All Chapters of The Last Snowfall: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Godfrey nodded through his tears.Cedric buried his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking violently. He had never wanted things to end this way. He had never wanted Serena to die. He had simply grown accustomed to her obedience, her quiet nature, and her willingness to endure everything without complaint.Cedric had always believed he could make it up to her later. He thought jewelry, silk, and expensive gifts were enough to comfort her. He thought she loved him so much that she would tolerate any humiliation. Most of all, he believed there was still time.He had convinced himself that once Gwendolyn finally felt secure and the children were grown, he would treat Serena better. He would make up for every injustice she had suffered and slowly repay everything he owed her. What he had forgotten was that people eventually gave up hope.He had indulged Gwendolyn time and time again. He had watched coldly as Serena was humiliated, slapped, and forced to perform before a crowd. He had

The first woman brought to the Palace looked somewhat like Serena, especially when she lowered her head submissively. The moment Cedric saw her, he froze. His hand lifted unconsciously as he reached toward her face."Your Highness..." she called softly.Cedric's hand stopped in midair. The warmth in his eyes vanished, replaced by cold disappointment.She was nothing like Serena.Serena would never have spoken that way. Her voice had always been soft and calm, neither flattering nor coquettish. It had been as still and quiet as a peaceful lake."Take her away."He dismissed her with an irritated wave.The second woman resembled Serena more closely. She was quiet and reserved, and even some of her mannerisms seemed similar.Cedric ordered her to wear Serena's old clothes and prepare tea in Serena's chambers. As the woman rolled up her sleeves, her slender wrists were exposed. She carefully picked up the teapot and poured the tea at an intentionally slow pace, obviously trying to

Cedric was overwhelmed with joy at first, but the feeling quickly gave way to shock, anger, confusion, and something far uglier. The moment Serena turned toward him, a tall man stepped forward and shielded her behind him. That single protective gesture ignited a fierce jealousy inside Cedric, swallowing every other emotion until it was all he could feel."You're alive!" His voice cracked as he stared at her. Then his gaze shifted to the man standing protectively in front of her. "W-What are you doing here? Why are you with him..."His eyes dropped to Julian's hand resting protectively on Serena's arm, and rage surged through him."Let go of her!"Julian moved even farther in front of Serena and met Cedric's furious gaze without flinching."Look around you, Your Highness. This isn't the Palace, and this woman is my fiancée. Please show some self-respect."Fiancée?The word struck Cedric like a bolt of lightning.His face turned pale as he looked at Serena in disbelief."Is he t

Every word felt like a poisoned icicle driven straight into Cedric's heart, freezing his blood and hollowing out his bones."It's not true..." he muttered, shaking his head. The disbelief in his eyes was almost pitiful. "You're lying to me. You've always been obedient, and you've done so much for me...""I was obedient because I didn't care about you," Serena replied quietly, speaking of him as if he were someone completely unimportant. "Everything I did for you was because I wanted to leave as soon as possible."She tightened her grip on Julian's hand before looking directly at Cedric. "Your Highness, the man I've always loved is Julian. I loved him five years ago, and I still love him now."Julian immediately wrapped an arm around her shoulders and drew her closer. "I believe you've heard everything Serena has to say." His gaze remained fixed on Cedric, cold and unwavering. "My woman needs her rest. You should leave now, Your Highness."My woman.Those two words echoed endlessl

Cedric slowly raised his head to look at her. In the dim candlelight, he could see the faint trace of disgust on her calm, distant face. She was no longer the obedient and tolerant woman he remembered. Most importantly, there was no love in her eyes.There never had been.The realization struck him harder than any blade.All he could see now was coldness, and for the first time, it truly sank in. He had lost her.Completely.Forever.Cedric pushed himself off the floor and staggered to his feet. Standing unsteadily beside the bed, he gave her one last lingering look, as though trying to carve her image into the deepest part of his soul. Then he turned and walked away.He looked hollow.Broken.Like a man whose spirit had already left him.His footsteps faded down the corridor before disappearing into the darkness outside.That night, Cedric wandered aimlessly through the freezing streets of the Northern border. Eventually, he found a small roadside stall that was still servi