Today, an important gathering was happening in our household. The servants were all busy. My mother talked to the head butler while I was reading a book in the living room. The flower vase was, as usual, near the window.
The birds singing and the sound of the soft breeze making the trees dance with a little bit of sun bathing them is a good time for my mother's event.
"My, my, my, you've grown to be as beautiful as ever, Duchess Diana," a noblewoman approached my mother. She was wearing an elegant dress like any other, but the badge on her chest came from the family of the Senth.
The house that betrayed mine and allied with our enemies. They have no strong foundation; they only grip those who are powerful and betray the weak, as it would seem to be disadvantageous on their part.
I remember the Countess' expression that night, when we sought their help. It was disgusting.
Contrary to her words, her actions speak more.
"Mother, please let us go there. I needed to talk to Adviel," I tugged my mother's dress.
Countess Arela might have heard me, so she bent down. She was about to pat my head when I slapped her hand and went behind my mother's back.
"I'm sorry about my child, Countess Arela; she might have been shy," my mother explained and hugged me.
I hugged her back, not wanting to face such a woman. I could even imagine her face writhing in anger.
Pretentious people can never be saved this time.
"Please excuse us, Countess," my mother smiled and bowed respectfully.
The Countess did the same thing, but I saw the grit on her teeth the moment my mother turned her back on her.
"Why did you do that earlier at the Countess, Isabella? I know you're not that kind of child. Did your father teach you that? "
"Mom, I was just scared. That woman had a dark expression on her face earlier. I can see it."
"Even so, you should respect elders and refrain from doing bad acts, okay? "
Silence went on, but she continued.
"Promise me this, Isabella…"
It took me longer than I thought, but I succumbed to her words.
"I promise," I hugged her, savouring this warmth to last.
"That's my daughter. Now, where is your precious friend? " She asked, and I pointed the way.
I saw them earlier and was about to come before the Countess interrupted my mother.
"I feel like you two might have something going on, although you're still a child, so I would only allow you to date and get engaged when you're already at the right age, Isabella." The mother's voice became stricter by the second.
But what caught me off guard was the way she speaks.
"We're only friends, Mother, so there's no need to worry about," I said, but she only chuckled.
I guess this misunderstanding will have a long way to go before it gets resolved.
Mother began to greet the Morse family, and they welcomed her with the same energy. As usual, they would talk of the topic that interests them; like my mother, the Duchess is also a fan of styles.
While they were busy talking, I saw Christopher talking to a bunch of his friends from the other side. Adviel, on the other hand, was silently reading a book in his hand.
I almost shook my head. The event is not a book reading contest.
I would have said that out loud to Adviel, but the more I come near to him, the more I see his eyes focusing on the texts.
This young boy is something I could never read.
"So, how was your day today? " I approached him.
"Lady Isabella, I wouldn't be able to see you if you hadn't said any words," he said, trying to close his book before I managed to claim it.
"That's because you're always busy reading your books," I said, looking at the contents.
"Alright, fine, so what do you want to do now? " He asked. I handed him the book, but he put it down in his chair.
I guess that's it.
His hands were light and thin, but that's no different from pulling a feather.
"I think we need to eat some cookies first and drink some orange juice; what do you say? " I pulled him closer as we came to where the food was served.
"I don't think I'm hungry—"
"There, solve! "
It was easier than I thought. I never imagined putting some cookies in his mouth would be such a cute way.
"Now, we need to eat more before showing you full access to our library. Do you understand? " I said.
His eyes lit up, and before I could blink, his hands were already full of pastries.
"Now, let's eat to our heart's content! "
I suggested that, but I never thought that I would have a stomach ache because of it.
"Isabella, are you all right? Wait here; I'll get you—"
"I'm fine, Adviel. Didn't I say to you that we'll go to the library together? "
"Yes, but you look pale and in pain, Isabella. You're health is more important—— "
I understand what he's trying to say, but we're already meters away from the room. Even though I was hanging my hands on these damn cold walls in the hallway, it didn't even matter to me about this ache because I just overate!
Though I didn't want to admit the truth, it's my problem, and the cause is also because of my eagerness! I began to look pathetic.
"Fine, go get me a warm cup of water, then," I surrender to his cuteness.
Seeing him pout wasn't even good for my stomach.
"Then wait here," he said. He ran away, and I'm stuck with my back leaning on the wall.
But a few minutes passed, and he was nowhere to be found. Then it hit me: I didn't tell him where the kitchen was!
Oh goodness, can this day get any better? What's the use of my sarcasm right now? Seriously?
Looking at the outside world seemed to be warm, right before realising what I was looking at in my first life. Blinded by that person, I didn't think about how lively the surroundings could be.
Birds are singing, leaves are dancing, and the sun's rays, everything in silence, feels at ease.
"Here, please take this, Isabella," Adviel came rushing in front, blocking my view with water dripping from his hand.
Indeed, it was dripping because his hands were shaking, and his face said that the water was hot.
Pulling my handkerchief from my pocket, I claimed the water and gulped it in one second as I put the glass back in his hand.
"There, solve! Thank you. I felt like my ache had gone away, Adviel," patting his hair and messing it, I chuckled.
"Now, let's go! "
He smiled and grabbed my hand as we headed to the library and read some books.
It was a day full of memories with a young boy I never thought I would befriend in this life.
"So, how was your day today, Isabella? " Mother asked, sitting on my bed.
She was patting my hair as I was about to sleep.
"It was amazing, Mother. Do you know Advil? He seemed to be a great young boy! He also likes reading books; he's sometimes quiet, but he's so thoughtful and—"
Mother chuckled and continued my words.
"And he brought you a warm cup of water? " She wiggled her eyebrows, and I nodded.
"Well, a maid said that you two looked cute together. Do you like him? I saw myself widening my eyes in the mirror behind my mother's back".
Though she continued to chuckle, I almost choked if she hadn't said that it was a joke.
"Kidding aside, you know you could always count on me, Isabella. You can always tell me what you like and dislike, as well as your crush. Now, goodnight, honey, and have a sweet dream," Mother kissed my forehead and arranged my blanket before putting the lights off in my room and closing the door.
I, on the other hand, imagined the times that came from my first life and the memories I've managed to have in this life.
Everything is different, and I will continue to make it different every second of every day.
I know this life is not easy to have, but I'm willing to do the best I can for the sake of my family and the people who continue to believe in me.
So for now it would be a night indeed—
Before I could even close my eyes, the book that appeared right after I went back in time glowed in front of me.
The pages flipped, and some words began to form.
"Be careful who you might encounter; some time in the future, the change you make will be huge, and the one you're chasing will chase you in return." The words faded, and the book went under my pillow.
I don't know why, but I just shrugged my shoulders because there's no way in hell that person would chase me. He would rather have the crown prince's fiancée than me.
"I'm sorry, little book, but right now, I don't believe in your words. Goodnight."
I prayed that even if I dream, it would be a happy dream without that person appearing.