My Discarded Fiancé Returned (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 12
Serena suppressed her bewilderment and turned around once more to look at him. It felt strangely new and wondrous that she now had to tilt her head up just to see his face.
“I don’t ask for anything from Your Highness. Nor can I offer anything in return.”
Especially in his deep-set eyes, finely chiseled nose, and the firm lips pressed tightly beneath, she could scarcely find any trace of the boy he once was.
“No. I must receive compensation from you.”
Lucas’s voice held no hesitation. His dark eyes fixed steadily on Serena, burning with the passionate heat befitting a man in his prime.
“What compensation? I never promised you anything like that.”
Serena looked up at him and pressed her point clearly and firmly. In response, Lucas took another step closer, bent his waist leisurely, and met her gaze directly.
“I was perfectly clear about it.”
Blinking slowly in confusion, Serena found his unwavering confidence utterly unfamiliar—the resolute man before her bore no resemblance to her memories.
“I believe I already mentioned it—betrothal is a far weightier vow than a mere promise.”
“Yes. That’s exactly why it’s invalid.”
Serena forced a composed expression as she spoke. Though the wind carried his rich masculine scent toward her, she dared not show any reaction.
“My feelings haven’t changed. Our betrothal is void. Please forget about it.”
“No.”
His low, decisive voice carried an air of natural authority. He appeared not merely as a grown man but as the Empire’s Crown Prince—lacking nothing in dignity or bearing.
“Your Highness.”
“Hmm? Since we’re betrothed, wouldn’t it be more pleasant if you called me by name?”
Lucas lifted one corner of his lips, revealing a relaxed, easygoing smile.
The ideal reunion would have been Serena warmly welcoming the grown Lucas—but even if that wasn’t the case, Lucas had no intention of letting her go.
“Why are you doing this to me?”
Serena asked with a sigh. It was understandably frustrating—her long-forgotten fiancé suddenly reappearing and demanding compensation.
Yet Lucas felt just as exasperated. How could she treat him like a stranger when they had exchanged vows of betrothal? It left him genuinely hurt.
“Why are you acting this way?”
Huff. Again, her words failed her.
“It’s the same for me. Just as you can’t change your heart, neither can I. My resolve to claim you as my wife remains unchanged.”
Should she challenge him to a duel? Perhaps one of them would end up dead, and then things would finally quiet down. Watching Lucas speak so brazenly, Serena entertained an impossible thought.
“I already told you I refuse.”
Serena ground out the words so fiercely her clenched teeth were nearly visible. Yet Lucas didn’t seem offended—in fact, he chuckled as if amused.
“You’re just as I remembered. Exactly the woman I’ve always pictured.”
Could it be that this man had rather unusual tastes? Or had her words at their betrothal ceremony left such a deep impression on him?
Either way, Serena was utterly dumbfounded.
“Your Highness, I don’t think continuing this conversation serves any purpose.”
Even with Serena’s somewhat provocative remark, Lucas nodded indulgently. She couldn’t count all the ways he’d changed, but if she had to name the most striking difference, it would be his jet-black eyes gazing at her.
His look held the tenderness of someone beholding something precious—or perhaps the allure of a tempter—and like his scent, it radiated an unmistakably masculine aura.
“As acting Duke, I’m busy governing the Astel territory, so I’ll take my leave now.”
Surprisingly, Lucas readily nodded in agreement.
“Then, I wish you a safe and successful completion of your remaining travels.”
Serena bowed respectfully, mindful of his status. But Lucas didn’t look disappointed—in fact, he even gave her a faint, playful smile.
“Don’t worry.”
A faint sense of foreboding crept over her.
“I’ll be staying in the Astel territory for the time being.”
Serena blinked in surprise. She knew he had a difficult temperament, but she hadn’t realized he was this shamelessly bold.
“The Astel Duchy falls under imperial rule, so I’m sure they’ll welcome the Crown Prince’s stay with open arms, won’t they?”
Should she really settle this with a duel? Serena glanced again at the sword at his waist and entertained another futile thought.
