Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 461

Elowen felt a ripple of unease and gestured lightly toward Zachary. "Didn't you say you'd taken a liking to someone? He made a point of coming to see you today."

Elara paused, then followed her gaze.

The moment she saw Zachary, she went still, tilting her head as she searched her memory with surprising seriousness, as if trying to piece together a half-forgotten dream.

Then her expression brightened in sudden clarity. "Oh, right. I did fall for someone."

Elowen blinked, completely thrown off, and turned to look at Rowena.

Wasn't she supposed to be so lovesick she could barely function...

Rowena pressed her fingers to her temple, clearly at a loss.

What on earth did I end up raising...

Zachary turned to Elowen, his tone measured. "Your Grace, what I need to say next is... rather personal."

Elowen understood immediately and gave Mira and Anson a subtle look.

They both inclined their heads and slipped out without a sound. Rowena followed, pausing only to close the door behind her with quiet care.

Elowen hesitated for a brief moment, wondering if she should excuse herself as well.

Before she could decide, Zachary had already risen and was walking toward Elara.

The moment passed, and she remained seated by the desk.

Elara lifted her slightly flushed face to look at him. Up close, he was even more striking than she remembered, his features sharp and almost dazzling in a way that made it hard to look away.

She gathered herself quickly and spoke in a soft, earnest voice. "You might not remember me. I'm Elara Wrenner. My father serves under His Grace, the Duke of Duskmoor."

Elowen lowered her gaze slightly.

Oh, he knows exactly who you are. He knows your father very well.

After all, your father is being held under his authority... and not gently treated.

Zachary stepped closer, and Elara's words began to tumble out a little faster. "That day at the manor, when we first met, I nearly lost my footing, and you caught me just in time. I fell for you right then. I know we barely know each other, but feelings can grow, can't they? Look at His Grace and Your Grace. They hadn't even met before they married, and now everyone in Vanelle talks about them."

Elowen's lips pressed together faintly.

We've already met. And it's not like he slowly fell for me. He was into me from the very beginning.

Zachary stopped just a step away from Elara.

He stood slightly taller, lowering his gaze to meet hers, and let out a quiet breath that carried a hint of resignation. "We can't be together."

Is it really that solid...

The first time I touched Cassian like that, I reacted the exact same way. It's unfair how... surprisingly firm it is.

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