Selena woke up to the sharp, relentless pounding in her head, each throb a painful reminder of her overindulgence the night before. She groaned, burying her face into the soft pillows, only to grumble at herself for being so careless.
"Why did I drink that much?" she muttered, her voice muffled and hoarse. She tried to recall the previous night—Alex's steadying presence, her tipsy proclamations, and that strange, warm feeling that had lingered despite the alcohol.
Her face flushed as fragments came back to her, but she quickly dismissed them. No time to dwell on that. Today was a day for victory.
Despite the hangover, a rare sense of accomplishment spurred her out of bed. The main death flag had been resolved—her engagement to Nicholas was as good as over.
The thought alone was enough to bring a genuine smile to her lips, a glimmer of triumph shining in her eyes. She stretched, ignoring the dull ache in her head, and moved to her desk with newfound determination.
Sitting down, Selena grabbed a sheet of fine parchment, the smooth texture cool beneath her fingertips. Her hand hovered over the page for a moment as she collected her thoughts.
Then, with elegant yet firm strokes of her quill, she began drafting the letter that would end her engagement.
Her words were straightforward but pointed, each sentence meant to hurt. She explained her decision in a way that left no room for debate, recounting his public display of affection for Clara at the banquet and his complete disregard for their engagement.
Of course, she would love to list all the events to point out how his behaviour was absolutely... CRAP, but she resisted the urge and wanted to break it off as soon as possible. The letter would become a little booklet if she started.
There was no need to mince words or feign politeness. She had tolerated his behaviour long enough, and now she was reclaiming control of her life.
And finally, a signature at the end. Selena smiled brightly. It was going to be over... She couldn't get rid of that cheater in the last life... Well, because she did not know he was one- But, in this life she was not going to be a doormat anymore.
Selena leaned back and reread her work.
Nicholas might think himself above reproach, but he wouldn't be able to deny the truth in her words.
As she folded the letter neatly and sealed it with her family's crest, a thought crossed her mind, one that made her pause.
Would it be better to deliver this herself? Her initial plan had been to send it through a messenger but the image of Nicholas's face when she handed him the letter in person was far too tempting.
She imagined the shock, the disbelief, and maybe even a flicker of regret in his usually composed demeanour. The idea was deliciously satisfying.
Selena tapped the edge of the letter against the desk, her grin widening. Yes, she decided, she would deliver it herself.
After all, what was the point of achieving such a victory if she couldn't savour it? Rising from her chair, she began preparing for the encounter, her mind alight with anticipation. Today was going to be a good day, hangover or not.
She hurried to get this to him. She wanted to make sure the engagement was dissolved before he went back to the Northern territory. He was only here for the banquet or to perhaps show the world of his undying love.
Whatever it was, she was not letting him leave before he signed the paper of dissolving the engagement! As for the letter, although she wouldn't see his expression while he read it, she could imagine how sour his face would look and that was enough for her.
She remembered an incident from the past, it was an event for the noblewoman, Clara showed up uninvited. Selena kindly pointed that out...
She did not mince her words and made sure to let Clara know that she was unwelcome. But that was when Nicholas showed up and declared that she was his soon-to-be fiance and she did not need an invitation.
Selena shook her head when she recalled that memory. Imagine talking about her soon-to-be fiance in front of his actual fiance. Also who shows up to a party uninvited??
Selena smoothed the creases of her dress as she stepped outside, the crisp morning air helping to dull the remnants of her hangover. The form she'd drafted sat neatly folded in her hand, sealed and ready to deliver.
Before boarding her carriage, a mischievous thought struck her. She turned on her heel, seeking out Alex. If she was going to personally deliver this letter to Nicholas, why not make it memorable?
Bringing Alex along would be the perfect finishing touch—an insult wrapped in elegance. Nicholas had humiliated her enough times in public; it was only fair she returned the favour.
Selena asked one of the maids about Alex's whereabouts, but the response left her frowning. "He's not here, my lady. He left early this morning and didn't mention where he was going."
Her brow furrowed, her thoughts swirling. Where could he have gone?
She was slightly disappointed, but it was not like he had to tell her where he would go. They were not friends... They were simply partners. Her dress crinkled as her fists clenched. She brushed the thought aside as quickly as it came.
Besides, she had more important things to focus on today.
Pushing the thought of Alex from her mind, she climbed into the carriage, the leather seats soft and cool beneath her. As the vehicle began to move, she turned her attention back to the letter in her hands.
Getting this document signed by Nicholas would be the first step, but the real victory lay in having it officially annulled by the Queen. That was the end goal.
Nervous? Excited? There were too many emotions. Some of old Selena's feelings lingered. She felt pain, she felt distress... She took a deep breath trying to ignore it.