Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 134

Chapter 134 You Lack Confidence

Regardless, the age difference between Elowen and Cassian was significant.

Cassian acknowledged it frankly. “True.”

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He looked down, continuing, “So I kept it to myself. Many knew I had a beloved, but none knew her identity.”

He had done this, in part, to protect Elowen’s reputation.

Also, at the time, many considered Elowen and Alaric childhood sweethearts, a perfect match. Splitting them up wasn’t his first thought

Cassian paused. “At first, the only one who knew you were the one I loved was His Majesty.”

Elowen was surprised. “But at the betrothal banquet, when His Majesty asked whom I wanted to marry and I said you, he was reluctant to grant it. He urged me to reconsider.”

Cassian smiled slightly, “Because I was unconscious at the time.”

He stroked her hand. “His Majesty’s perhaps better than you imagine. He has a kind heart, and he genuinely remembered your father and brother’s military service, felt compassion for your plight.”

A lump formed in Elowen’s throat.

After a moment, she composed herself and asked, “But… why tell me this today?”

Cassian looked at her for a long moment. “Because, Ella, I realized you lack confidence in yourself.”

Elowen was taken aback. “How could that be?” she blurted.

She was born into Hale Manor, the first and only daughter of the family.

Unlike her rough-and-tumble, sun-browned brothers and cousins, she had always been plump and delicate, like a doll. Elders doted on her; everyone indulged her. She received whatever she desired.

How could she lack confidence?

Cassian arched a brow. “Then what was your first thought when I said I like you?”

As Elowen started to think, he added, “Don’t think. Just say it.”

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19:34 Fri, Feb 13 TTD.

Chapter 134 You Lack Confidence

Elowen paused.

He asked again, “I say I like you-what do you think?”

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Steeling herself, Elowen confessed, “I don’t have any merits. Why would you like me?”

The words shocked even herself as she spoke them.

Cassian watched her calmly. “You see, Ella? You lack confidence.”

Elowen opened her mouth to respond, but footsteps sounded outside the door.

Bran announced, “Your Grace, Doctor Dray is here.”

Elowen swallowed her words.

Cassian asked, “I’ll have Doctor Dray examine me. Why don’t you get some rest?”

Elowen nodded.

Cassian released her wrist and gently touched her cheek.

As she left, Elowen finally saw the famed Hugh.

He wore plain white robes. Perhaps from years of travel, his complexion was not the rumored fairness, but his lips were a deep red, his eyes slightly upturned at the corners.

At first glance, his gender was indeed ambiguous

Seeing Elowen, Hugh nodded, his voice surprisingly deep and resonant. “Your Grace.”

Elowen blinked.

That booming voice, without seeing his face, one would imagine a tall, bearded giant.

Elowen returned a smile. “The Duke was forced to drink aphrodisiac wine earlier. Sorry to trouble you.”

Hugh, having seen much of the world, showed no particular reaction. “Of course.”

Elowen left, walking slowly down the corridor.

Sunlight slanted in, illuminating her shoes.

She looked down, recalling her conversation with Cassian.

She lacked confidence.

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Chapter 134 You Lack Confidence

She hadn’t realized it before.

When did it start?

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Perhaps after her father and brothers died one after another, leaving her alone in Hale Manor, people’s attitudes shifted from flattery to avoidance and mockery.

Or perhaps from Alaric’s changing attitude, especially after her past life’s experience in the Crown Prince’s Wing, where his coldness, blame and belittlement had been constant.

So it wasn’t just her outward appearance that had been worn to a pale, gaunt shadow; her inner self had also been eroded, riddled with holes.

A belated fear and sorrow washed over Elowen.

Amidst the sorrow, there was also relief.

Thankfully, she had been reborn.

And thankfully, in this life, she had married Cassian.

Elsewhere, Hugh strode into the room and approached the chaise. “Well, heard you were forced to drink aphrodisiac wine?”

Bran brought a stool. Hugh sat down heavily, legs apart.

Cassian arched a brow. “My wife told you?”

“Yes.”

“She was concerned for me,” Cassian said, a note of deep satisfaction and unusual softness in his eyes.

Hugh stared at him as if seeing a ghost. “Are you truly ill?”

“Hmm?”

“In all my years, I’ve never seen that expression on your face.”

In Hugh’s memory, Cassian was either cold-faced, stern-faced, or aloofly gazing down upon the world as if everyone owed him a mountain of gold. “Gentle” had never been in his Vocabulary.

Cassian gave him a profound look. “You, who have no wife, naturally wouldn’t understand.”

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Chapter 134 You Lack Confidence

Without another word, Hugh stood up. “Right. Then this wifeless man will take his leave.”

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