Can't Win Me Back

Everyone's jaws dropped in astonishment. Everyone except Liam was seeing Yuliana's crown for the first time.

Even if they were already well-acquainted, it remained a fact that the crown was a symbol of royal lineage. How could it be gifted to someone else just like that?

"Ah! Ah!" Lauren's cheeks burned crimson. She waved her hands repeatedly to decline. Flattered as she was, the thought of even touching the crown terrified her. "This is far too valuable a gift, Your Highness."

Jasper stepped forward and gently turned Yuliana down. "Lauren is incredibly grateful for your kindness, but perhaps you should-"

"It's none of your business to whom I want to give it!" Yuliana interrupted, her chin jutting out defiantly.

She then cast him a haughty sidelong glance. "Besides, this is a reward from me. Who would dare to turn me down?"

Jasper was speechless. He wondered if he was becoming more advanced in years that he was making others annoyed with his words.

Colene clicked her tongue, muttering, "Why is the princess putting on a show here? It's the modern era. Plus, she's not a princess from the Regency era. Why is she giving a reward?"

"Don't say that, Colene." Miley tugged at Colene's arm. With a gentle gaze, she smiled and said, "Princess Yuliana is the only daughter to His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness. It's no surprise that they brought her up with lots of love and care.

"So, it's normal for her to be a little more demanding. But Princess Yuliana is a good person. She's innocent and kind. Otherwise, she wouldn't become friends with me, nor would she have..." Miley trailed off, her gaze flitting toward Liam, who stood tall and silent at the back.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

Liam appeared to be looking past the crowd and in Lauren's direction. However, his gaze was fixed on Yuliana's face the entire time. A flicker of concern flickered in their depths, gradually morphing into a burning intensity.

Yuliana pouted stubbornly. Although she might have looked arrogant, others didn't view her as despicable. "It's too embarrassing to take back something I've already given. It's a disgrace to the royal family!" Rose and Tatiana couldn't hold back their laughter. Alyssa was the only one helplessly shaking her head at the situation.

Yulialy gifted her royal crown during their first encounter. If they got to know one another better, would she end up giving her entire palace away?

Lauren, a woman who favored

simplicity, wore only a white veil on

her wedding day. But a closer look revealed delicate, embroidered roses a testament to Tatiana's month-long labor of love and her wedding gift to Lauren.

With a solemn expression, Yuliana lifted the crown, placing it gently upon Lauren's head like a coronation. The glistening diamonds, juxtaposed against the soft veil, accentuated Lauren's beauty, making her glow.

Lauren's lips trembled as she tried to speak.

"Do you want to say thank you? No worries, I understand."

Yuliana held Lauren's hands in hers. Choking back on her tears, she said, "I've heard about your story even when I was in Kontina. I know it wasn't easy for you both to reach this point. Your love for each other persevered through hardship, making your happiness all the more precious and worth beholding for the rest of your life. Don't you think

so?"

Her eyes welled up. "As a princess, I have everything within my reach. Yet, your relationship with Mr. Harper has shown me, for the first time, what true awe feels like."

Emotions surged within Yuliana's chest. She couldn't stop herself from looking in Liam's direction.

He was just standing there a moment ago. However, the spot was now empty.

The anticipation, the need for

courage, shattered into a million

pieces. A wave of loneliness washed over Yuliana. She'd finally found her happiness, and the thought of living with regret-of letting him slip away, was unbearable.

With Jasper by her side, Lauren climbed into the carriage and started toward the chapel. The rest of their families followed in a procession of luxurious cars.

Alyssa chose to ride with Yuliana. They sat right next to each other in the back seat.

"Your Highness, please take your crown back after Lauren's wedding ceremony," Alyssa uttered seriously and respectfully.

Yuliana was a stubborn and pampered princess who didn't care who she went up against. Yet, she couldn't bring herself to defy Alyssa, so she obeyed the latter as if the latter were her older sister. Perhaps even the most stubborn can be tamed.