I think it follows a bit into this plotline..
A guardian falls in love with their charge, but doesn't want to interfere with their charge's normal development as a teenager. So they completely suppress/repress those feelings to play a perfect parental role, only to watch the one they love grow up and marry someone else...
Spoiler (mouse over to view)
Except the perspective is from the charge's point of view. But the protagonist becomes a rich heiress and is given three candidates for marriage, yet she falls for her caretaker and even though he rejects her (mostly due to his duty..I believe), he says he'll protect her no matter who she marries..