The Villianess's Redemption (HYUNJIN ff) ✓

24. Escape from the Fate

Chapter 24: Escape from the fate
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Y/N’s POV

The past few days had passed in a blur, a quiet and uneventful blur. After the harrowing ordeal with Jaesun, I found myself retreating into the safety of my home, avoiding social interactions and the lingering stares that followed me whenever I dared to step outside. The trauma from everything that had happened was still raw, and though I was slowly healing, the scars were far from fading.

In the solitude of my room, I found solace in books, losing myself in the pages of the novels that lined the shelves. The world of fiction offered an escape, a place where the real world’s dangers and treacheries couldn’t reach me. I spent most of my days curled up in my bed or at my small writing desk, engrossed in stories that had nothing to do with the life I was currently living.

Mary, ever the diligent maid, had repeatedly tried to coax me out of my self-imposed isolation. She and the other maids even insisted that I shouldn’t lift a finger to help with the household tasks, though I stubbornly ignored their protests whenever I could. It felt good to be doing something, even if it was just helping with simple chores around the house. It kept my mind occupied and allowed me to avoid the thoughts that threatened to overwhelm me whenever I was idle.

Jasmine came to visit me from time to time, her presence a welcome distraction. She’d bring flowers from her garden or pastries from a nearby bakery, always cheerful and full of energy. We’d sit and talk about trivial things, anything but the events that had shaken my world to its core. Her visits were a balm to my frayed nerves, and I appreciated her more than I could express.

But despite the comfort I found in my solitude, there was a nagging sense of unease that I couldn’t shake. I knew I couldn’t hide away forever. The story I was now a part of was still unfolding, and no matter how much I wished otherwise, I had a role to play.

It was a sunny afternoon when Mary knocked gently on my door, interrupting my reading. I was deep into a novel, the plot twisting in unexpected ways, when her soft voice called out to me.

“Miss Isabella, Leeknow is asking for you,” she said as she opened the door slightly, her face peeking in. “He’s waiting for you in the garden. He wishes to have lunch together.”

I paused, the book slipping from my hands as I looked up at her in surprise. Leeknow? Asking for me?

I hadn’t seen much of Leeknow these past few days. He’d been busy, as usual, with the family business and other matters that I had little knowledge of. I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of nerves at the thought of having lunch with him. The Leeknow I knew—or rather, the Leeknow I had read about in the novel—was strict, cold, and distant. His presence always seemed to cast a shadow over everything, a reminder of the burden of expectations that weighed heavily on my shoulders.

But I nodded and stood up, smoothing down my dress as I tried to calm the nerves that were making my heart race. “I’ll be right there.”

Mary gave me an encouraging smile before she left the room, and I took a moment to steady myself before heading to the garden.

When I arrived, I was greeted by the sight of a beautifully set table beneath the shade of a large oak tree. The garden was in full bloom, the vibrant colors of the flowers contrasting with the soft greenery that surrounded us. The air was filled with the sweet scent of roses and jasmine, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a peaceful atmosphere that was far removed from the chaos I had recently experienced.

Leeknow was already seated at the table, his posture relaxed as he gazed out at the garden. He turned his head as I approached, and I couldn’t help but notice the subtle change in his expression when he saw me—a softening of the stern lines that usually marked his face.