Xia Wei sat before an ornate dressing table, her fingers gliding over the array of delicate jade hairpins and gold-threaded accessories. The mirror reflected her new face—elegant, spoiled, and undeniably beautiful.

The infamous villainess, Xia Zhiwei.

Her maid, Xiao Cui, was still teary-eyed as she brushed out Xia Wei’s long, silky black hair.

“Miss, the entire manor was in chaos when you collapsed. Even the Crown Prince came to see you, but…” The girl hesitated, biting her lip.

Xia Wei let out a soft chuckle. “But he didn’t stay long, did he?”

Xiao Cui looked up in surprise. “Y-you… know?”

Of course, she knew. The Crown Prince, the novel’s male lead, had never truly cared for Xia Zhiwei. He only tolerated her presence because their families were connected. His heart belonged to Shen Qingrou, the novel’s beloved heroine—a kind, gentle girl who had captured the hearts of every powerful man in the story.

Xia Zhiwei, on the other hand, had spent her life embarrassing herself, throwing tantrums, and ruining her reputation just to chase after a man who had never wanted her.

A true fool.

Xia Wei smirked. Not anymore.

“Let me guess,” she said lazily. “He came out of obligation, stood by my bedside for a few moments, and left without a second glance.”

Xiao Cui looked like she had swallowed her own tongue. “Miss… y-you’re not angry?”

“Why would I be?” Xia Wei turned, taking the girl’s trembling hands into her own. She blinked sweetly, her phoenix eyes curving into soft crescents. “Crown Prince Li Xuan has always been so noble and kind, hasn’t he? How could I possibly be upset?”

The maid looked completely bewildered.

Xia Wei laughed to herself. Ah, this is going to be fun.

The original Xia Zhiwei had thrown herself at the Crown Prince so shamelessly that even servants were used to seeing her tantrums. Now, by acting docile, she was confusing everyone.

It was time to shake things up.

She rose gracefully and stepped toward her wardrobe. Dozens of luxurious robes lined the shelves, all embroidered with delicate patterns of gold and silver. The original Xia Zhiwei had always favored the boldest colors—scarlet, deep purple, emerald green—anything to make her stand out.

But today, Xia Wei chose a soft lilac dress with delicate pearl embroidery. Feminine, elegant, and subtly enchanting.

She turned back to Xiao Cui. “Let’s go.”

The maid blinked. “Go… where?”

Xia Wei smiled. “To the Crown Prince, of course.”

The girl paled.

—

The Imperial Garden was bustling with noble ladies, all gathered like delicate peacocks in their finest dresses. They giggled behind embroidered fans, speaking in hushed voices as their gazes flickered toward a tall figure standing in the center.

Crown Prince Li Xuan.

Dressed in his customary white robes embroidered with silver thread, he was the picture of a noble ruler—dignified, elegant, and entirely indifferent to the women fluttering around him. His handsome face held no warmth as he entertained meaningless conversations, clearly disinterested.

But beside him stood Shen Qingrou, today’s shining star.

Soft-spoken, gentle, and wrapped in a pale blue dress that made her look as delicate as moonlight, she was the novel’s perfect heroine. She spoke quietly, her cheeks tinged with pink as she looked up at Li Xuan with shy admiration.

The scene was straight out of a romance novel.

And then—

“Ah, how lively,” a voice purred.

The crowd parted as Xia Wei stepped forward.

Every head turned.

Gone was the loud, arrogant villainess who would normally throw herself at the Crown Prince. Instead, Xia Wei moved with effortless grace, her lilac dress fluttering lightly as she approached, her face an unreadable mask of calm.

Li Xuan’s brows furrowed slightly. “Zhiwei.”

Normally, she would have beamed and clung to his arm.

Instead—

Xia Wei inclined her head slightly, like a passing acquaintance.

“Your Highness,” she greeted lightly.

The crowd froze.

No desperate plea for his attention? No jealous glare at Shen Qingrou?

Even Li Xuan looked surprised.

Xia Wei smiled sweetly. “I was merely passing by and thought it would be rude not to greet you.”

Then, without sparing a glance at Shen Qingrou, she turned away as if she had lost interest entirely.

Shen Qingrou’s smile stiffened.

The whispers around them grew louder.

“What’s going on? Did Xia Zhiwei just… leave?” “She didn’t throw a tantrum over the Crown Prince speaking with Lady Shen?” “Is she sick?”

Li Xuan watched her retreating back, his brows furrowing.

For the first time, he felt something strange.

She had always been desperate for his attention. Annoying, foolish, and predictable. But now—

Now, she wasn’t looking at him at all.

And for some reason, that irritated him.

—End of Chapter 2—

Sky~