His tone was firm, yet it carried a painful sincerity. Kyle had no intention of becoming the reason for someone else's misery, nor did he wish to repeat the past.
Denis sighed, then reached out to place his hand over his son's in a calming gesture. With a warm, fatherly voice, he said, "I'm not asking you to love her now, but at least give her a chance. Give yourself a chance. I will allow the engagement period to be extended, so she can come here and live with you for a while."
Kyle slowly turned to his father, his brows furrowed in displeasure.
"Live with her?"
"Yes, son. Just for some time. No one is asking you to make a decision right away, but perhaps—just perhaps—your perception of her might change. Maybe you'll realize that she deserves a place in your life."
Kyle remained silent, though his heart screamed in refusal. But his father's mind knew exactly how to plant the seed of doubt within him.
Denis continued with a gentle smile, patting his son's hand reassuringly. "Think about it, son. Not for anyone else, but for yourself. And also…"
He lifted his gaze to his son, his eyes filled with an old longing. "I want to see my grandchildren, Kyle. You're not that little boy who used to run through the palace halls anymore. You need to think about this seriously."
Heavy moments passed between them before Kyle rose from his seat, taking his coffee cup with him, and walked to the large window overlooking the palace gardens.
He gazed at the clear sky as if searching for an answer, yet deep down, he knew this was not a battle he could easily win.
This was not just an engagement—it was the beginning of something that could change his life entirely… Something he wasn't ready for.
---
An Irrevocable Decision
Kyle stood before the mirror, staring at his reflection with deep contemplation. His hands rubbed his face firmly as if trying to erase what he had just heard. He let out a heavy sigh, then murmured in a voice so faint it was almost a whisper:
"Mother, are you really not going to change your mind?"
He knew well that his mother wouldn't back down easily. In fact, he didn't even need to think twice to realize the identity of the woman he had been forced to get engaged to. He had seen through his mother's scheme from the very beginning, but he never expected her to drag the Emperor himself into his personal affairs.
"It wasn't enough that you interfered in every detail of my life—you had to make my uncle issue a decision in my name as well?"
His words echoed in the room, but he didn't need an answer.
The truth was clear, as clear as the midday sun.
On the Other Side: The Heroine Awakens from Her Slumber
Several miles away, in her luxurious palace suite, Arwa was in a deep sleep, undisturbed except for the sunlight creeping through the tall windows, piercing her closed eyelids. She slept peacefully like a small child, her head buried in her soft pillow, her breathing steady and calm.
Her mother, Eleonora, entered the room, pulling the curtains open with energy. Light flooded the space, revealing its warm pink and cream-colored décor.
"What a lazy girl you are!" Eleonora said with a smile as she pulled the covers off her daughter.
Arwa groaned sleepily, clutching onto the blanket as if it were a shield protecting her from the outside world.
"How long do you plan to stay like this, young lady? You'll be moving into your husband's home soon, and you need to change this sleeping habit!"
Arwa mumbled drowsily, trying to retrieve her lost cover, "Mother, please… I didn't sleep all night…"
But her mother was not one to be lenient in such matters. Placing her hands on her hips, she spoke firmly, "Get up now. Your Aunt Sara is coming for dinner tonight, and you need to prepare to welcome her. She has important matters to discuss with you."
Arwa slowly opened her eyes, trying to process her mother's words, then exhaled in resignation, "Alright, alright… I'll get up."
Eleonora smiled in satisfaction, then added as she headed toward the door, "And don't forget to take a bath and wear these clothes."
Arwa glanced at the outfit her mother had picked—an elegant long navy skirt and a simple cream-colored blouse. She muttered in annoyance, "Fine…"
But Eleonora couldn't resist her motherly instincts. She approached her daughter and playfully patted her rosy cheek. "I'm so happy my daughter will be a good daughter-in-law."
Arwa frowned, rubbing her slightly sore cheek. "Mother, you're hurting me…"
Eleonora laughed as she withdrew her hand and walked toward the door. "Don't take too long."
"I won't," Arwa replied lazily.
Her mother paused at the doorway and asked, "Shall I send a maid to assist you?"
Now feeling more awake, Arwa shook her head. "No, Mother, I'm not a child. I can—"
---
Caring for Myself
Eleanor smiled and nodded her head, "Well, do what you wish. But make sure to present yourself nicely in front of your aunt."
Then she left, leaving Arwa alone with her thoughts.
---
Getting Ready for Dinner: A Moment of New Realization
After showering for the first time without the help of the servants, Arwa felt a sense of independence she had never experienced before. This was her own bath, her own choice, as if for the first time she had the freedom to make decisions in this new world.
She carefully dressed, chose a little makeup, just a light touch of pink moisturizer, and gently groomed her eyebrows. Then she tied a black scarf around her head like an elegant headband.
When she finished getting ready, she looked at her reflection in the mirror. The scent of her special perfume filled the room; that perfume was not just a fragrance, but a personal signature, a part of her new identity.
She sighed quietly as she thought, "I still haven't officially told them about my decision, but... I have already agreed, haven't I?"
---
Then she left the room and descended the long staircase leading to the sitting room, where her mother was sitting next to Aunt Sara, exchanging conversation and laughter.
---
Meeting Aunt Sara
When Arwa entered the room, she smiled politely and then bowed slightly as she greeted them:
"How are you, Your Highness? I hope your journey to our palace wasn't tiring."
Sara raised her head, smiling, her eyes shining with affection:
"Oh, my dear, the journey was not tiring at all, especially after seeing you. Now I feel true happiness."
Arwa smiled shyly and sat next to her mother, while the two ladies continued their conversation about life, about Kyle, and how he had been since childhood.
Arwa listened in silence, observing how all the discussions revolved around one person only… Kyle. The man who had suddenly become the center of her life, even though she had not yet decided how she felt about it.
When the general conversation ended, Sara turned to her seriously:
"Arwa, you received a message from the emperor."
Arwa felt her heart pounding strongly.
"Yes…"
"What do you think?"
She hesitated for a moment, then felt warmth creeping into her face. She wasn't used to such conversations.
Sara smiled gently and said, "As a mother, I had to think about the future of my children. That's why I found you to be the best choice."
Then she added warmly, "I came here today to hear your answer myself."
Arwa tucked a strand of hair behind her ear nervously, then murmured in a quiet voice:
"Aunt, at first, when I saw the message, I thought it was just a joke… but…"
Sara, as if reading her thoughts, moved to sit beside her and held her hands gently:
"What's the difference? Your eyes tell me you're already in agreement."
A shy smile formed on Arwa's lips.
"Aunt, I was hesitant… but I think I'm seriously considering it now."
Sara laughed warmly and patted her shoulder:
"That is the answer I was looking for, my dear."
Thus, without Arwa fully realizing it, she had taken her first step toward a future she had never imagined… a future that would be more complicated than she expected.