The palace garden was lively.
Too lively.
Laughter echoed, soft music played, and nobles gathered under blooming trees.
Another gathering.
Another performance of perfection.
—
Xueying stood at the edge.
Watching.
—
Not the crowd.
—
Him.
—
Gu Yichen stood not far away.
But not alone.
—
Zhao Meilin was beside him.
Close.
Too close.
—
She laughed at something he said.
Light.
Familiar.
Like nothing had ever changed.
—
Xueying's fingers tightened slightly around her sleeve.
—
"She looks happy," Qingyu whispered carefully.
—
Xueying didn't respond.
—
Because she wasn't looking at Meilin.
—
She was looking at him.
—
And the way he didn't move away.
—
The way he stayed.
—
"…Princess," Qingyu said softly,
"we can leave if you want."
—
A pause.
—
Then—
"No."
—
Her voice was calm.
—
But her feet didn't move.
—
Because something inside her—
Refused to run.
—
—
Across the garden—
Meilin leaned slightly closer to Yichen.
"Everyone is watching," she murmured.
—
"I know."
—
"Then you should smile more."
—
Yichen didn't respond.
—
But he didn't step away either.
—
And that—
Was enough.
—
—
Xueying turned.
Slowly.
—
"I've seen enough."
—
But the moment she stepped away—
—
His eyes followed her.
—
Just for a second.
—
And she didn't see it.
—