The Price is Everything of Yours (76 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 175

It was true. The Grand Duchess held a position nearly equal to that of the Crown Princess Consort, yet remained free from the Imperial family’s grasp.

And under no circumstances could a married woman’s birth family lay claim over her—unless she herself requested their protection.

Neris’s heart pounded. Her chest tightened with a mixture of emotions.

How could she possibly presume to stand by his side? Hadn’t she long convinced herself it must never happen? And hadn’t he accepted her reasoning as well?

Seeing her expression, Cledwin offered a bitter smile. From within his coat, he drew out a small box wrapped in black velvet.

“Ellen told me not to even think about returning to the White Swan Castle unless you wear this ring.”

Slowly, the lid of the box lifted. For just an instant, light slipping through a gap in the curtains illuminated the jewel inside. Hundreds of tiny reflections shot through the carriage as sunlight pierced the large gemstone.

A cushion-cut diamond, slightly larger than Neris’s thumbnail, sparkled atop a platinum band, encircled by smaller purple diamonds.

“What is this? An heirloom?”

“My mother’s wedding ring. I removed some of the heavier decorations and had it reset—so it would suit you.”

It felt overwhelmingly burdensome. Neris was about to refuse before the atmosphere grew even heavier, but Cledwin spoke first.

“The Imperial family seems intent on proposing a marriage between Izette and me while I’m still in the capital. They probably see it as a convenient excuse to tie me down.”

Izette. Instantly, fury flared crimson in Neris’s mind.

In her past life, Neris hadn’t harbored any particular resentment toward Izette, her younger sister-in-law. But the idea of Cledwin marrying her was unthinkable—the Imperial family would inevitably meddle under the guise of arranging a royal consort and bind him tightly.

Yet rejecting their proposal outright required justification—something like an existing engagement, perhaps. But to whom?

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