If you want, I can give you a spoiler, and if not I’ll keep my mouth shut
yes pls i need spoiler
So from what I read in the Raws, apparently the Crown Prince already knew that Lai is impersonating Ellen and this whole time he was actually working with Ellen to find Lai. It seems that Lai and the crown prince had a past where they would fight and they also had sex that one time. But I think Lai lost his memories or something because at some point the crown prince actually said to remember already. Also based on me rereading the beginning chapters, I think the crown prince never had any relationship with Ellen and it seems from the get go he was able to confirm that Lai is the one he was looking for (ex: in chapter 2(?) Lai got splashed with water, but later on we can see that the crown prince saw this and noticed Lai’s expression of annoyance which led him to confirm that yes this is the one he was looking for). Another example would be in ch3(?) when the crown prince said it’s not like Lai and he are strangers towards sex which makes sense because Lai and Crown prince did have sex before. So in my opinion I don’t think real brother was ever crown prince’s secret lover or lover for that matter.
oh ok
firstly, the crown prince will find out quickly lai is no ellen (or he already has found out) but he doesn't say anything. secondly, lai falls for the crown prince but the crown prince loves ellen so he basically uses lai as a way to cope w his feelings. thirdly, i feel like the author will give this story a happy ending but personally, from the things im reading and seeing out stuff is playing out, i think a more bittersweet/sad ending is better eg. lai doesnt end up with the crown prince or sumthing