"I..." She hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. She pointed at the vanity where an array of ornate combs, brushes, and ribbons lay scattered. "I need my hair tied up," she said, her tone softer than they expected. "It's getting in the way."
!!!
The maids exchanged uncertain glances, their wide eyes filled with disbelief. This wasn't the voice they were used to hearing from their mistress.
"Well?" Selena added, trying to sound firm but not harsh. "Go on, then."
Slowly, cautiously, they stepped forward, their movements deliberate and hesitant, as though approaching a wild animal that might attack if startled.
The taller of the two, a maid with mousy brown hair, picked up the brush and began to gently comb through Selena's silky locks.
As the brush moved through her hair, her thoughts wandered.
The Selena of the past had adored her hair. It was one of her most prized features, and she had always insisted on combing and styling it herself. She wouldn't let anyone else touch it, declaring that no one could care for it as well as she could.
But today was different and she was different. She didn't have the energy or the desire to fuss over her hair. She was hungry, and her growling stomach was more pressing than her usual vanity.
The maids worked quickly but carefully, their hands steady despite the nervous tremor in their posture. She noticed the way they flinched at every slight movement she made, as though expecting her to lash out in anger at any moment.
"Thank you," She said softly when they finished, the words slipping out almost automatically.
Both maids froze, their eyes snapping to her in shock. It was clear they hadn't expected any kind of gratitude. Ming Yue felt a pang of sadness and guilt at their reaction. Just how awful was the old Selena? She wondered.
"You can go now," She added, keeping her tone gentle but firm.
The maids curtsied quickly, their movements awkward and rushed, before scurrying out of the room. Selena sighed, she looked at herself in the mirror and admired herself.
Selena was indeed a beauty. She reached out to touch her cheeks. Soon enough she pinched them. She realised that it was not a dream. She truly became the girl she saw in the mirror.
As she made her way to breakfast, Selena couldn't shake the image of the maids' frightened expressions. She was beginning to understand just how much work it would take to undo the damage caused by her predecessor's behaviour.
But that was fine. She had decided to live this second chance on her terms, and that included being a better person than the one she had replaced.
For now, though, she had a more immediate concern: breakfast. Her stomach growled loudly in agreement, and she quickened her pace.
Selena entered the grand dining hall, her footsteps echoing against the polished marble floor. She knew the manor inside out because of Selena's memories, but seeing it herself left her astonished.
Perhaps it was because she now saw it through new eyes... Eyes belonging to someone who had known the suffocating simplicity of a small apartment and a meagre paycheck.
Selena decided that it would be easy to pretend like she suffered from amnesia, it would make her transition much easier, and it would also explain the changes in her behaviour. She didn't want to act like the previous Selena at all.
At the head of the table sat her brother, Lucien, his striking white hair catching the morning sunlight that poured through the tall windows. His piercing blue eyes fixed on her with a look of disdain, as though her very presence offended him.
Seated next to him was their mother, Duchess Evelyn Whitlock, her stormy grey eyes filled with warmth and concern.
Lucien's lips curled into a sneer as Selena approached the table. "You're late," He said, his tone dripping with disapproval.
Selena gulped nervously, 'Okay, I get it. You don't like me.'Ignoring the jab, she took her seat and waited for breakfast to be served. The atmosphere was odd, no one was talking. Lucien and her mother were doing their own thing. She felt a little lost but didn't complain.
Breakfast was already being served, the maids moving efficiently as they placed plates of food before them. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air.
Selena reached for her utensils, but her movements froze when one of the maids accidentally stepped on the hem of her dress. The young woman's face went pale, and her hands trembled as she quickly stepped back, bowing repeatedly.
"I-I'm so sorry, my lady," The maid stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. She closed her eyes and prepared herself for a berating. For a noble lady, Selena was very proficient in insults and crude language.
The entire room seemed to hold its breath. Lucien leaned back in his chair, his expression one of smug anticipation, as though he were eagerly waiting for Selena to explode. He intended to use her outburst as a reason to prevent her from attending the royal ball.
Their mother's hand paused mid-reach for her teacup, her concerned gaze darting between Selena and the maid. She planned to intervene if Selena went too far.
"It's fine," Selena said calmly, her voice carrying an unexpected softness. "There's no harm done. Just be careful next time."
The maid's wide eyes filled with disbelief. "T-thank you, my lady," She managed to say before bowing again and hurrying off.
Selena didn't intend to be too chummy. She was afraid to be taken advantage of after the last time, she didn't want friends. She didn't need them. What she needed was respect. That's all she asked for.