The Villianess's Redemption (HYUNJIN ff) ✓

9.Unraveling Fate

Chapter 9: Unraveling Fate
⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

At Eliza's Birthday Banquet

Y/N's POV

The grandeur of Eliza’s birthday banquet was undeniable. The estate's ballroom was bathed in soft, golden light from the ornate chandeliers that hung above. The room was filled with the delicate hum of conversation, punctuated by laughter and the occasional clink of crystal glasses. Everyone was dressed in their finest attire, and the air buzzed with excitement as guests mingled, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the birthday girl. But as I stepped into the room, all I could feel was the weight of the original novel’s events pressing down on me.

This was the night everything could change—or could go terribly wrong. The story had its own momentum, its own pull, and I was beginning to wonder just how much influence I really had over it. But I couldn't afford to think like that now. I had to stay focused.

I made my way across the room, weaving between groups of guests, exchanging polite nods and smiles. When I finally spotted Eliza, she was standing near the entrance, greeting guests as they arrived. She looked radiant, her smile warm and genuine as she welcomed everyone. A pang of guilt shot through me—how could I have ever been envious of her? Eliza was nothing but kind and gracious, everything I had failed to be when I first came to this world.

“Eliza,” I called out as I approached her, my voice steady despite the unease gnawing at me.

She turned to me, her smile widening. “Isabella! I’m so glad you could make it.”

“Of course,” I replied, pulling out the small, intricately wrapped gift I had brought for her. “Happy birthday, Eliza. I hope you like it.”

Eliza accepted the gift with a grateful smile, her eyes sparkling with genuine pleasure. “Thank you, Isabella. You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“It’s just a little something,” I said, trying to match her lighthearted tone. “I hope it makes you smile.”

As we exchanged pleasantries, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. My eyes kept darting around the room, scanning the crowd for any signs of trouble. I knew from the novel that tonight was supposed to be a pivotal moment, but I didn’t know exactly when or how it would happen.

Eliza seemed to notice my distracted state. “Isabella, is everything alright?”

I forced a smile. “Yes, I’m just making sure everything is perfect for your special night.”

Before she could respond, a sudden commotion near the entrance drew our attention. The murmur of conversation hushed, and all eyes turned toward the source of the disruption. My heart sank as I recognized the figure who had just arrived—Rosalia. Her presence was like a dark cloud sweeping into the room, and I knew, even before she spoke, that her arrival would stir trouble.

Rosalia walked in with an air of arrogance, her gaze sweeping over the room as if she owned it. She was dressed impeccably, as always, in a deep crimson gown that made her stand out even more than usual. She moved with the poise of someone who knew the power she wielded, and as she approached Eliza, the tension in the room became palpable.

"Eliza, darling," Rosalia began, her voice dripping with false sweetness, "how sad I was to discover that I hadn’t received an invitation to your birthday party. It must have been a terrible oversight."

Eliza, ever the diplomat, smiled gently. "Rosalia, I’m so sorry. I must have made a mistake when sending out the invitations. Please forgive me."

Rosalia’s lips curled into a smirk. "Oh, I’m sure it was just an innocent mistake," she said, her tone implying otherwise. "I couldn’t possibly miss wishing you well on your special day."