“I look forward to the loyalty and warm hospitality of House Astel.”
Whenever Lucas smiled like that, his usually sharp eyes would momentarily soften, giving his face a gentle, approachable look.
Not that it mattered to Serena in the slightest right now.
“May I expect it, then?”
A duel was impossible. Serena silently repeated this truth to herself three times, forcing herself to take a deep breath.
“…Of course.”
She feared nothing when it came to their private betrothal or personal matters. But the Astel territory and its people—whom she loved dearly—dared not defy the Empire. Lucas undoubtedly knew this all too well.
“Chief Steward!”
Before Lucas could say anything further, Serena called out in a loud, clear voice. Though her lips summoned the steward, her eyes glared fiercely at Lucas, clearly annoyed.
“Yes, my lady.”
“It’s an honor to announce that His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince will be staying in our Duchy of Astel.”
Lucas gave a smug little shrug, his expression irritatingly pleased.
“His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince gracing us with his presence—what a tremendous honor.”
The steward bowed gracefully, displaying the seasoned tact expected of a servant from the esteemed House Astel.
“Immediately send servants to thoroughly clean the guest wing where he stayed last night.”
This was her way of saying that, imperial status or not, he’d get no better accommodation than yesterday’s guest quarters.
“If His Highness requires any stewards or maidservants, we’ll provide them as well.”
“Yes.”
Serena shot Lucas a quick glance—her eyes clearly asking, “Are you satisfied now?”
“Then, Your Imperial Highness, though our Duchy of Astel is humble, I hope you find your stay comfortable and restful. I’m busy, so I must take my leave.”
Before Lucas could stop her, Serena bowed and vanished like the wind.
“Hmph.”
Left standing alone, Lucas cleared his throat awkwardly, still nursing the sore spot on his sternum.
“Are you the steward of this ducal residence?”
“Yes. My name is Peter.”
“Are you originally from Astel?”
“I once served Duke Astel directly, but now I follow the young lady.”
His calm, courteous replies and careful demeanor were exactly what one would expect from the steward of the renowned House Astel.
“So, the Duke’s daughter truly governs the territory herself?”
“That is correct.”
Lucas tilted his head slightly in curiosity.
“Directly, just like other lords do?”
“Yes.”
Lucas furrowed one eyebrow—a habitual gesture whenever he was deep in thought.
“Exactly what does she do?”
“She handles everything concerning the territory on behalf of Duke Astel.”
Another noble daughter might have drawn his scorn, but he had just seen Serena’s dignified presence with his own eyes. Perhaps she truly was capable of ruling Astel herself.
“Even now?”
There was a hint of disappointment in his voice as he spoke of Serena, who had disappeared so quickly.
“Yes. She’s extremely busy preparing for the upcoming Astel Harvest Festival.”
“The Harvest Festival?”
“After the harvest season ends, the young lady personally hosts the festival.”
The steward simply bowed deeply without offering further explanation.
“I see.”
Indeed, if he wanted to learn anything for certain, he’d have to see and hear it for himself.
“To avoid unnecessary fuss, just tell the territory that a noble wandering knight and his retinue have arrived.”
“Yes.”
Though the news would inevitably spread within days, he wished to explore Astel himself today.
“Bring me two horses immediately. I’ll return on my own, so don’t worry about me.”
“Yes.”
“Oh, I almost forgot.”
Lucas turned back toward the sitting room and sat down again on the sofa.
“I need to send a letter—please prepare writing tools and messenger birds.”
“Yes. How many messenger birds shall I prepare?”
“Two—no, three will be enough.”
“Yes.”
Peter bowed respectfully and quietly withdrew. Lucas remained seated, still frowning slightly as he replayed their whirlwind reunion in his mind.
[This is the timeline separator]Rumors quickly spread throughout the Astel territory that a noble wandering knight had arrived. Serena heard the news and gave a bitter smile but made no effort to correct it.
“My lady, what shall we do?”
“What can I possibly do? His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince is staying in our Astel—it’s an honor.”
