In her mind, Pari mused, This person is neither bad nor good. I've seen much more handsome men. Was the original owner of this body blind?
As soon as she finished that thought, a thick silence fell over the room.
Reyan was the first to speak, his voice filled with disbelief. "You didn't love me? Then who was it that wrote me all those love letters? Who followed me everywhere? Who always smiled at me?"
She clearly loves me. Why is she denying it? He wondered, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration. She had always treated him with care, as if he were someone important to her. Hmm…
Everyone in the room nodded in agreement with him.
Pari took a steady breath and replied calmly, "I never wrote any letters. That was my sister. You can compare my handwriting with the letters you received. I followed you for my sister because she loved you. I was just helping her get to know you better. As for smiling—don't people smile when they talk to others?"
Once again, the crowd nodded thoughtfully, considering her words.
Reyan found himself speechless, staring at her intently. Her eyes were clear, showing no signs of love or infatuation. It was as if she were looking at a stranger.
No, she must like me, he thought stubbornly. She has to be pretending. Yes, that's it.
Niya felt a rush of panic as she listened. She was about to speak when she noticed her father approaching, a satisfied smile growing on her face.
He'll definitely take my side.
Mayank, her father, was a minister in the royal court and always supported her. Behind him walked Reeta, her father's doctor, who was familiar with their family.
Mayank immediately scolded Pari, "You foolish girl! Can't you be more sensible? Just look at your sister! You have no status or influence. How could anyone fall for you?"
Reeta chimed in, "Pari, Prince Reyan and Niya are meant to be together. Just cancel your engagement." She leaned toward Mayank, nodding in agreement.
Mayank nodded back, adding, "Let's discuss this inside."
As they entered the mansion, Maira wanted to stand up for her daughter, but she paused, watching Pari remain composed, walking in as if nothing had happened.
Upon entering, they heard Mayank declare, "I've arranged a carriage. Let's go to the royal palace and break this engagement."
"Okay," Pari replied nonchalantly.
Everyone stood in shocked silence, exchanging puzzled glances. Was this real? Did they really just see that? It seemed like the girl didn't care at all about the engagement and showed no signs of heartbreak.
Did she bump her head or something?
Reyan noticed her calmness too. She should be crying or creating a scene. Why is she so collected? I'm about to be engaged to someone else, and she seems unfazed. Anger flickered within him, but he chose to keep quiet, perplexed by her reaction.
Maybe she's hiding her feelings and will express them later, he thought.
Niya shared her smugness, believing she had successfully taken Reyan from her sister and that her own status would rise dramatically. Soon, she thought, she would be the prince's fiancée.