extremely reluctant.

"Why, you ask?" With a look of reproach, Alyssa answered, "I'm afraid of the diplomatic repercussions after your parents learned that you had given away your crown as a wedding gift. It might even lead to misunderstandings between our nations.

"You're a beloved princess, free to pursue most whims. While you may not face consequences, your actions can impact others. Do you still think that this would be a good idea?

Upon hearing that, Yuliana lowered her head regretfully and dejectedly. She fiddled with the fabric of her dress. "Actually," she mumbled, "I had another motive."

Alyssa turned, her gentle eyes meeting Yuliana's glistening ones; Yuliana had finally revealed her intentions.

"You were aware that Lauren is like a younger sister to me. So, you decided to dig deep to please me. With that, you want me to matchmake you with Liam. Am I right?"

A blush stained Yuliana's cheeks, and she bashfully stammered, "Y-You saw through it all. That was manipulative of me, wasn't it? That was awful of me. I'm sorry."

be so harsh on yourself. Using a little ingenuity to get close to someone you like isn't a crime.

voice, she said, "I like Liam... I like him very much. I'm willing to give up my title as a princess to be together with him. My aunt married a commoner whose background isn't even half as good as Liam's. Liam

a loss for words. While the Taylor family's fortune

pleaded, burying her face in Alyssa's arm. "Remember our sleepover? And you're Liam's favorite sister. With you on my side, maybe Liam will treat me like he used to. This distant version of him... it's

as she said all

with his words that night?

good enough?" Yuliana's cries got louder and

Alyssa hugged

Liam who has climbed over his

seeing

agony of self-blame and fear of losing their