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    Eliza could not take that chance. But guilt would not let her breathe. So, she ran. "T-I just remembered there''s something I need to take care of, she said, her voice trembling. "TIe visit another day.


    Before Nn could respond, Eliza turned and bolted past him, running straight out of the courtyard without even ncing back. Nn stood frozen for a second, stunned.


    He turned toward the doorway, watching her retreating figure disappear into the distance, still trying to make sense of what had just happened.


    "Serenity?" he called, but she was already gone. He immediately turned and chased after her.


    Eliza had meant to leave just like that, without another word. But to her surprise, Nn chased after her without the slightest hesitation and stepped in front of her, blocking her path.


    His face was flushed with confusion and concern. "What happened? Just now, what was that about? Why did you say sorry to


    me?"


    "It''s nothing." Eliza said quickly. "I-I really have something urgent I need to take care of. I have to go. Please, let me go."


    She tried to step past him, but once again, Nn moved to stop her. This time, though, he did not press or demand.


    "Alright," he said softly. "If you want to go, I won''t stop you. But can you just listen to one thing first!"


    He lowered his head slightly, looking at her with such sincere, pleading eyes that Eliza struggled to turn him down.


    Nn her a gentle smile and reached out, smoothing down the loose strands of hair she had tousled when she ran. His voice was soft, coaxing, "Whatever happened back there if you ever feel like talking. I''ll always be here to listen. And if you don''t want to say anything, that''s fine too. When you leave, take the Prince Regent''s carriage. I''ll have someone escort you safely back to Saint Grace Nunnery. Just rest when you get there, alright? I''lle to see you tomorrow."


    Eliza opened her mouth, trying to say something, but before she could, Nn cut her off, a bit more firm this time. "No saying no."


    In the end, Eliza said nothing at all. She kept her head down, lips tightly sealed, and let herself be quietly ushered into the carriage.


    She did not expect the inside to look so different from when she had arrived. There was now a soft nket draped across the seat, small treats tucked into a corner, even a warm hand muff waiting for her.


    It was only early autumn, and the chill in the air was just starting to show, Nn, it seemed, was worried she might catch a cold. He had even thought to prepare something to keep her hands warm.


    He was so attentive, so careful in all the linle things. That only made Eliza feel worse. The whole ride back, she sat quietly, staring down at the hand muff in a daze.


    While she was buried in guilt inside the carriage, Nn''s expression had already darkened the moment she left.


    When he returned to the Prince Regent''s estate, his tone was icy as he barked, "Exin. What the hell happened while I was gone?"


    Earlier that morning, Eliza had sent word through a servant that she wasing to visit. From the way the servant had described it, she had looked genuinely cheerful and full of anticipation.


    But after Nn had stepped out for just a short while, she left in such a state. She would not even meet his eyes. She would not talk to him. She could barely even stand near him.


    Nn was furious. He had rushed through state matters all morning looking forward to spending time with Eliza, hoping to


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    enjoy some food, maybe even show her around the estate a little. He had practically sprinted hack. And now,


    His expression was ice-cold, his gaze sharp as des as it cut straight through Ross and Lawrence.


    Ross panicked. Without a second''s hesitation, he threw Lawrence under the carriage. "It was him. He did it. Let him exin?


    Lawrence froze for a beat, then looked down guiltily. "I was only trying to help with your illness, Your Highness"


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