Freda stood on her balcony, gazing at the night sky."How magnificent and lonely at the same time, mysterious yet bright and shining," she murmured, smiling softly as her eyes followed the twinkling stars.A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts."May I enter, my lady?" Ella's familiar voice came from the other side."Come in, Ella," Freda replied, turning back into the room.Ella entered, holding a letter in her hands. "A letter has arrived, my lady, from Duke Draemont." She extended the envelope toward Freda.Taking the letter, Freda broke the seal and quickly scanned the contents. Her expression dimmed slightly."It's an invitation to the Duke's estate. Father seems serious about the marriage prospects between Duke Draemont and me," she sighed. "Prepare the yellow dress, Ella. It looks like I'll be visiting the Duke tomorrow.""As you wish, my lady," Ella replied with a curtsy.The next morning, at Marquis Thornelle' estate, Ella helped Freda prepare for the visit."My lady, your hair is all done. You look beautiful as always," Ella said, stepping back to admire her handiwork.Freda smiled, gazing at herself in the mirror. "You did an amazing job, Ella. Thank you.""The red ribbons suit you the best, my lady," Ella added cheerfully.Freda adjusted a strand of her hair and nodded. "Now, let us head to the carriage. We're already late.""After you, my lady," Ella said shyly, stepping aside.In the carriage, Freda leaned back, her thoughts drifting."I can't believe it's already been a month since I woke up as Freda," she mused silently. "When I first realized I'd been reincarnated, I was utterly freaked out. I'd never imagined my life would turn out so dramatic after dying in a car crash in my previous world. In those last moments, I regretted so many things I couldn't accomplish. As the pain took over, I begged for a second chance to live fully, without regrets. And now here I am, living as Freda Thornelle, the only daughter of Marquis Regis Thornelle."Her thoughts were interrupted by Ella's voice. "Are you alright, my lady?"Wiping a tear that had escaped, Freda quickly composed herself. "Ah, it's nothing, Ella. Something must have gotten into my eye. Have we arrived at the Duke's estate?""Yes, my lady," Ella replied.Freda stepped out of the carriage with a determined smile, ready to embrace her new life."I clearly died and don't know what romance novel I've landed in, but this is my reality now," she thought to herself. "I'll live it to the fullest."The butler greeted them as they arrived. "His Lordship is waiting for you in the garden. Allow me to escort you, my lady.""Thank you," Freda replied, following him. "Shouldn't the Duke himself be escorting me?" she wondered silently but dismissed the thought. "It's a forced meeting, after all."The garden was breathtaking—lively and vibrant, with flowers in full bloom. Freda admired the scenery as they approached the greenhouse. Inside, sitting at a table and sipping tea, was a strikingly handsome blonde man. His piercing gaze shifted to her, and his expression revealed a hint of annoyance."So, you've finally arrived, Lady Thornelle," he said, standing to greet her.Freda plastered on a polite smile. "This bastard already sounds condescending," she thought, extending her hand for a shake.Xavier Daermont, the Duke, raised an eyebrow, clearly confused by her gesture. It dawned on Freda that he was expecting to kiss the back of her hand as a traditional greeting. Laughing awkwardly, she withdrew her hand."I apologize. It's how we ladies greet each other these days," she lied.Xavier's lips curled into a small smile as he pulled out a chair for her to sit. "Thank you," she said, embarrassed by her faux pas.As the butler served tea, Freda admired the beauty of the garden, while Xavier studied her intently."How is the Marquis? I heard he returned from Triea yesterday," Xavier asked."Oh, he's doing well. The delegation went smoothly," Freda replied."I'm glad to hear that. As expected of the Marquis," Xavier remarked.Freda nodded. "Indeed, as expected of my father."Xavier's gaze softened. "You've changed, my lady. You seem brighter than before."Freda raised an eyebrow. "Have I? You speak as though you know me well, my lord. This may be our first official meeting, but it's not as though we've never crossed paths.""I hope to know you better in the future," Xavier said, his tone sincere."I hope for the same," Freda replied diplomatically.Their conversation shifted to hobbies. "What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time, my lady?" Xavier asked."I enjoy reading, cooking, and horse riding," Freda replied, careful to avoid mentioning anything too modern. "And you, my lord?""I enjoy sword fighting and hunting," Xavier answered."Ah, I heard you took first place in last year's hunting competition. And your skill with the sword is well-known," Freda said with a smile.Xavier chuckled. "You flatter me, my lady."Just then, a servant entered. "Young Master, Lady Frederique has arrived.""Escort her to the lounge. I'll join her shortly," Xavier said, glancing at Freda, who was nibbling on cookies without a care."Lady Frederique," Freda thought. "The rumored lover. How charming." She popped another cookie into her mouth. "These are so good, though.""I must bid you farewell, my lord. You seem busy," Freda said, rising from her seat.Xavier smirked. "It doesn't seem to bother you at all, my lady.""Why should it?" Freda replied confidently. "This meeting was arranged by our families. But I would have appreciated it if you'd been clear about your intentions and rejected the proposal outright."Xavier looked slightly taken aback but managed a polite reply. "You are right. I thank you for your understanding."Freda extended her hand for a handshake. "It was nice meeting you, my lord."Instead of shaking her hand, Xavier leaned down and kissed the back of it. "It was nice meeting you as well. I hope to see you again at the hunting competition."Freda withdrew her hand, startled by the sudden gesture. "This bastard is really something," she thought. "I wish you the best, my lord. Goodbye.""Let me escort you to your carriage," Xavier offered, extending his arm.Freda smiled politely. "There is no need, my lord."As she left the garden, Freda sighed. "Father will not step down from the prospect of this marriage easily''. This jerk called his girlfriend intentionally during our meeting. Whatever. At least I know what I'm dealing with now."With her head held high, Freda stepped into the carriage, determined to navigate this new life on her terms.