The grand ballroom of the Marlowe estate glittered with opulence. Chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished floors, and the air buzzed with the murmur of aristocratic conversation. Isla, standing near the edge of the room, felt like an outsider in her own body.
She had survived her initial meeting with Prince Louis, but the tension lingered. She knew what was coming: Rosaline's entrance. In the novel, this was the moment when Louis first laid eyes on the heroine and fell hopelessly in love. Isla braced herself for the inevitable.
But then, something unexpected happened.
"Lady Evangeline," a deep voice said from behind her.
Isla turned, her breath catching. Standing before her was Duke Adrian Blackthorn, the male lead of the novel. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see straight through her. In the book, Adrian was cold and calculating, a man who valued loyalty and honor above all else. He and Evangeline were rivals, constantly at odds.
"Duke Blackthorn," Isla said, inclining her head. She knew she had to tread carefully around him.
Adrian's gaze didn't waver. "You seem... different tonight," he said, his tone neutral but laced with curiosity.
Isla's heart skipped a beat. Did he suspect something? "I'm not sure what you mean, Your Grace," she said, keeping her voice steady.
Adrian studied her for a moment longer before a faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Perhaps I was mistaken."
Before Isla could respond, the crowd stirred, and all eyes turned to the grand staircase. Rosaline had arrived.
The heroine was beautiful, with soft blonde curls and wide, innocent blue eyes. She wore a pale pink gown that made her look like a vision of purity and grace. Isla felt a pang of unease as she watched Prince Louis' gaze lock onto Rosaline.
And just like that, the story began to unfold as Isla remembered.
But she wasn't the same Evangeline. Not anymore.
As the evening wore on, Isla found herself drawn into conversation with Adrian again. His sharp wit and penetrating questions kept her on edge, but she couldn't deny the spark of intrigue between them.
"You're not what I expected, Lady Evangeline," Adrian said at one point, his tone thoughtful.
"Perhaps you shouldn't trust everything you hear, Your Grace" Isla replied, surprising even herself with her boldness.
Adrian's lips curved into a faint smile. "Perhaps. "
In that moment, Isla realized something important. Adrian might be her greatest rival, but he could also become her greatest ally—if she played her cards right.