I ultimately had to give up on this story because I found that none of the characters are truly likable anymore. From the very beginning, the main character (MC) presents herself as a complete doormat, constantly gaslighting herself to the point where she can't stand up for either herself or her best friend. There are moments where she could assert herself, but she chooses instead to let the second prince control her actions, even allowing him to accost and mistreat her friend. Her inner dialogue suggests a troubling helplessness as she thinks, "Oh, the second prince told me to leave, so I have to stand by and let him harm my friend. I’m powerless to say ‘no’.” It’s incredibly frustrating to read, and it diminishes any sympathy I might have had for her character.
Meanwhile, the male lead (ML) is not much better. He comes across as a manipulator, seemingly fine with grooming his fiancée to meet his own aesthetic preferences, rather than valuing her individuality and autonomy. It's disheartening to see such a critical relationship dynamic thrown into the mix, where one partner is more concerned with superficial appearances than with genuine connection.
Then there’s the second prince, who feels more like a caricature than a complex character. His dialogues are repetitive, often punctuated by him spouting the word "game" at least five times in every conversation. It reduces any tension or intrigue in the narrative, making him feel less like a character and more like a poorly-constructed plot device.
The other family members do little to improve the situation either. MC's first brother has completely given up on their family, opting instead to play the role of a wounded princess rather than engage in any meaningful communication. Brother number two is simply unsettling and off-putting, which leaves me cringing rather than invested. The parents are equally disappointing, showing only a veneer of concern for appearances while neglecting their children's emotional needs. And let’s not forget the butler, who appears to have dismissed years of emotional abuse as though it were inconsequential, only to jump on the bandwagon of gaslighting the MC—despite no clear motivation for such behavior.
What started as a potentially engaging premise has been undermined by the author's lack of emotional maturity and understanding, leading to a narrative that feels shallow and unconvincing. It’s unfortunate because there was real potential here for a compelling story, one that could delve into complex emotional dynamics. Instead, it feels like a missed opportunity, leaving me disappointed and ultimately deciding to drop the story.