
My guess
Cecilia was the Empress but died. Either by natural causes or more likely Veronica's father had her killed.
Thus making way for our FL to be Empress. Also FL was posing as "Veronica" and the Crown Prince knew of her bad reputation and bad personality. Thus why he wasn't loving to her in the beginning or showed her love but I think over time he grew to love FL. Since she was different from what he expected thus making him suspect that she wasnt really "Veronica".
Which added a huge worry on him. The nobles led by Veronica's father were too powerful for the royal family. So Crown Prince couldn't really protect him "Veronica" and their son.
Which he was right about since real Veronica murdered FL and took their son.
Thank god the Crown Prince didnt believe real Veronica to be his "Veronica" and had her killed I think?
so like whos the love interest?