villainess chapter 26

This is strange. I shouldn’t be seeing him now. My debutante ball is still four years away. Why…? Their first encounter had been at a Marquis’s ball, two years after her debut into society. Vivian rarely attended such events before her debut. And even the occasional outings with her sister had never resulted in such an incident. What’s going on? Was meeting this man an inescapable part of her destiny? A dark, pessimistic aura coiled around her heart, heavy as a stone. Despair washed over her, and she murmured involuntarily, “No. I don’t want this.” 

Her breath hitched, and cold sweat beaded on her brow. Flora watched her with growing concern. Is the trauma from the accident resurfacing? Vivian… She gently wrapped her arms around Vivian’s trembling shoulders, softly stroking her back. Her voice, filled with warmth and concern, soothed her sister. “Vivian, are you alright? Take deep breaths.” 

“Flora, I want to go back to the manor. Now.” 

Vivian’s voice, strained with panic, responded to her sister’s gentle question. The sudden incident had clearly shaken her. She’s still fragile. It’s best I stay by her side. Flora embraced Vivian tightly. 

“Alright. Let’s go home.” 

Tears welled up in Vivian’s hazel eyes, shimmering like jewels in the fading sunlight. Flora couldn’t understand the reason behind her sister’s sudden distress. All she could offer was a swift return home. Seeing Vivian on the verge of tears, Flora held her closer. Once Vivian’s breathing had calmed somewhat, Flora instructed the knight outside. 

“Vivian is quite shaken. Take us back to the manor immediately. Have some of the knights escort the injured boy back slowly.” 

“Yes, Your Highness.” The coachman and several knights quickly drove the carriage back to the manor. Vivian, drained by fear and tension, felt weak and heavy. Flora and the servants helped her to her room on the second floor. She collapsed onto her bed, her eyes fluttering closed as she replayed the scene in her mind. I can’t breathe. The terror of her past death gripped her throat. 

The family physician, alerted to the incident, rushed into the room. Without pausing for greetings, he immediately began examining Vivian, his face etched with concern. After a thorough check, he finally turned to Flora with a formal bow. 

“My apologies for the delay.” 

“It’s alright. How is Vivian?” 

“It seems the sudden accident has greatly distressed the Second Princess. This sedative should help her rest and recover.” 

“Is there anything else wrong?” 

“No, I don’t see any other symptoms. However…” The physician trailed off, his gaze fixed on Vivian. Flora’s voice was laced with anxiety. 

“However?” 

“Has she experienced any severe emotional trauma in the past?” 

“No, I don’t believe so.” 

Has something else happened since the accident? A year ago, Vivian had been involved in a serious accident, but the trauma had erased all memory of the event. Any emotional trauma would have to have occurred after that. Flora turned to Vivian, her eyes questioning. 

“No… I haven’t.” Vivian shook her head slightly. Relieved, the physician continued. “I see. Her reaction is similar to what one might see in someone who has experienced a life-threatening event or significant emotional trauma. I’m glad to hear that hasn’t been the case. I recommend she takes this medication and rests until tomorrow.” 

“Thank you. Vivian, rest well. I’ll wake you for dinner. We’ll go down together.” 

“Yes, Flora.” Vivian weakly replied, swallowing the medicine. I was so happy just a moment ago, leaving the Duke’s manor with Flora. The day had taken a decidedly unpleasant turn. Pushing aside a creeping sense of unease, she drifted into a deep sleep. Flora gestured silently for the physician to follow her as he gathered his things. They entered a small room in the manor.

“Come in.” 

“Yes.” 

In the center of the room, lying on a bed, was the boy who had caused the commotion–Arthur. He looked much cleaner now, his earlier disheveled appearance gone, thanks to the servants. He was fast asleep, perhaps having been given a sedative. His chest rose and fell unevenly with each shallow breath. 

“Please examine him as well. He ran in front of the carriage, and he didn’t seem well.” “Yes, Your Highness.” The physician began a careful examination of the boy. Nearby, Max and Flora stood side-by-side, their similarly cool gazes fixed on the scene. Max turned to Flora. 

“How is she?” His tone was detached, as if referring to a complete stranger.