Twisted Games(Ryeji ver)

YEJI[CHAPTER 34]

“IS EVERYTHING OKAY?” CHAEYEON ASKED AFTER I EXITED THE
bathroom. She’d knocked to check on me, and I realized I’d been gone for almost half an hour.

“Yes. I just had to deal with some last-minute prep for an event next week,” I said, ashamed of how easily the lie rolled
off my tongue. “Apologies.”

“No need to apologize.” Chaeyeon gestured to her sister and best friend, who’d passed out on the couch while The
Devil Wears Prada played on-screen. “At least you’re awake.” I let out a small laugh.

“We should go to sleep soon. You
have a big day tomorrow.”

“You’re probably right. I can’t believe it’s almost here.” Chaeyeon fiddled with her engagement ring, looking overwhelmed and a little lost. “It feels surreal. I wanted a
small wedding, but…”

“You got a three-ring circus?” I sank onto the couch next to her. “Welcome to the royal life. Even if Kura abdicated, she’s
still a royal by blood, and everything she does is a reflection of the crown.”

“I know. I just hope I don’t embarrass myself.” Chaeyeon gave me a nervous smile before her expression grew serious.
“Yeji, I know we don’t know each other that well, but I wanted to thank you for agreeing to be part of my bridal party. Truly. It means a lot to me.”

“Of course. You’re going to be my sister-in-law.” When Sakura first told me about her abdication, I resented her. It wasn’t something I was proud of, but it was true. If she hadn’t met Chaeyeon, she’d still be Crown Princess, and I’d be living my life in New York.

But as I stared at her now, I realized I wouldn’t go back to my life in the U.S. even if I could. It had been an illusion of
freedom, nothing else. I’d been trapped in the same day in, day out monotony of fake smiles and mind-numbing events.

Being crown princess came with more rules and a smaller cage, but it also came with more purpose, and that was the
one thing that’d always been missing in my life.

Somehow, somewhere along the way, I’d grown into my new role. It would take a while before I was fully comfortable
with it, but I was getting there.

“Yes. Good ones, I hope.” Chaeyeon squeezed my hand. “I love Sakura, and I’d be lying if I said I’m not happy she
abdicated. But I also know what a huge burden it placed on you, and for that, I’m sorry.”

“No apologies needed. You did nothing wrong except fall in love.” I knew that. I’d always known that. But it wasn’t until I
said it at that moment that any lingering resentment I had toward Sakura and Chaeyeon faded away. It wasn’t their fault. There were no wrong choices. If Sakura had chosen the throne over Sabrina, it would’ve been devastating for her, but it would’ve been understandable. If
she’d chosen Chaeyeon, as she had, that was understandable too.

Love or country. An impossible choice when the future of a nation rests on your shoulders. The only thing at fault was the system that forced her to choose.

“My sister adores you,” I added. Sakura and I weren’t super close, but I knew her well enough to spot the difference. She changed into a different person when she was around Chaeyeon, a happier one, and I would never begrudge her that.

Chaeyeon's face lit up, erasing some of the earlier stress.

“It still feels like a dream sometimes,” she admitted. “To meet someone who sees me for who I am, faults and all, and loves
me regardless.” She squeezed my hand again, her eyes wise beyond her twenty-five years. “I hope you find that kind of love one day, too. Whether it’s with Rei or someone else.”

Trust me, princess. I would rather end my own life than ask you to do anything that might hurt you.

I forced a smile. “One day.” But later that night, as I stared at the ceiling and thought about Ryujin, Rei, and my less-than-certain efforts to repeal the Royal Marriages Law, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was only room for one happy ending in this kingdom…and if it wasn’t already too late for mine.