The chandelier in the duke’s office was truly beautiful.

Its clear glass had been cut into various shapes and carved to refract light like diamonds. Countless small crystals were set into it. When it captured the midday sunlight and illuminated the room, the effect was overwhelming.

It was just like the first time I saw Duke Reynard: brilliant and beautiful.

He sparkled like shattered glass.

I felt as if reaching out to touch him would only hurt me.

“It’s important.”

It wasn’t a monologue. The person I wanted to look at me wasn’t looking at me at all.

I longed to meet the blue eyes hidden beneath his jet-black hair. It felt as though it had been far too long since I last saw them.

“It’s important, Blake.”

Only then did he lift his head and look at me. Then, as if annoyed, he furrowed his brow and let out a sigh. Even that small gesture made my emotions surge again, as if they might spill over.

“I’m busy right now. Let’s talk next time, Elaine.”

His aide stepped forward to escort me out with a careless wave, as though he were simply dismissing me.

If I didn’t say it now, I never would.

Once, it had been enough just to follow him because I loved him, even if it meant forcing my way into the role of his fiancée. But three years of being engaged to a man who had never loved me back had left me feeling emptier and more miserable than ever.

I only had one year left.

The moment I realized how little time remained, everything lost its meaning.

A duke who didn’t love me.

A family that didn’t need me.

I knew I had to leave without hesitation or regret.

I want to spend the year I have left living for myself and finally doing everything I’ve ever longed to do.

“Please annul the engagement, Duke.”

Reynard’s flawless face twisted, as if a glass mask had shattered.

“If this is just another attempt to get my attention, then stop. I’m tired of it.”

I clenched my fists so tightly that they went numb.

I had tried so hard just to marry someone like him.

Steadying myself, I held out the documents I had prepared, forcing my hands to stay still.

He wouldn’t know how I felt while writing them.

No — he wouldn’t care.

A strange laugh escaped my lips. I knew that if I didn’t stop, the tears would follow, so I forced my smile wider and spoke.

“Let’s break off the engagement. I mean it.”

Then, even breathing felt difficult, and I fled the room as if running away.