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—?

late? Or did he get abandoned?!

It’s never

Nnenna couldn’t see the

subtle disappointment written on the faces of the dignitaries. King Altan of

with raised brows to Prince Ankhbayar. Even King Vladimir of Haran

She could imagine their confusion, their excitement fizzling

was his big

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

And she…

couldn’t even grant

No.

her shoulders, and began walking through the crowd, weaving past nobles and heads of state, past guards and servants. Her pace was steady, her heart

with one of his advisors, his posture

Then gently, boldly, tapped

He turned, mid sentence.

surprise wasn’t masked, not even a little. He looked like he didn’t

smile, just enough to

this dance, Eldest Brother?” she said

calm, but her

her for a breath longer than necessary.

the grand hall, heads

a wave on a

the first

scandalous commotion, was walking up to Crown Prince Somto and… asking for

were done. The prince was the one to offer the hand. Not the other way around. And

bloomed like wildfire

“She’s overstepping—”

not hear him cancel

his sister,

not the type to let

it worse for

Somto, waiting for the sharp rejection that would surely follow. For the air to freeze over. For the Second Princess to be gently, or not so gently,