?Chapter 596:


    His words instantly triggered both Dominic and Bryan, and they were at each other’s throats once again.


    Makenna’s POV:


    I let out a frustrated sigh, overwhelmed by the constant bickering in the background. Needing a break, I stood up to find some peace and quiet.


    I slipped away from their relentless arguments and strolled to a nearbyke to clear my thoughts.


    A soft breeze rippled across the water, and fish darted around energetically, asionally leaping and sending ripples across the surface.


    Watching their carefree movements brought a faint smile to my face. Truthfully, even though the princes always seemed to argue whenever they were together, I knew it stemmed from their affection for me.


    In the past, I could hardly have imagined receiving such attention. But as these thoughts drifted through my mind, my mood darkened, and a deep sadness enveloped me. If only… if only my child had survived.


    He would have been raised in a loving environment, happy and cherished, right?


    My eyes began to sting with tears, and a heavy sorrow pressed against my chest, making it hard to breathe. Suddenly, I felt the gentle weight of a coat draped over my shoulders.


    I turned instinctively and saw Bryan standing there. He appeared rxed, but there was a clear worry in his deep eyes.


    I quicklyposed myself and forced a smile. “Your Highness, what brings you here?”


    Bryan let out a soft snort. “I was caught up arguing with those two fools, and when I noticed you were gone, I came looking for you.”


    I pressed my dry lips together and managed a small smile, pretending everything was fine. “I’m all right, I just needed a walk.”


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    But Bryan seemed to see right through me. He took my hand and asked, “You were upset, weren’t you?”


    The sadness I had tried to hold back welled up again, and I nodded, disheartened.


    Bryan sighed, his expression softening. “Were you thinking about the child?”


    A bitter smile tugged at my lips as I whispered, “If the child were still here, he’d be happy, wouldn’t he?” Tears welled in my eyes once more as I spoke.


    Every time that thought crossed my mind, guilt stabbed at my heart.


    “I feel the same way,” Bryan admitted, his eyes clouded with regret. “It was my fault. If I had been there to protect you, perhaps none of this would have happened.” He paused and took a deep breath, as though bracing himself. Then he said, “Makenna, I’ve always wanted to apologize to you.”


    When I heard this, tears streamed down my face. I longed to assure him that none of it was his fault, but grief choked my words.


    In an uncharacteristically tender manner, Bryan kissed away my tears. “I’ll make things right. I won’t be overbearing like I used to be. I’ll consider your feelings and ensure you never endure such pain again.”


    His words touched me deeply, and I looked up at him. Slowly, our faces drew closer until our lips met in a gentle kiss.


    The kiss began tentatively but quickly deepened into a fervent expression of our shared longing to erase the pain that haunted us.


    Caught up in the heat of the moment, Bryan’s excitement grew. He removed the coat he had earlier ced around my shoulders. His hands tenderly found the hem of my dress, lifting it to my waist with a gentle tug.


    The sudden chill against my skin jolted me back to the present.


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