It all started weeks before Ethan’s congratulatory party…

“The young lord will join you in a few minutes.” The butler said after serving me tea in the drawing room.

I nodded to acknowledge him and then enjoyed the tea he had served.

After being in this world for days, I would finally meet Sebastian Beaumont, the son of Marquis Beaumont. Roselle’s mother mentioned that Sebastian is one of Roselle’s strengths or, should I say, influences, and the people around the area think highly of him too.

I heard that Sebastian manages the gemstone mine in Veridian and has been pursuing Roselle for many years. He even asked Roselle to marry him when she was only 16, but Roselle refused, saying to wait a few more years. So, being the gentleman he is, he agreed and promised to propose to her again after her coming of age, which is about 9 months from now.

In conclusion, in about 9 months, I need to break things up with him if I want to marry the male lead in this world.

I should probably study royal etiquette too and dwell more of the empire’s history so we can converse naturally.

I was interrupted from my thoughts when a high-pitched woman's laugh echoed from the other side of the door.

Two people entered the room, but I forgot to bother standing up to greet them as I was taken aback.

I was expecting Sebastian, who is Roselle’s lover, not a married man.

“My love!” He removed the arms of the woman linked to him and made his way towards me, sitting beside me.

He was about to put his arm around my waist, but I scooted further in defense.

I realized that the woman was now sitting across from us.

“Sebastian?” I asked.

“None other than!” he said.

Now that I have taken a good look at him, he kind of looks like what the rumors say. He is indeed a fine man, considering that he takes care of himself well, but he doesn’t stand out for me.

“You must have forgotten my face too. I heard you were involved in an incident?”

“Pfft.” I glanced at the woman who chuckled in front of us as she casually sipped on her tea.

So, that is why there were three teacups served.

I decided not to pay any mind to her.

“Yes, so I forgot things, but I certainly am making an effort to recover them. Things must have been hectic with you considering that you haven’t taken time to visit me after the incident?” I asked, but I already know the answer; he is just seeing me less than those things that are keeping him busy.

“Indeed. Good thing that the mine is running smoothly these days; that is why I was able to meet you today.” He said as he tapped the tea cup, gesturing me to pour him some tea.

That kind of gesture reminds me of college days. A senior who is asking to be served alcohol by a junior.

I grabbed the teapot and poured tea into his cup. I will play along for now since I am still testing the water. If I should suck up to him a little or dump him immediately.

“Although you basically barged in here,” the woman interjected again. I looked at her, but she does not meet my eye. She looks so relaxed and at home.

“So, are you here to personally invite me to be your partner in the upcoming ball?” he said, putting down his tea cup and leaning closer to my face.

“No—”  I’ll be going with my brother.

I wasn’t able to finish my sentence.

“Hey Sebastian, you said I’ll be your partner!” The woman hysterically said, losing her composure that she had a while ago.

This little piece of shit is basically asking for attention.

“Excuse me. Who are you?” I asked, annoyed.

“Wow. Are you sure to keep this act, Roselle?” She smirked, trying to question me.

“Keep what up?” I said now partially scowling.

“This whole ‘cannot remember act.’ I mean, we’ve all been friends for how many years now, so I know that this is one of your tactics to get Sebastian’s attention.” She said now smirking.

“You must have been tired that crying to get his attention does not do the magic anymore.”

I cannot trust wholly what this woman is saying, but what I am sure is Roselle has always been a soft girl who knows nothing but good ethics and right conduct of some sort. So, if she cried in front of these people, she must have been pent up to her emotion that she lost composure.

“I see. We are friends.”

I rested my back on the sofa, crossed both my legs and arms as I looked at Sebastian and this woman alternately.

The woman is still grinning as if she just caught me, and Sebastian just sat there observing.

***

When did she become laid back in front of me?

And what is it about this long, heavy silence?

***

I need to know more in order for me to play my cards right.

I observed them intently, taking my sweet time.

She is wearing bright red lipstick that is smeared.

Looking back to Sebastian, his lips are looking oddly too red.

I tilted my head and saw a smudge of lipstick on his neck, but looking at it, she must have left them alone for me to see.

He smells of woman's perfume too. Initially, I thought it was because she was clinging unto him a while ago, but I guess it's a bit more than clinging.

This is the perfect opportunity to break up with him. They just have given me a solution to my problem.

Hmmmm. Will this do?

Mic test. Mic test.

Will the ‘creator’ hear my thought?

‘I am gonna break up with Sebastian this instant and kick his ball-‘

BEEP

WARNING! APPROACHING BAD ENDING ROUTE!

Too bad. I guess it’s not time yet. This notification thing is quite handy, huh.

“Sebastian.” I looked at him confidently.

“Go sit across from me. Sit with her.” He was a bit confused with my actions and the way I spoke at first, but he did what was told after.

He settled in the chair across from me, then the woman immediately scouted to be near him.

“Hey, listen, both of you.” I tapped the table’s leg with my shoes to get attention.

They shifted their attention towards me.

“Brother will be my partner at the ball. And I don’t care if you believe it or not about what I am going through right now.” I uncrossed my hands and leaned a bit closer against the table.

“Sebastian, since I don’t remember our time together, I will need time to collect myself first. So let us take our time since I cannot act all lovey-dovey to a person I barely know. So, no unnecessary physical contact.”

“Wha-?” I interrupted him before he could protest.

“Hey, you, woman. Care to tell me your name, or you prefer me just calling you ‘hey’?”

She scowled at me.

“Amelia. Call me Amelia.”

“Okay, Amelia. Please take care of Sebastian since, you know, we are all ‘friends’” I said smiling at her angelically.

“Well, I’ll be off now.”

Just do what you guys were doing before I came.

The best way to lure a cheating man deeper into despair is to provide him make-believe REASONS TO CHEAT.

***

"Can I have some commoner’s clothes, please? I want to walk around the busy plaza," I told the maid with me in the carriage.

Those two bothered me a lot. Taking a stroll and having good food is the best way to de-stress. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow in the sky. I sat comfortably in the carriage heading to the lively plaza.

The streets were full of life, with colorful market stalls, street performers, and kids laughing and playing. The air smelled delicious with street food, and I could almost taste the yummy treats waiting for me at the plaza. The carriage moved smoothly along the cobblestone streets, giving me a beautiful view of the charming city.

Charming shops with colorful displays caught my eye through the window. As we got closer to the plaza, I felt the stress leaving my body. The carriage slowed down, and I could feel the excitement building up.

Stepping into the lively plaza, I saw a mix of colors, heard joyful laughter, and felt the rhythm of street musicians. Vendors offered tasty treats, from savory snacks to sweet desserts. In that moment, surrounded by the magic of the plaza, I couldn't help but feel happy and grateful in this novel world.

Time seemed to slow down here. In my world, everything needs to be done instantly. In this world, it felt like I could finally breathe.

“Come and have a taste-“

“Grab the best selling-“

As I walked around the plaza with the maid, vendors offered their products here and there. The only one that made me look twice was an old woman who called me…

“BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY.”