Mrs. Williams and Catherine assisted Alicia into the fourth gown she tried on.
"Wow! Ms. Alicia, that gown looks amazing on you!" Catherine exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight. Both of them were captivated by Alicia's beauty.
Mrs. Williams adjusted the gown's hem, her eyes widening in admiration. "Was this gown always this stunning?" she marveled. "My lady, it looks perfect on you! The gown compliments your slender figure beautifully."
Catherine nodded in agreement.
Alicia gazed at her reflection in the mirror, entranced by the details of the gown. Her eyes sparkled as she took it all in. She was wearing a pink, fairy-like dress with an off-shoulder design and gently puffed sleeves that complemented her long, delicate arms. The gown's minimalist elegance stood out—its flower embroidery gave the impression that she was walking through a field of blooms. It fit perfectly around her waist and chest, while the bottom flowed gracefully to the carpet, making her appear even more regal.
"It's so beautiful, Mrs. Williams," Alicia said, smiling.
"I'm flattered, my lady!" Mrs. Williams replied with a warm grin.
Alicia's POV
To be honest, I'm still lost. What's happening? Is this real? Am I dreaming?
It seems like I've somehow traveled back in time, several years before everything fell apart. With the Winter Palace Ball approaching, it's clear this is the night before my birthday.
I pinched myself. "Ah!"
Immediately, both women rushed to me, concerned.
"My lady, are you upset? Why did you do that? Do you not like the gown?"
"Ms. Alicia, why did you do that?"
All I could do was smile, genuinely. I was really alive. "Sorry, I thought I was dreaming," I explained, glancing at my reflection again. "I look... beautiful," I added softly.
Mrs. Williams embraced me. "I'm so glad you like the gown I made just for you, my lady."
She was in her late 40s, and her family had served mine for generations. They were known as the best tailors in the country.
I couldn't help but thank the heavens for this second chance. I would live my life to the fullest, no matter what.
End of POV
She collapsed onto her bed. "Ugh! This is so tiring," she muttered, staring at the ceiling. A smile crept across her face as she hugged her blanket. "I missed this."
Her room was decorated with soft pink wallpaper, and her enormous bed could comfortably fit five people. It was so plush because the same company that made their couch also crafted their beds.
" Marquess Alexander Authbert has arrived!" a voice from downstairs called.
"My lady! He's here!" another maid shouted from the ground floor.
Annoyed, Alexander was about to enter the manor to meet Alicia when the maids surrounded him, bombarding him with questions about his day. Though clearly irritated, he forced a smile and answered them politely, trying to slip away from the crowd. As he finally approached the entrance, his eyes caught sight of Alicia on the balcony. His face lit up as he smiled and called her name, his voice warm. But to his surprise, she quickly turned and vanished from view, leaving him stunned and confused.
Alicia's heart skipped a beat at the sight of her fiancé—the man who had betrayed her. A rush of emotions flooded her, and in an instant, she slammed the balcony door shut and retreated to her bed. Her heart raced, memories of his betrayal flooding her mind. She hugged her knees tightly, trembling as waves of pain and sorrow washed over her. The lies, the broken promises, and the wounds he left behind weighed on her heart.
Alicia and Alexander had once been called a match made in heaven—not just because their families had arranged the union for business reasons, but because people believed they were perfect for each other. They had met at the age of ten, sitting awkwardly together at a dinner while their parents discussed their arranged marriage. Though it felt rushed, neither was surprised—both families were influential, and such unions were expected.
Noticing Alicia's discomfort, Alexander had offered, "Would you like to take a walk in the garden?"
She had gratefully agreed, and they wandered outside together. The silence between them wasn't unfriendly, but it was heavy. Eventually, Alicia broke it. "Do you think this is how it will always be?"
Alexander had paused, thinking. "I don't know," he had said softly. "But we'll figure it out, together."
It was a simple promise, but in that moment, it was enough. The garden, removed from their family's expectations, was a brief moment of peace—just two children, uncertain but hopeful.
Tears welled in Alicia's eyes as she reflected on everything that had happened. How could someone she trusted so completely betray her so profoundly? The pain of his betrayal gnawed at her heart as memories flooded her thoughts. Their relationship had been warm and loving until seven years into their engagement when everything began to change. Slowly, subtly, Alexander's behavior grew colder. His words lost their kindness, and the love they had shared faded, leaving only emptiness and broken promises.
Alicia looked at his face now—the familiar smile that once brought her comfort now felt like a lie. She could see through it, every curve of his lips a reminder of his deception. The very sight of him made her want to turn away, as if his presence sullied her peace. She curled up under her blanket, hoping for warmth and comfort, but the memories haunted her. No matter how tightly she pulled the blanket around her, it couldn't ease the ache in her chest.
With a shaky hand, she slapped her cheeks, the sting barely noticeable through her numbness. Tears streamed down her face as she whispered desperately, "Pull yourself together." Her voice cracked, but the words felt like a plea to herself. The weight of her emotions threatened to drown her, but she forced herself to sit up and wipe away the tears.
"I need to make a plan," she whispered, her voice trembling yet determined.
She paused, taking a deep breath. As the only daughter of the Cheslyn family, loved and protected by her parents, she knew she had everything—but she still lacked the powerful connections to stand up to Alexander.
The idea of involving her parents made her heart sink. No, she couldn't do that—they had already given her so much. She couldn't drag them into this nightmare.
Taking another deep breath, the weight of her decision settled on her shoulders. If she was to escape, she needed help. Not just any help—she needed someone strong enough to stand up to Alexander and protect her. Most importantly, someone she could trust.
Her mind raced, trying to think of who could offer that help—someone who wouldn't expect anything in return. One thing was certain: she couldn't do this alone.