"But I lied," Bai Mowan said, articulating each word slowly, as she faced the cold and aloof Xiao Jinxing, "I entered the palace because I love you, because I thought I could warm your heart, because I hoped we could return to how we once loved each other. I never intended to spend a lifetime like this with you; what I need is your equal love."
"That's you," Xiao Jinxing replied, his tone cold enough to chill the heart, "What I said back then was true. There are no ties between you and me, including emotional ones."
"I don't believe it!" Bai Mowan insisted, refusing to accept Xiao Jinxing's words, "If you truly have no feelings for me, then why did you agree to let me enter the palace under the threat of my death? And why did you agree for me to bring my brother's child into the palace to be raised, becoming your only Prince?"
Xiao Jinxing pursed his lips, about to speak.
