Melissa woke up before dawn, her mind set on one goal—arriving first at the training grounds.
Her heart, however, had a different reason for waking her up so early.
'If I get there first, I can have a moment alone with Master Kyle before Bruce arrives.'
The thought made her chest tighten with anticipation.
But then, her mind countered, reminding her of reality.
"This is foolish. He is a noble. He will marry another noble lady. Someone who can stand by his side in society."
She bit her lip, trying to shake off the conflict.
"Even if I give him everything, what future do I have with him?"
Her heart whispered that if she tried hard enough—if she secluded him, if she won his heart—maybe, just maybe, he would choose her.
Her mind ruthlessly crushed that thought.
"Ridiculous. I should not be entertaining such foolish thoughts."
With a deep breath, Melissa forced herself to focus on the present. Emotions wouldn't change reality. Strength would.
