The Villianess's Redemption (HYUNJIN ff) ✓

30.Torn Between Two Hearts

Chapter 30: Torn Between Two Hearts
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Hyunjin's POV

Eliza’s words hit me like a ton of bricks. The quiet, delicate atmosphere of the banquet hall balcony was suddenly charged with an intensity I wasn’t prepared for.

"Hyunjin, let’s call off the engagement."

I stared at her, my mind racing, trying to process what she had just said. She spoke with a firmness in her voice, but I could see the sadness in her eyes. I tried to say something—anything—but my throat felt tight.

"Eliza…what are you talking about?" I finally managed to say, my voice unsure.

Eliza gave me a sad but calm smile. "I’ve been thinking about this for a while now," she began, her gaze softening. "I don’t want you to feel tied down because of this engagement. I think you’ve been holding yourself back, and I don’t want to be the reason for that. You should be free to follow your heart, Hyunjin."

I blinked, still in shock. "Eliza, this engagement... It’s not like that. I never felt forced—"

"Are you sure?" she interrupted, meeting my gaze, her expression serious. "Because from where I’m standing, it feels like you’re being pulled in two directions. You’ve been distant, Hyunjin. I see the way you look at Isabella."

Her words sent a chill down my spine. I hadn’t expected this conversation, hadn’t expected Eliza to be so perceptive. "It’s not what you think," I started to say, but the words felt hollow even to me.

"Isn’t it?" Eliza asked gently, her hands clasped in front of her as she stepped closer. "I like you, Hyunjin. A lot. But lately… I don’t know. You seem happier when you're around her. It’s not just about what’s happening between us. It’s about what’s happening with you."

I opened my mouth to respond, but the words wouldn’t come. Because in that moment, I couldn’t deny the confusion I’d been feeling lately. I cared about Eliza deeply. She was sweet, kind, and had been by my side for so long. But every time I was with Isabella, something stirred in me—something I couldn’t quite understand.

Eliza, noticing my hesitation, continued. "I don’t want you to feel like you owe me anything, Hyunjin. I can see it in your eyes. You’re confused. And that’s okay. But don’t let this engagement tie you down if your heart is telling you something different."

I swallowed hard, struggling to find the right words. "I… I’m sorry, Eliza. I didn’t mean for this to happen."

Eliza gave me a small, sad smile, her eyes softening. "You don’t have to apologize. You can’t change what your heart feels. But I think we need to be honest with ourselves. I don’t want to force you into something that isn’t right for you."

Before I could say anything else, we heard Seungmin’s voice shouting from inside the hall, searching for Eliza. She flinched slightly, her calm demeanor shifting as she turned to leave.

"I have to go," she said quietly, taking a step back. "Think about what I said. Tell me your decision at the Winter Ball."

And with that, she slipped away, disappearing into the shadows of the banquet hall.