They Hated Me in My First Life, But Now I Have the Love System

Chapter 374: Just Got The Gift He Didn’t Know He Needed

And why did it bother her?

It was just a dance, she reminded herself. A symbolic gesture. Nothing more. The prince wasn’t married, nor formally engaged. With the entire world watching, he had to choose someone, and, well, she was available, noble, and already dressed for the occasion.

That had to be why.

Right?

She bit her lower lip and glanced down at her hand, the one he had held just moments ago. She remembered the warmth of his fingers, the way he looked at her as if she was the only one in the room.

A weird guilt started to creep up on her. He hadn’t demanded anything. He hadn’t pressured her. And when she refused… he had respected it.

She sighed.

Maybe I overreacted.

Maybe it really was just a dance. He could have gone to their mother. Or even Ebere, who was just as beloved and refined. But he didn’t. He came to her.

And she turned away.

The moment the musicians quietly packed up the instruments for the first dance, a wave of confused disappointment washed over the crowd like an unspoken question.

Guests glanced around, waiting, unsure if there had been a change in the program. A few noblewomen whispered behind their fans. Courtiers muttered into their wine glasses.

The cancellation of the first dance, the symbolic act that marked the prince’s rise, was like pulling the spark from a firework show just before launch.

Even the livestream exploded with reactions:

@RoyalTeaSpiller: Wait, did they just CANCEL the first dance?? No way. My popcorn is unfinished. Refund please.

@GlitzNGlory2025: Why would he cancel? WHO was supposed to dance with him? But then he could have danced with his mother or one of his sisters right?

@ChaChaChariot: Maybe his dance partner bailed? Oop, tea’s hot tonight.

@NnennaNation: Wait y’all… you don’t think—?

Or did he

That was tradition, tho. It’s never been canceled. Something’s

though Nnenna couldn’t see the comments,

around the grand hall, noting the subtle disappointment written on

Chimeg whispered something with raised brows to Prince Ankhbayar. Even King Vladimir of Haran blinked slowly,

their confusion,

his big

quietly supported her from when she was in the hospital. Who didn’t force her to explain

And she…

couldn’t even grant him this one

No.

inhaled deeply, squared her shoulders, and began walking through the crowd, weaving past nobles and heads of state, past guards and servants.

with his back turned, speaking in low tones with one of his advisors, his posture calm, but

reached him. Then gently, boldly,

He turned, mid sentence.

His surprise wasn’t masked, not even a little. He looked like he didn’t expect to see her again for the rest of

just enough to be sincere without giving

Brother?” she said

was calm, but her

her for a breath longer than necessary.

grand hall, heads turned in near perfect

a

first

been the center of a scandalous commotion, was walking up to Crown Prince Somto and… asking for the dance

to offer the hand. Not the

like wildfire through the

“She’s overstepping—”

not hear

sister, that was bold,

not the type to let

making it worse

waiting for the sharp rejection that would surely follow. For the air to freeze over. For the Second Princess to be gently,