MY LIFE, TAKE TWO

ARRIVAL OF PRINCESS ISOLDE

Selene looked up and froze. Lady Vivienne Montclair, the count’s daughter. Same age as Selene and Celeste, Celeste’s so-called friend—but Selene knew better. In her past life, she had seen just how much Vivienne despised Celeste, how fake her kindness truly was.

She had even been rude to Selene herself, though Selene had long since outgrown fearing her. Now all she felt was disgust at the conniving wench.

Vivienne’s lips curved into a slow, deliberate smirk

“Lady Selene,” she said, her voice as sweet as sugar yet cutting as a blade, “what an unfortunate… incident. Surely you weren’t paying attention? My gown—oh, it’s completely ruined! Such a shame, after all the care one takes in maintaining one’s appearance.” She lifted her sleeve delicately to display the stain.

A few nobles nearby leaned in, whispering. Most seemed to side with Vivienne at first.

Celeste stepped forward, eyes flashing with concern. “Selene-”

A soft hand caught her arm. Sera. She gestured for Celeste to stand still, eyes conveying just watch. Hesitant, Celeste obeyed, biting her lip.

Vivienne’s smirk widened. “And aren’t you going to apologize, Lady Selene? Surely a lady of your… reputation would see the courtesy in that.”

Selene blinked, expression unreadable, a faint boredom in her gaze.

Then, inclining her head politely, she said, “I do apologize, Lady Vivienne.” Her voice was soft, measured, entirely polite.

But her eyes flicked down—and she noticed the subtle smear across her own gown from the spilled drink. Her lips curved slightly.

“Oh, and it seems my gown has also suffered,” Selene added softly, showing the stain to the nobles.

“A shame, truly, but accidents happen, mustn’t we endure them gracefully?”

Vivienne’s eyes narrowed. She quickly stepped forward, faking the benevolent smile of the noblewoman, preparing to take the moral high ground and apologize first. “Oh, I-”

Selene tilted her head, feigning a soft, hurt expression, a few fake tears glimmering at the corners of her eyes.

“I know… Lady Vivienne dislikes me,” she said gently, voice trembling, “but I never expected you to take it so far as to humiliate me publicly. One would think civility still mattered, even among rivals.”

A hush fell over the surrounding nobles. They could see the tears, the slight quiver in her lips, and the polite, wounded tone in her voice.

Vivienne faltered, the realization dawning that Selene had stolen the performance from her.

Selene pressed on, almost whispering now, “If it is an apology you wish for, Lady Vivienne… I shall grant it.”

A few whispers rose from the crowd. Nobles who had been ready to side with Vivienne now shifted their attention to Selene. Even Vivienne’s supporters hesitated, mesmerized by Selene’s grace and wit.

Defeated, Vivienne’s face drained of color. She could do nothing but lower her gaze, swallow her pride, and mutter, “I… apologize, Lady Selene."

Selene inclined her head in acknowledgment, her lips curving into a sweet, polite smile. “Thank you, Lady Vivienne. I apologize as well… for the inconvenience.”

Vivienne looked up at Selene, noticing the subtle wicked grin hidden beneath her serene expression.

Cold sweat ran down her forehead as she quickly averted her eyes and walked away.

Tch… who’s scared now? Selene thought, smirking to herself.

She then glanced at the surrounding nobles, many of whom were immediately entranced by her calm, polite composure.

“Has she always been this beautiful” one whispered.

“And so polite… yet clever” another added.

Selene ignored it, her gaze finding Sera, who gestured for her to come along.

Damien who was mixed in the crowd watched with a smirk on his face while Sirian saw everything from where he was

He scoffed, knowing quite well both girls were fakes, but he was a bit impressed with Selene

"That Veyrant" he muttered, scowling, a flicker of amusement hidden beneath the irritation.

Celeste, still wide-eyed, managed to speak. “Are you… alright?”

Selene inclined her head, smiling faintly. “I’m fine.”

Sera gestured for Mara to accompany Selene so she could change her dress. Selene sighed inwardly—she didn’t feel like being at the party any longer—but she followed, knowing it was expected of her.

Meanwhile, Vivienne pressed her lips into a thin line, her fingers digging lightly into the folds of her gown. She gritted her teeth, the faint clink of her rings echoing like tiny warnings.

