Isabella descended the grand staircase with deliberate steps, her blue gown cascading elegantly behind her. She held her chin high, her demeanor calm and collected, yet her thoughts swirled with anticipation. This would be her first face-to-face encounter with the adopted sister, the so-called protagonist of the novel she had read. She was determined to make a good impression, not to charm her, but to establish her position in the household.
As Isabella entered the main sitting room, her eyes fell on two familiar figures. Her eldest brother, Alexander, stood tall near the fireplace, his posture commanding. His black hair was slightly disheveled, a sign he had recently returned from travel. Next to him sat her second brother, Adrian, lounging comfortably on a sofa with an open book in hand.
"Ah, look who finally decided to join us," Adrian teased, looking up from his book with a smirk.
Alexander glanced at Isabella and gave her a faint smile. "It's been a while, Isabella," he said in a deep voice, his tone warm but formal. "I was away handling some matters in the northern estates."
Isabella returned the smile, her heart softening. Unlike their portrayal in the novel as indifferent and occasionally harsh to the villainess, her brothers seemed genuinely kind to her. It was a refreshing change from what she had read.
"Welcome back, Alexander," Isabella replied gracefully. Her gaze shifted to Adrian, who was grinning at her teasingly. "And you, Adrian, don't think I've forgotten your tendency to jest at my expense."
She used some of her memories from the book and the original, memory of the villainess to, interact with them.
Adrian chuckled. "How could I? It's what makes our conversations so lively."
Before Isabella could reply, the sound of the main doors opening drew everyone's attention. The family butler entered, followed by a girl who walked in with measured grace.
"Mr. and Mrs. Worthington, your guest has arrived," the butler announced before stepping aside.
The adopted sister entered, her eyes scanning the room before settling on the family members present. She was petite, with delicate features and soft brown curls that framed her face. She wore a modest dress, intentionally humble to contrast with Isabella's regal attire. Her name, Isabella recalled from the story, was Lydia Moore.
"Greetings, Your Graces," Lydia said with a small curtsy, her voice soft yet calculated. "I'm honored to be welcomed into your family."
Isabella's parents, seated on a plush loveseat, smiled warmly at her. "Welcome, Lydia," her mother said, gesturing for her to sit. "We hope you'll find this place a true home."
Lydia's gaze flickered briefly to Isabella, and for a moment, her expression was unreadable. Isabella caught the slight narrowing of her eyes before Lydia quickly masked it with a polite smile.
"Thank you for your kindness, Duchess," Lydia replied, taking a seat near the family.
Isabella took a seat next to Adrian, observing the exchange with a serene expression. She could already see the subtle manipulation Lydia was attempting, speaking in an overly humble tone and avoiding eye contact with Isabella to paint herself as timid and meek.
"Well, Lydia," Adrian began, leaning back in his seat, "you've had quite the journey. How are you finding the estate so far?"
Lydia clasped her hands together, her posture demure. "It's… breathtaking, My Lord. I've never seen anything so grand. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity."
Isabella suppressed a scoff. What an act, she thought. She's laying it on thick.
As the conversation continued, Lydia began to subtly shift the focus toward herself, recounting her supposed hardships. "I grew up in an orphanage," she said softly, her eyes cast downward. "It was difficult, but it taught me resilience."
Her parents nodded sympathetically, and Adrian looked thoughtful. However, Alexander's expression remained neutral, and Isabella noticed how his gaze occasionally flickered to her, as though gauging her reaction.
Deciding it was time to assert her presence, Isabella smiled warmly. "That's admirable, Lydia," she said, her voice clear and confident. "It's not easy to endure such challenges. You must be quite strong."
Lydia's eyes darted to her, and for a split second, Isabella caught the flicker of hesistance before Lydia replied. "Thank you, Princess. I hope to learn from your grace and wisdom...and I hope we'll be as close as sister's"
Isabella tilted her head, her smile never faltering. "I'm sure we will. But do remember, this household values integrity and loyalty above all else."
The subtle warning in her words didn't go unnoticed. Lydia's fingers tightened slightly around the hem of her dress, but she quickly composed herself.
"I Will try my best to fit into the royal family... Sister" She took the initiative to call her sister indicating or portraying the role of the meek one.
"Oh I'm sure you'll try your very best" Isabella said
Their father cleared his throat, redirecting the conversation. "Lydia, we've arranged for you to have the room next to Isabella's. Should you need anything, the staff will be more than happy to assist you."
Lydia nodded. "Thank you, Your Grace. I'll strive to be worthy of your generosity."
Isabella observed how Lydia's responses were tailored to elicit sympathy and admiration. She's clever, Isabella admitted inwardly. But she's also predictable.
When the conversation eventually shifted to lighter topics, Isabella ensured she remained composed and poised, subtly steering the focus back to herself whenever Lydia tried to dominate it. By the end of the interaction, it was clear that the family's attention remained firmly on Isabella, much to Lydia's chagrin.
As the gathering concluded, Lydia excused herself to settle into her room, her polite smile barely concealing her frustration. Isabella, on the other hand, stayed behind with her brothers and parents, basking in their warm attention.
Adrian leaned closer to Isabella, his voice low. "She seems… eager to please," he commented, his words carrying a hint of suspicion.
Isabella smiled. "That's one way to put it," she replied.
Alexander nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We'll keep an eye on her."
Isabella's heart swelled with gratitude. It was comforting to know her family trusted her. With a small, satisfied smile, she thought, The story may have started, and ended tragically, but this time, I'll make sure it unfolds my way.