The Villianess's Redemption (HYUNJIN ff) ✓

3. Adjusting to the New Reality

Chapter 3: Adjusting to the New Reality
⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅⋅

Leeknow’s POV

I paced the length of my study, my thoughts consumed by the unexpected outburst from Rosellia. She had stormed out of our home, her face flushed with anger, and her departure had left me with a gnawing concern. Isabella’s recent behavior had been peculiar, and today’s incident only added to the mystery. I needed to get to the bottom of this.

When I saw Isabella approaching, I straightened my posture and fixed her with a stern gaze. “Isabella, what happened with Rosellia today? She left in quite a state.”

She looked momentarily flustered before shrugging it off with a nonchalant wave of her hand. “Oh, that. We just had a minor disagreement. It’s not a big deal.”

I frowned, not convinced by her dismissive tone. “Isabella, you know how important it is to maintain a good relationship with Rosellia. Her family plays a significant role in our family’s assets. We can’t afford to have her angry with us or destroying the bond developed between the two families.”

She nodded, her expression thoughtful. “I understand, Leeknow. I’ll make amends.”

Her response caught me off guard. Isabella never apologized easily; she was as arrogant and stubborn as I was. Yet here she was, acknowledging her mistake and agreeing to fix it without any resistance. It was unsettling.

I continued, masking my surprise. “Good. Remember, the upcoming ball is crucial. I’ll be taking a significant role in it, and I don’t want you ruining it with any unnecessary drama. If you need anything for your dress, call the designer and do as you please. Just make sure you’re prepared. And also for the social event tomorrow at Lord Hyunjin's residence, we will be leaving early in the morning, so don't be late for it.”

She nodded again, seemingly absorbed in her own thoughts. Just then, a knight entered the study, bowing respectfully. “My lord, the items you ordered have arrived.”

I glanced at Isabella, noting her distracted demeanor. “Excuse me, Isabella. I need to attend to this. And perhaps you should get checked by the doctor; you don't seem to be feeling well and you’re acting rather oddly today.”

With that, I left the room, my mind still churning with questions about my sister’s strange behavior.

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

Y/N’s POV

As Leeknow left, I exhaled a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. This was harder than I had imagined. Playing the role of Lady Isabella required constant vigilance and an understanding of her relationships and responsibilities. Leeknow’s abrupt manner was intimidating, but beneath his arrogance, I sensed a genuine concern for his sister.

Determined to adapt, I decided to explore the mansion. Each room held a piece of Isabella’s life, and I needed to familiarize myself with every detail. I wandered through the grand halls, admiring the intricate tapestries and elegant furnishings. Servants moved about, their expressions a mix of deference and curiosity.

As I wandered through the mansion, trying to familiarize myself with my new surroundings, a portrait caught my eye. It was an image of a stern-looking woman with sharp features, standing beside a kind-faced man. The plaque beneath read: Lord and Lady Devereux.