I am not the Villainess

Chapter 81

CHAPTER 81

Tatiana wasn’t able to say anything and only stared back at Noah’s eyes. They were only staring at each other while also trying to read each other’s minds. 

Tatiana didn't expect His Highness would ask such a direct question. She did, however, understand where he was coming from.

In the eyes of other people, she indeed had changed a lot. Her clothing style, her attitude toward others, and her way of thinking... all of it changed. In just a year, Tatiana became completely different.

But, contrary to what other people think, Tatiana didn't change. She was just simply not the person that everyone assumed she was.

She's not Anastasia Monique Tatiana Cromello. She was Jane Dela Vega, an illegitimate daughter of a business magnate.

Why did I change? Tatiana repeated Noah's question in her mind. She pondered over that question—more specifically, she thought about the word 'change'.

Jane never had the guts to go against the Dela Vegas in her previous life. At first, she thought it was because she knew she wasn't powerful enough to fight the Dela Vegas. She thought that was the case, but in reality, it was just because she was a coward.

Jane was a smart person. She studied all her life and learned about all sorts of things. Aside from that, she was physically strong after training with her master for 10 years. However, Jane didn't stand up for herself even when she was already having a hard time. 

She was a coward. She was scared of what may happen if she went against her family. She feared his father might scold her for being disobedient. And most importantly, she was afraid of being thrown away.

But, after her reincarnation, Jane was given a life that was completely different from the one she had before. The moment she opened her eyes, she became the daughter of a Grand Duke, the fiance of the Crown Prince, and the most preeminent lady of the empire. Not to mention, she has to deal with the horrible ending that comes with the new life she was given. 

Naturally, Jane felt pressured, scared, and anxious. But, in order to change her destiny, she had no other choice but to become strong.

So, if anything, Tatiana could say that the only thing that changed about her was that she became strong and courageous.

Tatiana mentally laughed at herself. 

Reincarnation... who knew I would experience such a thing? Should I tell that to His Highness? He would definitely think I’m crazy. She thought to herself. Also, how do I even explain it? Even I, myself, didn't know how and why that happened. 

Tatiana sighed and decided to put that thought aside.

“You’re very straightforward, your highness. Do you know that?” She commented.

“I get that a lot,” Noah replied, making Tatiana let out a small laugh.

Tatiana looked back at the view in front. 

She inhaled deeply and closed her eyes as she felt the breeze on her skin. It was a sunny day, but she didn’t feel hot at all, probably because the wind was cold and there were so many trees around them, giving them enough shade.

It was such a peaceful day. The birds were chirping, and they could still hear the distant sounds of the city and the ocean waves from where they were seated.

If Tatiana thinks about it, she has never seen such a beautiful view.

In her previous life, she was like a bird that was trapped in a beautiful cage. She was never free, and every day she only experienced hardships. She died young, and her second life had only given her pressure and anxiety. 

Tatiana had never been at peace until now.

How I wish I could stay here forever. She thought.

“Your highness…” Tatiana called and glanced at Noah. “…I know what to name my horse.” She said and grinned widely.

“What?” Noah asked, puzzled. 

Tatiana didn’t answer him and stood up instead. She walked closer to where the horses were and went in front of the white horse. She stroked the horse’s head.

Meanwhile, Noah was still stunned at what had just happened. 

Tatiana avoided his question and suddenly changed the subject.

Name her horse? So suddenly? He huffed. For some reason, I feel like I was being played.

Noah stood up and followed Tatiana to where the horses were. Tatiana looked at him and smiled.

“What do you want to name her?” Noah asked, putting aside that Tatiana had just avoided his previous question.

Tatiana stroked the horse's mane before answering,

“Jane. I want to call her Jane.” 

Noah’s brows furrowed for a moment. 

“Jane? That’s a good name…” he said. “Does it have any meaning?” 

“No, it doesn’t,” Tatiana replied.

Although, of course, for her, that name meant a lot. It was her name in her previous life. Though that name reminds her of so many bad memories, it also reminds her of who she truly was.

“Jane…I hope you’ll bring me to beautiful places like this.” She whispered, but Noah was able to hear it.

He smiled.

Today, I saw a different side of Tatiana—No, actually…I think I saw the real her.

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