I am not the Villainess

PROLOGUE Standing by the window with her bare feet on the cold ground, Tatiana watched as the rising sun cast a rosy hue across the morning sky. She didn't sleep a wink last night, but she wasn't feeling tired or sleepy, instead, she felt nervous. It was yet another day in this bizarre world, but today was the day Tatiana was preparing for the last two weeks, and now that it has finally come, she felt unsure and worried. She sighed and turned away from the window. She walked towards the bathroom connected to her room and took a quick bath. With her title, Tatiana was supposed to wait for her maids, but she doesn't really like having someone bathe and dress her. She went to her closet after bathing and put on the simplest dress she could find. Tatiana did her hair and soft make-up before standing in front of the mirror. She clicked her tongue and shook her head as she looked at herself. It has been weeks, but she still couldn't get used to her physical appearance. Even the taste in clothing was very different from hers—just like this dress, she was wearing. This was supposed to be the plainest dress in her closet, but it still looks extravagant to her. She sighed again and decided to just accept her new reality. Tatiana walked back towards her desk beside the window. She sat down and went over her papers and plans again, passing some time as she goes. Minutes later, the door suddenly opened, revealing three ladies, quietly chattering by themselves. They walked inside the bedroom only to find an empty bed and Tatiana sitting behind her desk, staring at them. The maids were shocked but immediately got hold of the situation, as they bowed their heads right away and stammered their apologies. "M-my lady, we didn't know you were awake. P-please, forgive us for our insolence." In this situation, the Tatiana they knew would throw tantrums and would slap them or even fire them for their actions. The maids prepared themselves for the pain they'll acquire and even thought of what they should do to support their families once they lose their jobs. However, contrary to what was expected of her, Tatiana only looked at them, and with the softest voice, she said, "That's alright. But I don't want this to happen again in the future, whether I'm awake or not." The maids were confused because of their lady's behavior, but Tatiana ignored their reactions and continued, "Ah, I'm done with my morning preparations, so can you just bring me my breakfast? I would like to eat here in my room. Also, prepare a carriage and tell the coachman that I'm going to the Imperial Palace after breakfast." And once again, the maids were astonished, but this time for multiple reasons. First, Tatiana just bathed and dressed. Her dress was also not something she would usually wear, especially when visiting the Palace. And lastly, she's going to the Imperial Palace. The last reason was actually something they have already expected ever since the news of him coming back became the hot topic in the capital for days now. But they didn't expect that Tatiana would visit the Palace this soon. The maids nodded amidst their astonishment, bowed their heads, and left the room to carry out their lady's orders. Just when they were outside the door, they all thought of the same thing, 'Just what is wrong with our Miss?! ' -- As planned, Tatiana was inside the carriage, together with one of the maids who served her, and are on their way to the Palace. The carriage they used has the crest of the House Cromello, so it attracted attention as they ride through the streets of the capital. Anna, the maid, was silently peering at the lady in front of her. Tatiana was quiet the whole trip while looking outside the window. She looked bothered about something as she was tightly holding the brown envelope in her hands and was sighing deeply from time to time. Whoever knows the real Tatiana and would look at her now would think that Tatiana was acting very strange—like she was a completely different person. Meanwhile, Tatiana was thinking by herself as she looked at the peaceful streets of the capital. It was very early in the morning that stores were just opening, and people were still lazily yawning while drinking their morning coffee. And looking at those people, she thought of how she was rushing everything although this sudden early visit was part of her plan. The reason for this was that it's the only way he would have no other choice but to meet her. If Tatiana was to delay this visit any further, he would be busy and would decline her again and again. And she can't allow that to happen. The earlier she settled it with him, the earlier she could secure her future. After all, it's only a matter of time before the beginning. "My lady, we have arrived." Anna, who was already outside the carriage, announced. Tatiana nodded and stepped out. She mentally gasped when she saw the lavishly ornate building standing in front of her. With its white stone walls, golden linings, and big marbled columns, it was, no doubt, the Crown Prince's Palace. It was like one of those seen in history books, but maybe because of how bright this place was, it didn't really feel ancient—even to Tatiana's modern self. "This way, my lady." Tatiana was admiring the Palace when Anna spoke. She looked at Anna, nodded, and followed her as they walked up the stairs and to the main entrance. As expected, nobody greeted her. In this world, it was a basic formality to greet the visitors, especially nobles, at the main entrance. However, Tatiana didn't inform anyone about this visit— except for her maids and the coachman, of course. She didn't even ask her parents or brother for permission because she knew they wouldn't let her. And although it was considered rude to visit a house—especially a palace—without telling the owner, Tatiana didn't send a letter asking permission for a visit, either. Again, it was all for the reason to ensure that he will have no choice but to meet and talk to her. Before Anna could even touch the doorknob, the door suddenly opened and revealed a middle-aged man with quite a haggard look. He was obviously in a hurry and almost bump into them but managed to stop, just a few inches from Anna. He quickly took a step back and bowed his head. "My lady, I didn't know you were visiting. Please, forgive me for not greeting you earlier." Sir George the butler, said, now with poise. He probably heard from the Palace's knights that Lady Anastasia Monique Tatiana of House Cromello had visited the Imperial Palace. "It's okay, Sir George. It was my fault for not informing you ahead of time." Tatiana replied and smiled, making Sir George pause in surprise. "I sincerely apologize for my rudeness, but I really have an important matter to discuss with your master. I heard he's back, so is he here?" she asked, softness still in her voice. 'She's acting very weird today. What happened?' Sir Blaise thought. He was intently looking at Tatiana, trying to read her mind. He was curious if Tatiana was plotting something behind her kind and soft aura. Admitting her mistake and apologizing to a mere servant like him is something that the Lady Tatiana Cromello would never do, hence why Sir George couldn't help but be suspicious. However, he failed to get the answer he wants. Sir George inwardly sighed and decided to just go with it. "I have already informed His Highness about your sudden visit. Please follow me, my lady." Sir George said, emphasizing the word 'sudden'. Tatiana ignored that and followed him inside the Palace. As they were walking across the grand hall, Tatiana felt nervous again. She may look poise and calm outside, but deep inside, her heart was beating very fast, and her organs were twisting and turning that she felt like she could puke any moment now. Her nervousness just worsened when they stopped in front of a white and gold double door. Sir Blaise knocked thrice, and a deep voice of confirmation came from the inside. It was like a slow-motion moment when Sir George opened the door. She could hear her heart race as she tightly gripped the envelope in her hands. As she walked inside the room, the first thing Tatiana saw was a picturesque scene that looked like it came out of a fairytale book. At the center of the room was a big oak desk, and behind it was a man with artfully messy jet-black hair. His hair glistens as the sunlight, coming from the window behind him, shed over it. The light also casts a shadow on his face, but from the distance where Tatiana was standing, she could still see his high nose, compressed lips, and sharp jawline. Tatiana momentarily paused as she took in the beautiful view in front of her. But when she remembered where she was, she regained her composure. Tatiana didn't think twice as she strides closer to the desk. Without even bothering to greet him, she placed the brown envelope she was holding, in front of him. "Sign these papers, and we'll end our engagement right away," Tatiana stated firmly, her determined violet eyes staring back at his deep, cold red eyes. ----- reyankleyr.