Deviating from the original plot

Chapter twenty-six

After a long day, everyone had returned to the estate, their spirits still lifted from the horse ride. In her room, Victoria quietly began to pack her things, preparing to return home the next morning.

Evelyn, however, remained uncharacteristically silent. She didn't offer much conversation, and Victoria, sensing her mood, didn't press.

She recalled Evelyn once mentioning how she used to be far more timid and sensitive—something that aligned perfectly with how she had been portrayed in the novel.

In the novel, Evelyn had always cried during confrontations, prompting the Crown Prince to become overly protective, treating her like something fragile. She rarely voiced her own thoughts, always going along with whatever the prince decided.

It had always struck Victoria as disappointing. Evelyn was such an intelligent character, yet the author had downplayed that for the sake of narrative drama. Still, Victoria never held it against the story—everyone's free to write what they want.

But this Evelyn... She was different. More outspoken. She doesn't shy away from confrontation or hide behind tears.

At least now, she thought, the prince will have a partner who doesn't just follow but stands beside him.

Victoria glanced at her from across the room, watching her quietly fold a shawl and place it into her trunk.

"Are you all set for tomorrow?" Evelyn's voice broke the silence.

"Almost," Victoria replied.

Evelyn nodded, her expression unreadable for a moment. "I didn't expect to enjoy this trip as much as I did."

"Neither did I," Victoria admitted, closing her bag and setting it aside.

"I'm finished packing. I think I'll turn in for the night. Goodnight, Lady Evelyn," she said, slipping under the covers.

"Goodnight," Evelyn replied softly.

After a short while, Victoria's breathing evened out, and she drifted into sleep—leaving Evelyn still awake.

She quietly finished arranging the last of her things before reaching for the book she had brought along for the trip. As she opened it to the middle, a small smile crept onto her lips.

Tucked neatly between the pages was the little wildflower Victoria had given her.

Evelyn stared at it for a moment, her heart warming. "She's so silly," she murmured with a quiet chuckle. "Making my heart flutter over a flower... just like last time."

✦ ✦

A Few Years Ago~

Evelyn had just turned fifteen, and as was tradition, her parents threw her a birthday celebration at their estate. It was a grand affair, with decorations, music, and all the girls her age in attendance—courtesy of her parents' carefully curated guest list.

Though shy by nature, Evelyn had always been well-liked. She carried a gentle charm and had earned herself a reputation as sweet and well-mannered.

But that day, as she wandered through the garden in search of a moment's quiet, she overheard voices behind a hedge—girls from her own party, whispering and laughing.

"Is she always like that?" one said with a scoff.

"She seems fake to me. I bet it's all an act."

"Yeah, I tried saying hi, and she spoke like a child. Some people think it's cute, but it's just for attention."

"She sounds dumb and stupid. I overheard some people talking about her one time," another chimed in. "Calling her sweet and pure. Disgusting."

"Ugh, how can they even like someone who acts that?" One scoffed, and they all burst into laughter.