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Chapter 0 - Prologue
Ella was determined as she faced Cladis.
‘Marrying Cladis? Hell no! Wife of the Crown Prince? Heroine of a romance story? I don’t want any of that anymore.‘
The Ella who dreamt of a happy marriage with Cladis was long gone. Just because she literally became the main character did not mean she had to act like one. Back when she was a famous pâtissier, she already experienced life as the main character. She had enough of that. Now, all she hoped for was a quiet and stress-free life. A life free from all the competitiveness at the palace.
All she wanted was her loving family and for the happiness of those who cared for her. Ella felt it was enough to enjoy a happy life with the Duke’s family and live the life of a supporting character.
But Cladis was now trying to get back together with her. Why? She did not want his courtship at all. Instead of accepting his courtship, Ella did everything she could to make him understand her rejection.
“Ella, please give me another chance. I know I’ve done things that have greatly hurt you. I understand why you despise me now.”
Despite his claims that he understood the pain he caused Ella, he still did not back down. Seeing Cladis’s desperation made Ella uncomfortable but also sympathetic towards him. Cladis knew about Ella’s sympathy, which gave him a bit of hope.
“I can’t imagine a life without you. I just can’t.”
“Your highness, I can’t imagine a life with you.”
“I understand. Ever since the Glass Garden, you’ve been telling me that. I know you no longer want me anymore. But Ella, I won’t accept that.”
Just as Cladis refused to give up, Ella was also adamant in her refusal to marry him. Cladis also accepted his wrongdoings.
“I never wanted to be with that woman. It never crossed my mind. I’ll devote everything I have in order to persuade you from now on.”
“Persuade, you said?”
“Yes, persuade. I will persuade and court you. That’s so you can imagine a future with me by your side.”
Persuasion followed by courtship. All of it sounded ridiculous. As Ella scoffed at his claims, Cladis walked towards her and hugged her.
“One year. Just give me one year. I’ll do my best to court you.”