Amelia's steps echoed in the grand hallway as she made her way to the drawing room. Her heart raced with every step, but she forced herself to keep her head high. Lady Seraphina was known for her grace and poise, and if she was going to survive in this world, she needed to play the part convincingly.
The massive double doors loomed ahead, and two footmen pushed them open. The room was bathed in sunlight streaming through tall windows. Amelia's eyes landed on the figure standing near the fireplace.
Duke Cedric Thornwell.
Just as she remembered from the novel, he was strikingly handsome. His jet-black hair contrasted with his icy gray eyes, which seemed to pierce straight through her. He was dressed impeccably in a dark coat, his posture rigid and commanding.
He turned to face her, and Amelia felt her stomach knot. This was the man who, in the novel, had fallen deeply in love with the heroine, Rose. But for now, he was her fiancé—a man who barely tolerated Seraphina's existence.
"Lady Seraphina," Cedric greeted, his voice smooth but devoid of warmth.
Amelia's palms were clammy, but she gave a polite curtsy, keeping her face neutral.
"Good morning, Your Grace," she said, keeping her tone steady.
Cedric's gaze lingered on her for a moment, as if searching for something. In the novel, Seraphina often pushed his limits with her sharp tongue and arrogance. Amelia decided that wasn't the path she would take.
"I trust you slept well," he said, his tone polite but distant.
"I did, thank you," she replied, offering a faint smile. "I hope the same for you."
His eyebrows lifted slightly, as if surprised by her response. Amelia guessed that Seraphina hadn't been the type to exchange pleasantries.
Cedric gestured to a small table set for two. "Sit. We need to discuss the arrangements for the charity ball this weekend."
Amelia moved to the chair across from him, her mind racing. She remembered this event from the novel. The ball was where the heroine, Rose, first caught Cedric's attention. It marked the beginning of Seraphina's downfall.
Cedric began speaking about guest lists and seating arrangements, but Amelia's thoughts drifted. How could she change the course of the story? She couldn't stop the ball from happening, but maybe she could alter her role in it.
"Are you listening, Lady Seraphina?" Cedric's voice snapped her back to the present.
She looked up to find his gray eyes locked on hers. There was a hint of irritation in his gaze, but also curiosity.
"My apologies, Your Grace," she said quickly. "I was just… considering how to ensure the ball runs smoothly. Perhaps we should focus on making it a memorable evening for all the guests?"
Cedric leaned back slightly, his eyes narrowing. "That's… unusually considerate of you."
Amelia swallowed. It was clear he wasn't used to this version of Seraphina. She needed to tread carefully.
"It is our duty to uphold the family's reputation, after all," she said, feigning a calm confidence.
For a moment, Cedric said nothing, simply studying her. Then he gave a slight nod. "Very well. I'll leave the finer details in your hands."
Amelia resisted the urge to sigh in relief. She had passed the first hurdle.
As Cedric stood to leave, he paused by her chair. "You seem… different today, Lady Seraphina."
Amelia froze, her heart pounding. Had he noticed something off?
"I suppose even I can have my better days," she said with a light chuckle, hoping it sounded believable.
Cedric's lips twitched, almost forming a smile, before he turned and left the room.
As the doors closed behind him, Amelia slumped in her chair, letting out a shaky breath. She had survived her first encounter with the Duke, but the real challenge was still ahead.
The charity ball would be her first major test. She had to make sure that, this time, the story played out in her favor.