That insufferable wench… she thought, eyes narrowing as they followed Selene’s graceful movements.

How dare she humiliate me in front of everyone, steal the moment I had carefully crafted, and make me look like a fool? Where in the world did she even get the courage to do something like that…?

Her chest tightened with frustration, and a quiet, venomous promise formed on her lips.

No… I will get her back for this. Mark my words, Lady Selene. You haven’t heard the last of me.

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A FEW WEEKS LATER

The garden of the palace grounds was quiet, the scent of flowers drifting in the soft afternoon air. Sera sat at a small table, waiting patiently for her younger brother, Lucien, who had arrived with his maids for a casual tea.

Excited, Lucien practically ran toward her, his small hands clutching a napkin as he hurried. But in his enthusiasm, he tripped over a loose stone.

Before he could hit the ground, Selene’s hands were suddenly there, steadying him.

The maids and Mara, who saw that from nearby, clapped in admiration

“Thank you....” Lucien said shyly, his cheeks pink.

“You’re welcome,” Selene replied with a gentle smile.

Lucien blinked up at her, still flustered, before muttering, “So… pretty.”

“Hm?” Selene asked, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s… nothing,” he said quickly, turning and hurrying toward his seat, still blushing.

Selene tried not to notice, but Lucien kept glancing back at her, his small hands fidgeting on the tablecloth.

Selene couldn’t help but think, Does he still hate me? I thought I did a good thing back there… What a tough kid.

When tea ended, Lucien walked past her. This time, he seemed quieter, softer, and when their eyes briefly met, he quickly looked away, cheeks flushed.

Sera, observing from the table, chuckled and leaned close to Selene.Sera noticed Selene’s slight curiosity.

“It seems Lucien has… taken a liking to you,” she said with a playful grin.

Selene laughed softly, a little flustered. “I… don’t know about that.”

But over the following days, it became clear. Lucien started visiting more often—stopping by his sister’s garden, chatting with Selene casually, bringing her little trinkets he found amusing, and even asking her advice about simple things.

He had gone from a small glaring kid to a completely chill little prince who seemed to genuinely enjoy her company.

Selene couldn’t help but notice the change—and she found herself quietly amused by just how different he was when he was around her.

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A few months had passed, and life had mostly returned to normal—at least on the surface.

Sirian had informed Sera just a few days ago that a visitor from a neighboring kingdom would be arriving.

Without waiting for anyone else’s opinion, Sera decided it would be best for her, Selene, and Mara to temporarily move into the main palace.

Her villa wasn’t far, but being closer made managing certain things easier

She left instructions with a few trusted maids, ensuring that the mischievous cat would be looked after in her absence.

Only Selene and Mara accompanied her into the palace, and the quiet corridors felt different without the constant bustle of servants and staff at the villa.

Then, the day finally arrived.

A carriage rolled into the palace courtyard, and as the doors opened, a lady stepped out.

Apparently she was the second princess of the kingdom of Ravenne

She was undoubtedly beautiful, catching the attention of the palace staff and a few passersby, but Selene barely registered it.

She had seen Celeste,,her twin in every possible way—and in comparison, this visitor’s beauty felt… ordinary.

The girl, known as Isolde, descended with poise, flanked by a few maids and knights.

Her smile was perfect, her movements flawless, and everyone around her immediately seemed impressed.

Yet Selene felt a flicker of irritation. She didn’t know why this stranger stirred such a reaction, but something about the calculated elegance felt off to her.

Sirian appeared moments later to welcome her, bowing slightly, as did the king. Selene froze for a brief second.

She had never actually seen the king in person before, and the resemblance to Sirian was striking.

It was as if she were looking at Sirian, older and taller, carrying the same sharp features and commanding presence.

Isolde accepted the greetings gracefully, her voice soft and measured. And yet, Selene could not shake the sudden, inexplicable irritation that prickled her chest.

She turned slightly, arms crossed, watching as the other girls fussed over her, and thought bitterly: Why do I dislike her already?

Her eyes lingered on Isolde as she moved gracefully into the palace halls, and a quiet, cold thought settled in Selene’s mind.

This girl… she’s trouble