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It was a quiet night in her small room, lit only by a weak candle that looked like it might go out at any moment.
The next day, she had a job interview at the duke's library. Her heart was filled with mixed feelings—sadness, but also hope.
She had carried the weight of many rejections, humiliation, and insults, all just to survive.
She knew her poor health and unstable mind were real obstacles. But still, she refused to give up.
Her eyes fell on the scars across her hand—proof of her struggles. She clenched her fist with determination.
"I won't let despair win. Even if I fall again and again, I will rise. Patience always leads to victory. I won't stop until I reach my goal."
She smiled faintly to herself, even though her heart was still aching, and began preparing for tomorrow.
She refused to let complaints or weakness block her path.
---
Meanwhile, the duke was standing at the window of his chamber, looking at the moon in the dark sky.
Its pale light reflected off the red gem in his ring, shining faintly.
Rain started to fall, and each drop reminded him of the girl he had met a few days ago—so different, so unique.
He slowly removed his shirt and moved toward his bed. His eyes fell on the desk, where her empty résumé lay.
"Why can't I forget her? Not even for a second… What has happened to me?
Can someone's eyes really be that pure?"
He let out a small laugh, trying to brush off such "silly" thoughts, though deep down he knew they were true.
Her hair had been messy and unstyled, but her aura was so strong that he couldn't help but admire her.
He covered his eyes with his hand, smiling quietly as he gave in to the memory that refused to fade.
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