The Villainess's Unwritten Fate

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2: A Plan in Motion

A Father's Cold Gaze

The tension in the air was palpable as Aris stood before her father, Duke Devereux. The cold, calculating man who governed the Devereux estate with an iron grip was known for his strategic mind, rarely letting emotions sway his decisions. But Aris—no, Lyra—knew better than to let herself be intimidated. If she wanted to survive, she had to play her part flawlessly.

The Duke's black hair shimmered in the light pouring through the tall windows.His piercing gaze settled on her, dissecting her every movement as though searching for weakness. For a brief moment, Lyra felt like she had slipped back into her former life, facing the cold scrutiny of a demanding superior.

"Aris," his voice broke the silence, "you have been an embarrassment to the family with your rash behavior at the last banquet. Tell me, how do you intend to remedy this?"

His tone was sharp, each word cutting into the quiet like a knife. Lyra struggled to remember the specific event he was referring to. In the novel, Aris had humiliated herself at countless social gatherings, but this particular instance wasn't fresh in her mind. She mentally chastised herself for not reading the book more carefully before being thrust into this life.

"Father," she began, trying to maintain the calm, imperious demeanor Aris was known for. "I realize I acted improperly. I... I intend to make amends by conducting myself more appropriately at the next event."

Her answer was vague, but it had to do for now. Duke Devereux stared at her, clearly unimpressed. Lyra could sense his disapproval in the way his eyes narrowed, as if he could see through her carefully crafted façade.

"Appropriately?" he echoed, his voice laced with disdain. "You think a few apologies and curtseys will be enough to undo the damage to this family's name? You've been a disappointment, Aris, and that will not be tolerated any longer."

A chill ran down Lyra's spine. She had expected this coldness, but hearing the words aloud still stung. Aris had always been a disappointment in her father's eyes, but Lyra wasn't Aris. She was going to change things, rewrite the script that was forced upon her.

Taking a deep breath, she met his icy gaze head-on. "I understand, Father. But I promise you, from now on, I will not fail you again."

The Duke's expression softened ever so slightly. It wasn't much, but it was enough for Lyra to feel a small flicker of hope. She had said the right thing, for now. But deep down, she knew it wasn't enough. She had to do more than just pacify him; she had to outmaneuver him.

After what felt like an eternity, the Duke finally spoke again, his voice measured but stern. "Very well. You will attend the next banquet and make amends. But mark my words, Aris, one more failure and you will no longer have a place in this family."

The gravity of his words weighed heavily on her, but Lyra refused to let it show. She gave him a respectful nod and curtsied, keeping her composure intact.

"I understand, Father. I won't let you down."

The Duke turned away from her, dismissing her without another word. Lyra took that as her cue to leave, her heart racing as she exited the drawing room. The heavy doors closed behind her with a thud, sealing her in the hallway.

Alone at last, Lyra let out a shaky breath. It was her first major test, and while she had survived, the road ahead was long. The weight of Aris's past was like a shadow that clung to her, and she had to be more than perfect to avoid the pitfalls that lay ahead.