Serena gazed toward the distant sky as she spoke. She hadn’t expected her fiancé to return in this manner, but she was glad she’d prepared in advance. After six years of petitions to both the Holy See and the Imperial Court, her evidence was flawless.
“By the way, he sent three messenger birds?”
“Yes. He dispatched them personally—I didn’t even get a chance to peek.”
“Whatever it is, it won’t be good news for me.”
Peter offered an uneasy smile.
“Don’t worry. There’s nothing in our Astel to hide or be ashamed of.”
That was Serena’s pride, forged over the past six years of governing this land.
“Even if His Imperial Majesty the Emperor himself came, it would be the same.”
Astel had nothing to conceal or hide. It was the territory Serena had nurtured with pride and care from the very beginning—it was only natural.
“But Your Highness clearly has a specific purpose for seeking out the young lady.”
“It’s fine.”
Serena waved off Peter’s worried words. As always, her expression remained calm and resolute.
“When I came to Astel, I’d already abandoned my fiancé.”
It had been a simple decision. Serena had no intention of marrying; instead, she chose to prove her own worth.
“Nothing will change.”
Serena stared straight ahead. Before her eyes lay a life far better than the futile death of her past life.
“My heart won’t change.”
Even as she said this, the image of Lucas—so different from her memories—flickered in her mind. The mature scent uniquely his still seemed to linger beneath her nose.
“Yes, absolutely not.”
No matter how much that boy—once merely a child—had grown or matured into a man, it was no longer her concern.
And that was exactly how she wanted it.
Male lead fell into her trap — and shattered when she walked away
This is also on my reread list!
This one is a slow burn, but when it burns, it burns hard.
Definitely worth a read, y’all!
The story follows a thousand-year-old seductive spirit who, on a bet, sets out to charm the male lead—a once-promising but unfortunate cultivator.
But just when she succeeds in making him fall for her, she heartlessly leaves, driving him to madness.
Determined to find her at all costs, he captures her, keeping her by his side no matter what, even if she hates him.
I love this kind of trope—I enjoy watching the male lead suffer in agony.
The ending drags a bit with unnecessary filler, but that’s fine.
As long as I enjoy the beginning, I’m good.
Intro
As an enchantress, Su Heng possesses captivating eyes and charming beauty, easily manipulating the joys and sorrows of living beings at her fingertips.
But to enchant a god, making him taste the bitterness of love’s separation, long-lasting resentment, unattainable desires, and inability to let go…
Do you dare?
Su Heng assists a divine lord in his cultivation, aiming to make him experience all the sufferings of love, so that he can attain the Great Dao.
Only after being chased down from the heavens by the divine lord, confined and completely possessed by him, does she realize how successful she has been.
The once gentle and polite youth has transformed into someone she no longer recognizes.
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MANGA DISCUSSION
4 Comments
Chapter Comments (13)
Serena’s region is no less impressive than the capital.
Serena developed her region through hard work, sweat, and tears.Serena elevated its region to the highest level.
It made it as developed and magnificent as the capital.Lucas, don’t fall in love with Serena any more.
Keep your feelings to yourself.
Don’t be insistent.
Inline Comments (15)
Could Lucas’s true aim really be Astel’s management secrets?
Dumb that’s just an excuse to speed time with you duh 🙄😒
That Lucas was the Crown Prince remained a secret within the duke’s household, a
I think it’s too late for you Serena 🤔😂😂 he took care of that
“Exactly. I was receiving a guest as acting Duke, not strolling as a young lady.
Disappointment? 🤔😏 What else was she expecting to? 😏😏😏
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agustus_orchid
Serena doesn’t provide a different room. That was good.
There’s no need to be nice to uninvited guests.
agustus_orchid
I guess the prince wants someone who can challenge his own words and isn’t afraid to argue with the prince?
agustus_orchid
Serena should demand compensation. How does the prince want compensation? Prince is shameless.
agustus_orchid
If Serena disturbs you, beat him.
Prince enjoys being beaten.