Deviating from the original plot

Chapter twenty-three

The maid quickly slipped out, likely to fetch a tea set.

"Oh..." Celeste murmured, the edge in her tone fading. "I wasn't planning to stay long. I just came to return your handkerchief."

"I told you to keep it," Victoria replied with a small smile. "It's really fine."

Celeste stared at her for a moment, visibly thrown by the genuine response.

"Oh... okay," she muttered, then cleared her throat awkwardly.

Just then, the maid returned with the tea set.

"Thank you," Victoria said with a polite nod.

"It's my pleasure, my lady," the maid replied before bowing and exiting the room.

Victoria reached for the teapot. "Would you like some?"

Celeste gave a small nod. Victoria poured a cup for each of them and passed one to her.

Celeste took a sip, pausing mid-drink as the familiar taste hit her tongue. Her brows knit in surprise. "Wait a minute... How did you know?"

Victoria blinked. "Know what?"

"That this is my favourite tea," Celeste said, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.

Victoria looked puzzled. "Your favourite tea?"

"Yes," she said slowly, "how do you know that?"

Victoria chuckled lightly. "What a funny coincidence. It's my favourite too."

Celeste stared. "It's your favourite...?"

"It's tea, Lady Celeste. It's sold in every decent shop across the capital. It's not exclusive to you," Victoria said with a chuckle.

Celeste flushed and looked away, huffing quietly. The veil on her fascinator did a good job of hiding her expression, but Victoria could still tell she was flustered.

They drank in silence for a while; Celeste stared at Victoria. It was... odd. How could Victoria sit so casually, so unbothered—so comfortable around her? Most people react negatively to her presence.

After a stretch of silence, Victoria finally broke it. "So... what actually brings you here?"

Celeste didn't hesitate. "I'm keeping an eye on you."

Victoria nearly choked on her tea. "Pardon?"

"Keeping. An eye. On you," Celeste repeated slowly, as if it were the most reasonable thing in the world.

Victoria tilted her head. "Why? Is this about what happened in the powder room? I told you—I never said a word to anyone."

Celeste cleared her throat, clearly a bit embarrassed at the memory. "Yes, well... if you say so. But I'm still going to be keeping an eye on you, so expect to see me around. Occasionally."

Victoria raised a brow, watching the way Celeste fidgeted with her teacup, the stiff posture, the awkward phrasing, and the intense staring, and then it clicked.

Ah. She's trying to make friends. In her own very peculiar way.

Victoria chuckled under her breath.

"What's funny? Are you not taking me seriously?" Celeste asked sharply, narrowing her eyes.

"No, I do. I just..." Victoria smiled. "I get it now. But listen, I really am quite busy, Celeste. I'm afraid this whole 'keeping an eye on me' plan might not go as smoothly as you want."

"What? Why? Are you trying to avoid me?" Celeste demanded, clearly offended.

"No, not at all," Victoria said patiently. "It's just that I have a lot on my plate. I'm currently taking succession studies."

"Succession studies?" Celeste blinked. "You're the heir to this marquisate...?"

"Yes, I am."

"And your father isn't pressuring you to marry an influential man?" Celeste asked, surprised.

"He doesn't see the need," Victoria replied with a small smile. "He believes marriage should be for love."

Celeste blinked, clearly taken aback. "For love? Even with your title?"

Victoria gave a nod. "Yes. He says power built without happiness is fragile. And besides, my father knows I'm capable of handling the estate with or without a husband."

Celeste muttered, thoughtful. "That's... different."

Victoria studied Celeste carefully, noting the distant, thoughtful look in her eyes and how tightly she held her teacup. In this moment, she didn't look like the feared villainess from the novel but rather a misunderstood and lonely person looking to be understood.

It was clear she had no one to talk to.

Victoria sighed inwardly. Even villains deserved love. And perhaps, if she played her cards right, she could use this budding relationship to her advantage to steer Celeste on the right path and away from her tragic fate.

"Why don't you come by for tea in the afternoons from next week?" Victoria offered at last. "I'll make sure I'm stocked up on your favourite blend."

Celeste's eyes lit up before she quickly masked it, turning her head and folding her arms with a huff. "Well... I suppose I could. If you insist."

Victoria smiled, amused by the effort Celeste made to act uninterested.

"Good. I'll be expecting you then."

Celeste set down her teacup. "I should be heading back before someone thinks I've disappeared."

"I'll have my butler escort you to the carriage," Victoria said, rising to her feet.

Celeste stood as well, brushing imaginary creases from her skirt. "You're... odd, you know."

"I know," Victoria replied. Celeste nodded to her before heading toward the door.

"I hope I don't regret this," Victoria sighed as she left.