Chapter 3

As evening settled in, the grand double doors of Evelina's quarters creaked open, and Duke Lucius Greystone stepped inside with an air of authority. His cold, calculating gaze swept across the room before settling on Evelina. Yet, instead of offering any words of concern for his daughter's recent illness, he seated himself across from her with an impassive expression.

"Evelina," he said curtly, "how is your health?"

Hope, trapped in Evelina's body, felt her heart pound under his piercing gaze. The fear of being discovered as an imposter sent a shiver down her spine. But even more unsettling was the lack of warmth from the man who was supposed to be her father.

She had never known parental love in her previous life, but seeing it absent here as well stirred something deep within her—a strange, aching sadness.

"Is this my chance?" she wondered. "If I apologize for Evelina's past mistakes, even though they weren't mine, maybe I can change her reputation. If I can earn their trust, I might have a chance to survive this story."

Lucius's voice cut through her thoughts like a blade. "Your younger sister, Selene, is praised across the empire for her remarkable abilities. She has proven herself invaluable, especially after assisting the Crown Prince in the recent monster outbreak." He leaned back slightly, his tone laced with disappointment. "And you? You were nothing but a hindrance. You slowed the prince down and returned home in disgrace, only to fall ill."

Hope clenched her fists beneath the table.

"What kind of father speaks to his daughter like this?" she thought bitterly.

She recalled the details of the novel—how Lucius had despised Evelina from the very beginning. Evelina's mother, the previous Duchess, had died giving birth to her, and for that, Lucius never forgave her. He had cast her aside, treating her more as an obligation than as a daughter.

"If he had shown her even a fraction of kindness, maybe Evelina wouldn't have turned out the way she did. He created the villain he despises."

Lucius studied her with an unreadable expression before speaking again. "Since you have little else to offer this family, I will begin searching for a suitable marriage alliance. You are of the right age. If you cannot bring honor through talent, you will strengthen our standing through marriage."

Hope's mind reeled.

"This is it—this is the part of the novel where Selene meets the Crown Prince for the first time. That means I have roughly a year left before I'm sent away to marry the prince of a neighboring kingdom."

She swallowed hard, panic creeping in. She needed to act—quickly.

Before she could second-guess herself, she pushed her chair back and knelt before Lucius, her head bowed low.

"Father, I've wronged you." Her voice trembled, though the emotions behind it were genuine. "I sincerely apologize for the trouble I have caused you and the family."

Lucius's eyes flickered with the slightest hint of surprise. It was the first time Evelina had ever uttered such words.

Hope continued, her voice steady despite the nervous thudding in her chest. "But I don't wish to be married off just yet. Since waking up, I've come to realize how little I have contributed to this household. Please, give me a chance to prove myself first."

For the first time since the conversation began, Lucius hesitated. His sharp features betrayed no emotion, yet his silence spoke volumes.

Finally, he straightened his posture and exhaled. "Evelina, stand up. We are nobles. Kneeling like this is beneath you."

Hope obeyed, her legs shaking slightly as she rose to her feet.

Lucius studied her for a moment longer before turning toward the door. "We will discuss this matter another time."

With that, he exited the room without another word.

As the doors shut behind him, Hope felt her entire body sag with relief. She had managed to stall her fate—at least for now. But an unease still lingered in her chest.

"What if he starts paying closer attention? What if he finds out I'm not really Evelina?"

Lost in thought, she barely noticed Shiri approaching.

"Miss," Shiri said softly, her gaze filled with concern, "you look troubled. A walk in the garden might clear your mind."

Hope blinked, snapping out of her daze. She glanced at Shiri, noting how the maid's usual formality was tinged with quiet worry.

"She really knows how to read people."

Shiri had always been the only person Evelina trusted—an orphan she had taken in, a loyal companion who had followed her even after marriage.

Hope offered a small nod. "That sounds like a good idea."

Together, they stepped into the grand estate garden, where the evening air was crisp with the scent of blooming flowers. The sky had deepened into a rich indigo, scattered with stars twinkling like tiny jewels. Fireflies flickered amidst the bushes, their soft glow adding a dreamlike quality to the scenery.

Hope walked slowly, taking in the beauty around her. This place is breathtaking… The night view alone makes this world feel surreal.

She settled onto a stone bench near a bed of roses, exhaling deeply.

"I never took the time to appreciate this," she murmured.

Shiri, who stood beside her, hesitated before speaking. "Miss… You seem different today."

Hope turned to her, caught off guard. "Different?"

Shiri nodded. "You seem… calmer. Less troubled than before."

Hope smiled wryly. If only she knew.

"I suppose illness changes a person," she replied vaguely.

Shiri remained quiet for a moment, then softly said, "Whatever it is, I hope it brings you peace, Miss."

Hope studied her maid's face—so young yet so perceptive.

"You're a strange one, Shiri."

Shiri blinked in surprise. "Miss?"

Hope shook her head with a small laugh. "Nothing. Just… thank you."

A faint, genuine smile appeared on Shiri's lips.

The night breeze picked up, sending a chill through the air. Before Hope could react, a small sneeze escaped her.

Shiri immediately stepped forward. "Miss, the breeze is getting cold. We should head inside."

Hope glanced at her, warmth filling her chest at the maid's quiet attentiveness.

"Alright," she agreed.

As they walked back toward the estate, Hope noticed the subtle relief in Shiri's expression. She had a feeling that, in this unfamiliar world, Shiri would be her one true ally.