Deviating from the original plot

Chapter twenty-eight

The butler greeted her politely at the door and, recognising her immediately, led her through the familiar halls to the drawing room. With a subtle gesture, he signalled a nearby maid.

"Please inform Lady Victoria that she has a guest," he said.

The maid gave a quick curtsy and hurried off. Evelyn took a seat, clasping her hands together as she waited, eyes drifting around the elegant room.

Moments later, soft footsteps echoed down the hallway as Victoria entered the drawing room, adjusting the sleeves of her dress. Her expression shifted to mild surprise when she saw Evelyn waiting for her.

"Lady Evelyn," she greeted, smoothing her tone. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

Evelyn stood awkwardly, her posture tense. "Sorry... I just needed someone to talk to. I didn't know who else to come to."

Victoria's brows drew together, instantly picking up on her troubled expression. "Of course. Please, sit."

Evelyn lowered herself into the chair again, clutching the fabric of her skirt. "The Crown Prince broke into my estate last night."

Victoria blinked. "What?"

"He did. He climbed onto my balcony and scared the life out of me. I nearly hit him with a candle holder," Evelyn said.

"You—wait, what?"

"He wouldn't stop talking about how he was 'drawn' to me or how I've 'consumed his every thought.' Then he started insisting we should be in a relationship."

Victoria winced, trying to process that. Yes, the Crown Prince did visit Evelyn secretly in the original novel; the prince would sneak into Evelyn's bedroom during their romance arc. But apparently this Evelyn clearly wasn't swooning at the gesture.

"Is that... a bad thing?" Victoria asked cautiously.

Evelyn gave her a sharp look. "Of course it is!"

"Right. Yes. It's bad," Victoria agreed quickly.

"He's been sneaking into my estate for a while now! He did that while we were away in Lythmore. That man is not well."

Victoria blinked. "So... you don't like the Crown Prince at all?"

Evelyn glared at her. "I do not like the Crown Prince."

Victoria arched a brow. "Really?"

Evelyn didn't hesitate. "Absolutely not, and I never will like the Crown Prince."

Victoria blinked again. Is she serious? Or was this one of those bold declarations that would later become null with a dramatic love story?

But when she glanced at Evelyn, there was no doubt. Her expression was calm, sincere—dead serious.

"Besides," Evelyn added quietly, almost to herself, "I like someone else."

Victoria nearly choked on thin air. "You what?"

"I said I like someone else," Evelyn repeated, this time with a soft smile tugging at her lips. "They mean a lot to me."

Victoria stared at her like she'd grown wings. Someone else? Who? Since when?!

This wasn't just a deviation—it was a full-blown derailment. What on earth triggered this?!

She opened her mouth, closed it again, then let out a disbelieving laugh.

"...Do I know them?" she asked cautiously.

Evelyn's smile widened, but she kept silent.

Victoria blinked, still trying to catch up. "And you're serious? This mystery person... do they know?"

"No," Evelyn murmured, glancing down. "Apparently, they haven't picked up on any of my hints."

"Oh." Victoria cleared her throat, shifting slightly. "That's... surprising."

"Is it?" Evelyn asked, tilting her head.

"Yeah," Victoria said slowly, her thoughts spinning. The storyline was spiralling off course. The Crown Prince was clearly obsessed with Evelyn, and yet she wanted nothing to do with him. Instead, she had feelings for someone else entirely?

Evelyn leaned forward, her voice quieter now. "Do you want to know who it is?"

Victoria blinked again. "You don't have to tell me—only if you're comfortable."

Victoria stared, her thoughts flipping through possibilities. Who do I know that Evelyn might be interested in? She didn't exactly have a large social circle.

Then it clicked. Her eyes widened slightly. Wait... no. Could it be Damien?

It all made a strange kind of sense. Damien had once mentioned that Evelyn always acted odd around him during the weekend. Maybe she wasn't being odd—maybe she was just flirting with him, and he was just too dense to realise it.

Before Victoria could contemplate more, Evelyn added gently, "So... What do you think?"

Victoria blinked back into focus, composing herself quickly. "Umm... It's unexpected, but I'm flattered you felt comfortable sharing it with me. I support your decision, Evelyn."

Even if the plot was now in shambles, Victoria reasoned, it didn't matter as long as Evelyn was happy. Besides, Damien was kind, hard-working... and his humour was horrible. Maybe Evelyn would find that endearing.

Evelyn sighed. "Thanks, I guess? At least I finally got that off my chest."

"Anytime," Victoria said. "But I still want to know who it is. Just saying."

Evelyn chuckled. "Maybe I'll tell you... eventually."

"I will be waiting till then." Victoria smiled.