Unfortunately, I'm an Evil Villainess

Chapter 55 - Her Debutante

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"My lady, it's time to get up!"

Catherine woke up with a start. She wasn't used to people calling her 'my lady' yet and for a moment wondered who the maid was referring to. She also wasn't used to her new name, her appearance in the mirror, how soft the bed was, how good the food tasted, living in such a big house around so many people... so many changes she was trying to settle into.

"Thank you, Mary!"

The maid standing beside her bed smiled and nodded. She was Catherine's personal maid, and despite Uncle's assurance she didn't need to be formal with her, she couldn't help but appreciate Mary. All the other servants didn't seem to like her much, and that worried her. What was she doing wrong? Was Uncle going to scold her?

"Breakfast is here, my lady."

Lady Bryant, her stepmother, was so extremely kind and sweet to her in every way. She had explained that Catherine's little stepsister, Briana, needed time to adjust her presence, so it would be best for her to eat in her room for now, and there was no need for her father to know this was her suggestion. Of course, Catherine agreed. She must always be considerate.

"If you're done, I'll start helping you get ready for your big day!"

Since Catherine didn't know much about clothes, Lady Bryant picked out her wardrobe for her. The dress she chose today was pretty as usual, a white one for her debutante. There were so many layers and it was almost hard to move in, another thing she needed to get accustomed to.

When she was finally in her dress, stylists Lady Bryant had hired came and did her hair and makeup. She sat for hours as they decorated her, and she thanked them profusely when they were done. After they left, Catherine and Mary peered at the finished result in the mirror together.

"You look fantastic, my lady!"

"It's not me, Mary, it's those stylists' skills and you that make me look so good. Thank you so much!"

It was already time for lunch, so Catherine ate a little, too nervous for any more. She set out to find her 'family', since they were leaving right after lunch to get a good spot in line. She met her stepmother and stepsister coming from the dining room.

"Good day, Lady Bryant and Lady Briana."

Lady Bryant nodded in acknowledgment. Lady Briana scowled and stuck out her tongue. Uncle had taught Catherine to think the best of everyone, so she had decided to regard her stepsister as cute. She smiled affectionately at the both of them, her new family.

"You are ready to depart?"

"Yes, Lady Bryant. Thank you for picking out this wonderful outfit and all those talented stylists!"

"You're welcome. Come along, I suppose. Briana, dear, be a good girl. I'll see you when I get back."

'Good girl.' Catherine didn't know why these words made her stiffen when Uncle had said them so many times. Would Lady Bryant be disappointed if Briana made a mistake? Was Uncle already disappointed in Catherine for not being good enough for everyone to like? Was she going to fail him today, on one of the most important days of her life?

"Well? Are you coming or not?"

"Oh, I'm so sorry!"

She hurried after Lady Bryant, who led her to the front foyer, where Father and Uncle waited. Uncle looked genuinely happy next to Father, but Father always had a hungry glint in his eyes that scared her a little. Yet he was Father, and Uncle had told her to love him, so she did.

"You're beautiful, Catherine. I'm so glad we're reunited at last, my daughter."

"Thank you, Father! I'm happy too!"