Chapter 1051

No matter what Rowan thought, Minerva refused to engage further.

"I'm genuinely concerned about you, Minerva," Rowan said in a deep voice. "Even though we broke up, that doesn't mean we can't be friends. You don't need to be so hostile."

He'd been reminiscing about their time together lately. He'd felt at ease with her, and sometimes found himself recalling their passionate moments.

Minerva scoffed. "I see things in absolutes. We broke up because you were still in love with Jenny, and I accepted that. We're done. There will never be anything between us again, let alone friendship. From now on, act like a stranger. Otherwise, Jenny will be upset, and I won't tolerate the drama."

"Minerva, we don't need to be so confrontational. I never meant to hurt you," Rowan frowned, noticing her distant gaze. He felt a growing emptiness under her indifference. He desperately wanted to hold onto something—perhaps even hold Minerva. He didn't want her to leave.

Minerva seemed amused. "You never intended to hurt me? Rowan, are you playing games? You committed to marrying me, then got involved with Jenny. I hear you two are living together now. You've surely made promises to her. Can you just be honest for once? Our engagement isn't even over. How dare you waste my time and youth?"

She was ready for honesty, tired of pretense. She felt particularly irritable and wanted to confront the issue directly. It was time for a serious conversation.

Her words stunned Rowan. Minerva had always been graceful and refined in his eyes; a woman of education and society who rarely raised her voice. He'd sometimes thrown tantrums during their relationship, but she'd remained calm. Now, witnessing her anger, he was reminded of their more intimate moments—when he'd pushed her too far, eliciting bite marks and scratches. She wasn't incapable of anger; she'd simply hidden it.

"You don't have to be so harsh, Minerva. I never meant to waste your time. It's just… I'm not sure how to tell your family," Rowan said uncomfortably.

Minerva's tone was laced with contempt. "Those excuses might fool naïve girls, but not me, Rowan. I see your escape route. You plan to take Jenny to your family and wait for me to initiate the breakup so you avoid blame from both sides. You've thought this through, haven't you? I underestimated you."

Their time together felt wasted.

Rowan's expression darkened. "After all this time, do you really think I'm capable of that? I haven't considered everything yet. I promise I'll visit your family in the next few days to explain. I won't let you take any blame, I swear."

Minerva's expression softened slightly. "Let's set a time."

"You're… in such a hurry?" Rowan noted her detachment from their engagement, a strange discomfort settling over him.

Minerva raised an eyebrow. "Of course. Don't let this interfere with you and Jenny, and I can't let it stop me from seeing other people either."

"Other people? You mean… you actually like someone?" Rowan's expression changed.

Minerva didn't want to say more. Once hurt, she had no intention of being hurt again. She wanted to focus on her career and escape her family's forced marriage. But since Rowan asked, she nodded. "Yes, I do."

Rowan's expression shifted again. She had feelings for someone else.