The Ugly Villainess is not Naive Anymore

Chapter 6

In the Dining Room...

As Isabel sits at the grand dining table, her calm demeanor hides the resentment and pain festering within her. Her family, oblivious to her inner turmoil, regards her with a mix of relief and cautious hope, unaware of the tragic history that binds them together.

Despite her composed exterior, the visible marks on her body remind everyone of the torment she endured. Knowing everything, Isabel wears an innocent facade, making their guilt weigh heavier on them.

Internally, Isabel smirks. She understands the power of her innocent appearance, knowing it’s enough to make them obey her every whim.

Isabel's mother, the Duchess, reaches out tentatively, her eyes filled with guilt and longing. "Isabel, my dear, we never stopped searching for you. To have you back with us after all these years... it's a miracle. But we are sorry we are late and you have to endure everything by yourself."

Isabel forces a tight-lipped smile, her heart heavy with unspoken accusations. *A miracle,* she muses bitterly. *If only you knew the truth. If only you knew what your silence cost the real Isabel.*

Her father, the Duke, maintains a stoic facade, his features masking the storm of emotion within. *My daughter,* he thinks, his heart is aching with regret and longing. *Forgive us for failing you. For failing to protect you.*

Isabel's brother, Arthur, sits beside her, his demeanor cool and distant, but his eyes betray the love and anguish he dares not express openly. *Isabel,* he thinks, his gaze lingering on her, *my sister, my blood. How could I have failed you? How could I not have seen the danger lurking within our own home?*

"Tomorrow morning, I'll call a healing mage for you," the Duke assures Isabel, noting the severity of her wounds.

Isabel nods, acknowledging his concern. Suddenly, the Duchess interjects, her voice soft and inviting. "Why don't we sleep together tonight, baby?" she proposes, eagerly awaiting Isabel's response.

Pausing mid-bite, Isabel lifts her head, a smile illuminating her face. "Okay," she replies warmly.

The Duchess beams at her, doting.

Meanwhile, Arthur remains silent, uncertain how to navigate the unfolding dynamics. He quietly continues eating, lost in thought.

With dinner concluded, Isabel's mother escorts her to her chamber, a comforting presence by her side. Meanwhile, Isabel's father summons her brother to join him in the office. They depart together, leaving the dining room to quiet whispers and lingering echoes of shared moments.

--------------------

On the other side...

Daisy's POV...

How can they forget about me? I've lived among them for so long, and suddenly, this girl Isabel steals my place.

I can't bring myself to face them, so I have my meal sent to my chambers. No one seems to notice or care why I don't join them in the dining room. Anger bubbles up inside me, fueled by their unfair favoritism towards Isabel. They treat her like she’s worthy of their affection, but I know better.

I feel dismissed, but I vow not to fade into the background while Isabel basks in their adoration. I’ll make sure she is seen as the villain, reclaiming my rightful place in the spotlight. I still hope to win the crown prince’s heart and stand beside him.

Deep down, I cling to the belief that I am the duke’s true daughter, not some illegitimate child of a mere Count.

My thoughts grow more venomous as I ponder my mother’s choices. Why hasn't she chosen the duke? Why hasn't she used the same tactics on him that she used on the Count?