The palace garden was bathed in soft sunlight. Haoran and Mingzhu were walking side by side, laughing softly over some shared memory. Their movements were effortless, perfectly synchronized, like two pieces of a puzzle that had always belonged together.
Xiaoxi stood behind a marble pillar, her heart tightening in her chest. She had followed Haoran here after the morning kitchen chaos, hoping to sneak a glance, but what she saw made her stomach twist.
Xiaoxi (thinking, voice small): They… they're so perfect together. Look at him… his whole face lights up when he's with her. Not like with me… I… I can't… 😢
From a nearby bench, Lianhua, Grandma, and the Empress watched the pair with satisfied smiles.
Grandma (whispering): "See? That's the way it should be. Our prince and Mingzhu… they were meant for each other."
Empress (nodding): "Finally, someone who can match him. Someone who completes him."
Lianhua (teasing softly): "Look at them… even mischievous Xiaoxi has to admit… they belong together."
Xiaoxi's hands clenched at her sides. She forced a small, bitter smile, trying to hide the ache in her chest.
Xiaoxi (thinking, voice trembling): I gave up on him… because I'm not… I'm not perfect for Haoran. He needs someone… elegant, gentle, perfect… not me… or maybe…
Her eyes drifted to her own reflection in the pond nearby. Even without dresses, makeup, or fancy adornments, she realized something that made her chest tighten: she was the most beautiful in the kingdom. Truly royal, untouched by artificial beauty, yet every inch regal and breathtaking.
Xiaoxi (thinking, softly): Mingzhu is sweet, yes… but even without all that, I… I am still… the one everyone would call most beautiful. Yet… why does it feel like he belongs with her, not me?
Haoran, sensing a presence, turned slightly. For a fleeting moment, his eyes met hers. But instead of the usual spark, Xiaoxi saw only calm focus as he smiled warmly at Mingzhu.
Xiaoxi (thinking, her chest tightening): I… I can't compete with her… not in looks, not in elegance… maybe not in charm… everyone sees them as perfect together… and me? 😔
Mingzhu laughed softly, reaching out to brush a strand of Haoran's hair back. Haoran's hand found hers, their fingers intertwining naturally.
Xiaoxi turned away, biting her lip to hide the tears threatening to fall. She felt envy, heartbreak… and something new.
Xiaoxi (thinking, whispering to herself): Wait… why does my heart hurt like this? Why am I… feeling this? No… no, I don't want to… but… maybe… I like him? Haoran… I… I really like him? 😳
Her cheeks heated. The realization made her dizzy, but it also made the sting worse. She looked back at Haoran and Mingzhu, who were still perfectly in sync, smiling and laughing as if the world belonged to them.
Xiaoxi (thinking, bitter yet tender): He probably likes her… they're perfect for each other… everyone can see it. And me? I'm just… me. Not enough. Not perfect. I… I can't… I can't compete…
The garden seemed brighter, warmer… for everyone except Xiaoxi, whose heart was now caught between jealousy, longing, and the dawning realization of her own feelings.
Her steps grew slower, her mind spinning with questions she couldn't answer. Somehow, she had fallen for Haoran—and yet, she was certain he belonged with Mingzhu.
And in that moment, Xiaoxi felt a quiet ache deep in her chest—a mix of love, jealousy, and the bitter taste of helplessness.