Gilbert looked taken aback by Beatrice's outburst. "No, of course not. But you have to understand that my duty as a knight and a hero comes first," he explained.
Beatrice scoffed. "So your duty is more important than our relationship? Is that what you're saying?"
The emotions inside Beatrice were bubbling, threatening to overflow. This man standing before her was not the Gilbert she had known and loved. He had become a disappointing figure, repeatedly deceiving her.
Gilbert's gaze dropped to the ground, unable to meet Beatrice's eyes. "I didn't want to burden you with the weight of my responsibilities," he murmured, his voice tinged with regret.
Beatrice shook her head, disappointment and anger radiating from her. "You should have confided in me. Ignoring me for an entire month was not the answer. And what about that woman? Are there feelings between you two?" Her voice quivered with raw emotion.
