The ballroom glimmered with warm candlelight, the air thick with music, chatter, and lingering tension. Stella was still catching her breath from the dance when, from the corner of her eye, she noticed a new presence enter the room — one that seemed to draw every gaze as if the world itself tilted to accommodate her.
It was Crown princess ruby. The one who became popular for being pretty and seducing the crown prince and having the affectionate relationship with him.
The Crown Princess glided through the crowd in a gown of crimson silk, her fiery hair cascading in soft waves, green eyes shining like gemstones under the light. The effect was immediate. Conversations paused, gazes shifted, and Stella didn't miss how Kayden's entire demeanor changed the moment he saw her.
His proud, teasing expression softened, something far heavier settling behind his eyes. His lips parted slightly as though a thousand words threatened to escape, but none did. It was a look Stella recognized — one of aching, buried sorrow. A look only a heart still tied to someone could carry.
He still loves her, Stella realized, a sharp pang echoing in her chest.
Ruby approached gracefully, her presence commanding the space between them, a perfect princess with a gentle smile painted carefully on her face.
"Duke Kayden," Ruby greeted, her voice as soft as silk, though Stella thought it lacked its usual warmth.
Kayden straightened, his lips curving into a polite smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Your Highness."
For a fleeting moment, neither of them spoke further, trapped in a silence thick with unspoken memories and words too dangerous to say.
Sensing the awkwardness, and perhaps wanting to save Kayden from falling further into the storm, Stella stepped forward with a bright, practiced smile.
"Your Highness, what a lovely evening," Stella said cheerfully, slipping slightly in front of Kayden. "The decorations this year are breathtaking, don't you think?"
Ruby turned her gaze to Stella — and for a heartbeat, something cold and sharp flickered in her emerald eyes. An expression Stella had never seen directed at her before. It was quick, like a passing shadow, but unmistakable.
Did she just…?
And then, as swiftly as it appeared, the look vanished. Ruby's face softened into its usual, radiant expression, the warmth returning as if it had never left.
"Lady Stella," she said sweetly. "I hadn't seen you yet tonight. You look… stunning."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Stella replied, though a strange tightness gripped her chest. Maybe I imagined it, she tried to convince herself, but the unease lingered.
Ruby's gaze flicked back to Kayden, and once again, Stella saw a glint of something in those green depths. Was it sadness? Regret? Or something far darker?
Kayden, for his part, looked trapped between duty and old wounds. His usual sharp wit dulled by the weight of Ruby's presence.
Sensing this was neither the time nor place to linger, Stella quickly interjected, placing a gentle hand on Kayden's arm. "We should greet the other guests, Duke," she suggested smoothly. "Wouldn't want to seem unsociable."
Ruby's expression tensed for a mere second — an almost imperceptible flash of irritation, as if resenting Stella's interruption. But then, she smiled again, bright and flawless.
"Of course," Ruby murmured. "Enjoy the evening."
Stella curtsied, and Kayden bowed. As they moved away, Stella couldn't stop herself from glancing back — only to catch Ruby watching them, her gaze unreadable in the candlelight. She thought it was just her imagination and brushed off cause, ruby who was female lead of the novel was the kindest soul to ever exist and she managed to steal the hearts of men who were the coldest.
Needing a moment to steady herself, Stella made her way toward the group of noble ladies she had mingled with at the tea party. They welcomed her with easy smiles and eager conversation, already gushing about her dance with the Duke and the dazzling sapphire necklace that had practically become the talk of the ball.
"You truly have him wrapped around your finger," one lady giggled."Imagine — a Duke sending such a gift!" another sighed dreamily.
But amid the cheerful chatter, one figure stood out — Saira.
The noblewoman's eyes practically burned holes into Stella, her expression twisted in thinly veiled jealousy. Her lips were tight, her gaze darting between Stella's sapphire necklace and Kayden's matching ensemble like she might explode from envy.
For a terrifying moment, Stella thought Saira might march over and cause a scene. The coldness in her stare spoke of a venom that ran far deeper than petty court rivalries.
If looks could kill, Stella mused grimly, I'd be dead on this floor.
But Saira didn't move. She merely clutched her wine glass tighter, her knuckles white, and plastered on a forced smile as another lady addressed her.
Stella's instincts prickled. There were too many strange undercurrents in the room tonight — Ruby's flickering mask, Saira's jealousy, and Kayden's lingering sadness.
Whatever game they were all playing, the stakes were rising.
And for the first time, Stella wasn't sure who was really on her side. She felt lonely ever since she came to this world, even though she has the most affectionate brother and kind parents she couldn't feel the warmth.
But something about this story didn't set right, according to a fantasy novel the female lead would have a sad back story or the male lead had to go through a lot of suffering so they heal each other's wounds but in this story neither of them had to go through any hardships.
The female lead. Ruby had a happy and wealthy family except she was bullied by the ladies for having the attention of the Crown Prince and the Duke, and the crown prince Arthur also had a great past, he was perfect except the Emperor never showed affection for him, but that is something that he was longing to either , so I still have no idea....why did I even read this novel in the first place? I keep forgetting about my world. What was my name in that life?
Ruby's POV:"Tch. Look at them — the nerve of that little side character stealing my spotlight. I was supposed to be the most adored one at this ball. I worked so hard in to get Arthur… and now Kayden, that stubborn fool, still won't let go of me? How annoying."
Ruby clenched the fan in her hand so tightly the delicate lace threatened to tear. How dare she? She was supposed to be the sickly little sister everyone pitied. Not the star of the evening, not the one everyone whispered about."I was the one meant to be admired. Me. I reincarnated into this world for this very reason — to have Arthur, the crown, and to watch Kayden suffer for his foolish, one-sided love. That was the deal, wasn't it? And now… now he looks at her… like that?"
She caught herself smiling sweetly at a passing noble. "Perfect Ruby, always perfect."But inside, she was boiling.