Unfortunately, I'm an Evil Villainess

Chapter 83 - Eighteen (I)

I wasn't sure how time and reincarnation into a novel actually worked, as in my past life Valentina the fictional villainess and Jenny the miserable high school student existed quite separately. Yet by an aspect of rebirth or by pure coincidence, the day Jenny died was the day Valentina was born in another world. A beautiful night in early July, eighteen years ago, a pathetic teenage girl had too much fun, and the grand duchy welcomed a new lady.

"Prince Oscar Stoneshire and Lady Valentina Avington!"

My birthday ball was a magnificent affair that rivalled Princess Elizabeth's due to my much greater popularity and social influence. I arrived on the arm of my fiance, who looked even more handsome today with a new intricate suit and brought out his striking golden eyes. He was such a beautiful accessory that I didn't even mind his coldness. I wore a brilliant red dress and my favourite jewels, showing off my full gorgeousness and glamour.

The ballroom was filled with important guests, but Damian wasn't there. I wasn't too worried, as he often liked to make a dramatic late entrance, similar to me. As the people finished trickling in, Father coughed, immediately summoning everyone's attention. He smiled, a rare occasion in public, and raised his glass.

"Thank you for attending my daughter Valentina's birthday ball. Eighteen years have gone by so quickly that in my mind the image of a small child is as fresh as yesterday's. I am immensely proud of Valentina and her coming of age, and it is my greatest pleasure to have her as my daughter."

He raised his glass to a round of applause and the guests toasted. Mother spoke next, beaming at Father's side.

"Valentina is everything I've ever hoped for. She's my pride and joy, and the jewel of our family. I wish her all the best in her maturity, and I would like her to know that I've enjoyed these eighteen years immensely."

A delicate tear emerged from the corner of her eye, and she wiped it away gracefully. There was another toast, and as I drained my glass, I felt an odd pang in my chest, next to the warmth and happiness. Empty glasses were placed on trays servants carried around, and Father approached us with a broad grin.

"My angel, could I have the first dance of your adulthood?"

"Of course, Father. You don't mind, Your Highness?"

"No, certainly not."

The music began, and Father danced with me masterfully. Ever since my first birthday ball, it was tradition for us to have the first dance together. The older generation did not frequently attend balls, but Father was an excellent dancer. He was good company, too.

"Your necklace is beautiful. Are those the newest diamonds from our mine? They suit you perfectly."

"Yes, thank you. It's my gift from Mother."

A nice contrast to my usual partner, who never noticed or complimented anything I wore. Mother trained Father well, I thought with a smile.

"What did His Highness give you?"

"A portrait of me, by the royal painter. It looks very nice in my room."

"Yes, but I don't believe anything could truly be good enough for you. His Highness, for example. Your mother's been telling me things, and my angel, you must know that you deserve someone that loves and worships you completely. You can have any man that catches your eye, and you needn't feel tied down to the prince simply because you've been together so long. If you're ever dissatisfied, we can break the betrothal anytime."

Father gazed at me earnestly, his black eyes boring into mine. He'd probably wanted to say that for a while, but this occasion was indeed fitting. I bit my lip but smiled reassuringly.