Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 737

Awakening Love: Reborn to Be His Duchess

Chapter 737 Neither Hatred Nor Love

Elowen couldn’t help but remember her past life.

Back then, Maerwyn had despised her entirely, greeting her with nothing but biting sarcasm and angry outbursts whenever they met. In this life, however, everything had changed the moment the princess discovered Elowen was actually Azure. She had thrown her usual malice out the window, happily calling her “Aunt Elowen” and even turning against her own mother and brother to protect her.

Elowen felt neither hatred nor love for Maerwyn now. Instead, her emotions were a tangled, indefinable knot of guilt, heartache, and sheer helplessness.

Maerwyn felt much the same way about Elowen. She used to look down on her, thinking she was a boring woman who was completely beneath her brother. But then she discovered that Elowen was the mind behind her absolute favorite stories. Overcome with regret for how she had treated her, Maerwyn had tried to make amends by showering her with affection and giving her unconditional trust.

Then came the bitter realization that this aunt she so deeply revered had driven the downfall of everything she held dear-her mother, her brother, and her own happiness. Yet, she found she couldn’t bring herself to hate her. Instead, inspired by her aunt’s work, she had picked up a pen and started writing stories of her own.

Breaking the long silence, Elowen spoke first. “I’ve read your stories. They’re wonderful.”

Maerwyn’s eyelashes fluttered, and a sudden spark lit up her eyes. She looked down, unable to hide her sudden shyness. “Did you really read them, Aunt Elowen?”

“I did,” Elowen replied with a nod. “Right up to the latest chapter.”

Maerwyn’s eyes grew glassy. She blinked rapidly, forcing down the sudden rush of emotion. “I… I was inspired by you. But I’m still nowhere near your level.”

Elowen shook her head. “You’re far too modest.”

With that, they lapsed into silence once more.

After what felt like an eternity, Maerwyn looked up. “Aunt Elowen… I heard you’re leaving for Nordi

off?”

ause, she spoke with genuine sincerity. “Then I wish you a safe

Please take care of yourself.”

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Chapter 737 Neither Hatred Nor Love

Elowen looked at her and softened. “Thank you. I will.”

Turning away, Elowen took a couple of steps toward the courtyard exit.

“You know…” Maerwyn’s voice rang out from behind her. It wasn’t loud, but it was perfectly clear. “I don’t hate you.”

Elowen froze in her tracks.

By the time she turned back around, the space beneath the tree was empty. Maerwyn had already slipped away.

Left alone in the quiet courtyard, Elowen let out a quiet sigh.

When Elowen returned to the private room, Isobel was still pacing restlessly. “Ella, was that really Princess Maerwyn? I’m such a fool-how could I not recognize a princess of the realm? Will she blame me? Do you think she thought I was slighting her? Should I go back down and apologize?”

Elowen patted Isobel’s hand, offering a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Isobel. She’s much more gentle these days. It doesn’t matter that you didn’t recognize her; it’s best to just act as if you still don’t know. She won’t hold it against you.”

Only then did Isobel finally breathe a sigh of relief. “Well, that’s a comfort.”

After chatting for a few more minutes, Elowen rose to take her leave.

Isobel walked her to the side door, holding her hand tightly. Her eyes were red with unshed tears as she struggled to say goodbye. “Stay safe on the road, Ella. Send word to me as soon as you reach Nordia.”

Elowen nodded warmly and stepped up into the carriage.

The carriage rumbled forward, leaving the bustling marketplace behind as it made its toward Duskmoor Manor.

way back

Leaning against Cassian’s shoulder, Elowen watched the shops and pedestrians blur past the window. After a long silence, she spoke up softly. “Cassian, The Last Wayfarer… the person I just saw in the courtyard was Maerwyn.”

Cassian turned his head slightly toward her.

Elowen looked up, her expression clouded with distress. “We talked for a little bit. She told me she doesn’t actually hate me. I… I can’t help but feel a little guilty.”

Cassian’s fingers gently rubbed her shoulder. “Guilty about what? Alaric and Delphine would have fallen even without you. Was a single one of the things they did fabricated or unjustified?

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16:27 Thu, Jul 2

Chapter 737 Neither Hatred Nor Love

Maerwyn losing her old life wasn’t your doing.”

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Elowen didn’t answer, choosing instead to bury her face deeper into his coat.

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