The Lady is Depress

Chapter 3 Seventeen Again

I admit I was bewildered at first. I'm not the panicky type, so within a few hours, I easily adapt to the situation. However, in the midst of it all, I forgot the two most important pieces of information: the date and my age.

Thankfully, Hollie went back to my room to prepare my bath. It dawned on me that today is the day Anabella will officially enter society, marking her coming of age.

Since Anabella is one year older, it means I'm back to being seventeen again.

So later at night, there will be a banquet in the Grand Hall of the Voughn Castle mansion to celebrate Anabella's birthday and also to announce her engagement to the crown prince.

Since Arabella in the novel was in love with the crown prince, she was deeply hurt by that announcement, which became her trigger point.

I personally dislike the crown prince; among all the characters, I sympathize the most with Arabella, along with Hollie and Anna.

The crown prince is a monster in disguise; his character is despicable.

Today's event marks the beginning of Arabella's villainy. Thankfully, I woke up at the right time, avoiding the most troublesome part of the novel.

"You're sighing too much today, my lady. Are you really sure you're okay?"Hollie said as she walked out of the bathroom after finishing her work, noticing her lady looking distant and sighing.

I blinked, snapping out of my reverie. "Oh, Hollie, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. Just... a lot on my mind, I suppose."

Hollie raised an eyebrow, her concern evident. "Is it because of Lady Anabella's debut and engagement announcement tonight?"

Denying it would be troublesome, so I answered her as if I were genuinely troubled by the event later. However, since I'm not Arabella, I couldn't care less.

I nodded, allowing a small, wry smile to form on my lips. "Yes, you know how these events can be. So much pomp and circumstance."

Hollie approached, her expression softening. "I understand, my lady. But remember, you don't have to face it alone. We will be by your side, like always."

Her words brought a warmth to my heart. Hollie and Anna had always been a pillar of support for Arabella, and I was grateful for their unwavering loyalty. "Thank you, Hollie. I don't know what I'd do without you and Anna."

I felt gloomy again seeing how both Anna and Hollie were genuinely caring for me. I felt somehow guilty for not telling them I'm not their Lady. I'm just the depressed earthling who was thrown into their world after jumping off a building.

She smiled, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. "Well, let's not keep you from getting ready. You need to look your best tonight, my lady. After all, it's not every day we attend such a grand banquet."

I chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "You're right. Let's get this over with."

Hollie guided me to the bathroom, then left me so I could soak myself in the tub.

Before soaking, she observed her body. Arabella has porcelain skin, unlike her original body, which has many scars from beatings and burns from cigarettes.

"Your scars are hidden, aren't they?" I muttered, speaking as if I were talking to Arabella.

Let's stop thinking before we become depressed again.

The water in the tub was hot, and the steam was blurry, helping her to relax. Soaking her body in this kind of luxury felt like sinking into a warm embrace, where the heat seeped into every pore, melting away tension and fatigue. The swirling steam enveloped her, creating a hazy cocoon that dulled the edges of reality. It was a sanctuary of tranquility, where worries evaporated with each billowing cloud, leaving only a profound sense of calm and renewal.

Unaware of the time, I suddenly dozed off while in the bathtub. Thankfully, before I could completely envelop myself in deep sleep, a soft knock brought me back.

"My Lady, you might catch a cough if you stay soaked for too long." She said, then entered with a towel hanging from her hand."

"Sorry, Hollie, it was too cozy, so I dozed off. I'm done now," I said as she handed me the towel.

Hollie guided me to the vanity, where she began to work her magic, styling my hair and applying just the right amount of makeup to highlight my features. As she worked, I couldn't help but think about the evening ahead. Arabella's role in the novel was a tragic one, filled with unrequited love and bitterness. But perhaps, with my new awareness, I could change the course of events and steer her fate in a different direction.

"All set, my lady," Hollie said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "You look stunning."

As Hollie finished her work, I stood and admired myself in the mirror. The girl staring back at me was beautiful, but her eyes seemed lifeless, with a visible pain that hadn't been there before. I still wasn't sure if I was ready to face them.

"Thank you, Hollie. I feel ready," I replied, taking a deep breath. "Let's go make an appearance."

Together, we made our way to the Grand Hall, the sounds of music and laughter growing louder as we approached. The doors opened, revealing a sea of elegantly dressed guests, all gathered to celebrate Anabella's coming of age.

As we entered the hall, I spotted Anabella across the room, surrounded by well-wishers. She looked radiant, her smile genuine as she greeted her guests. Radiating the perfect heroine vibe

Suddenly, a hush fell over the crowd as the doors at the far end of the hall swung open. The crown prince entered, his regal presence commanding attention. He made his way towards Anabella, a smile on his lips.

Tsk! How pretentious!

I felt a pang of sympathy for Arabella—the girl who had loved the prince from afar, only to have her heart shattered. But let's change the course of our story Arabella.

As the night progressed, I stayed as far away as I could to avoid mingling with the guests. I hate crowded places, but I don't have a choice if I want to live as Arabella; I have to deal with it. I kept my watchful eye on Anabella and the crown prince. When the time came for the announcement, the room fell silent once more.

"My dear friends and family," Anabella's father began, his voice booming through the hall. "Tonight, we celebrate my daughter's coming of age. But we also have another joyous announcement to make. Anabella is to be engaged to Crown Prince Alexander."

The room erupted in applause, I clapped along with the guests. Let's not get tangled in their drama, Arabella. Let's genuinely be happy for them. I hope you won't mind, author, if I change Arabella's fate.

Steeling myself, I made my way out of the grand hall, determined to renew my life. 'Arabella,' I said softly, placing a hand on my shoulder as if I were comforting myself. Let this be the closure of your life and the beginning of mine.

As the night wore on, I knew it wouldn't be easy, but for the first time in my life I was determined to help Arabella find a new path—one that didn't lead to villainy and despair.

And so, the night ended with a glimmer of hope. For the first time, Arabella's story had a chance to change.