Why Did I Become the Villainess?

 It's been a day after the conversation I had with Rufus. He got busy with his work today, so I'm back from being alone again.

 I still haven't thought of a way how to reconcile with my family, and it's the reason why they often return home late at night or spend the night in their office. The only people I can talk to in the house are the maids and the staff, who pity me for what is happening.

 Brother Pascal doesn't even visit the Lauretré residence now. I heard from the nurses that he is now staying in the small house he bought before. And every time I went to the hospital for a check up, he would treat me coldly.

 It's a good thing Brother Pascal allowed me to work already because I'm about to die of boredom in our house. 

 My parents didn't let me work because of the wound I got. They are afraid that it might create a huge issue if people see my wounds. I just covered my hands with gloves so people wouldn't notice my bandages.

 The moment I step my foot inside the foundation, all eyes look at me. I frown when I realize how many people are inside the foundation, and most of them are not my employees. Does it mean they are all here for donation?

 Most of my employees who are in the lobby immediately rush towards me. 

 "Dame Csille, you're finally here. Everyone has been looking for you ever since you arrived in the capital. Day—"

 One of my employees greeted me, but she was immediately cut off by Lilla. "Laureen, can you please assist first the people who are here to donate? We have a lot of donators for today, and you know we're currently short staff. It will be rude to make them wait. Make sure to entertain them and give them food. I don't want to hear any complaints from them, okay?"

 Laureen looks at me hesitantly before she helps in assisting the people who are here to donate.

 Lilla smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, Dame Csille. They were just excited to see you here." Lilla looks at me hesitantly. "Are you okay now? Doctor Pascal has explained your situation already. If not because we're worried that we might interrupt your rest, we would have visited you in the Lauretré residence. But Dame Csille, are you here to work?"

 Brother Pascal explained it to them? But what did he say to them? I'm sure he didn't expose that I harmed myself because he knows it'll taint Csille's image. However, I don't know what reason did he gave to my employees. I'm just worried that what I will say will not coincide with Brother Pascal's explanation.

 I guess it has something to do with my health. So, I'll just assume that he said I was sick.

 I smile reassuringly at her. "I'm sorry for making all of you worry, but I'm okay now, and yes, I am here to continue my work. I have been gone for half a month, and I'm sure there's a lot of work for me to do." I look around. "It looks like there's a lot of people who are donating today, huh?"

 Lilla looks at the people and nods her head. "Yes, the moment they heard that you have returned to the capital, the number of the donators increases every day. Most of them are hoping to talk to you. They are pro—" Lilla slaps her mouth and looks at me apologetically.

 I just smile at her. I know what she wants to say, and I know why all these people want to donate to the Foundation. They want to confirm if the issue between Prince Fraser and I are real. 

 I look at the people who are here to donate, and I almost laugh when I realize that most of them are nobles. It shows how nobles are hungry for gossip. Not because they are nosy but because they know they can use it against other people. 

 Take for example, my current situation. These nobles are hungry to know the update between Prince Fraser and I so they can use it against Prince Fraser. 

 If Rufus is here, he will definitely laugh at them. The nobles and their hypocrisy. They don't deserve to be called nobles. How is that a noble thing?

 "Dame Csille, is there something wrong?"

 I look at Lilla and shake my head. She probably notices that I keep looking at the nobles. "Nothing. Anyway, is there anything I need to know? What happened while I was away?"

 Lilla looks at me hesitantly. "But Dame Csille, are you sure you can work now? I'm worried that you might get sick again. Why don't you take some rest for another day? It won't be good if you exhaust yourself."

 "Don't worry. I will not overwork myself, okay? Also, didn't I tell you that Brother Pascal already allowed me to work today? So, there's really nothing you need to worry about. If I feel exhausted, I promise I'll take a break."

 Lilla looks at me for a couple of minutes. She's probably making sure if what I said is true. She knows that once I start working, it's really difficult for me to stop. 

 I heard her sigh. "Okay, Dame Csille. All the necessary documents are already inside your office. I made sure that it is arranged accordingly so it will be easier for you when you resume your work."

 The both of us walk inside my office, and I almost gasp when I see the pile of documents on my table. There are also documents in my waiting area and on the cabinets.

 "Are these all the work I need to finish?" 

 I feel like I'm getting sick just by looking at it. I expected I would have a pile of works, but I didn't expect that it would be this extent. I don't even know if I can finish all of these in just a week.

 Lilla shakes her head. "No, Dame Csille. The documents here are those documents from last week and this week. The other previous two weeks are stored in the storage rooms. Do you want to work those previous two weeks first?"

 Previous two weeks? Is she talking about those weeks I was gone when I went to the western region for the first time?

 My knees were about to go weak when I heard what Lilla said. She's telling me that I still have other piles of documents I need to finish? 

 I don't know if I should regret going to the Foundation or not. 

 "Dame Csille?"

 I look at Lilla and sigh. "I'll do the previous one first, or do you have something urgent that I need to see?"

 But I guess this is better than to bore myself to death in the house. At least, I can busy myself with work than do nothing the whole day.

________________________________

 I stretch my arms and groan. It's already two in the afternoon, but here I am, just taking my lunch for the day. I was too engrossed with my work that I didn't realize I had already skipped my lunch. If not because of Lilla, I would probably forget about it. 

 I sit on the swing and swing myself. I just finished eating my lunch, and now I am relaxing at the back of the Foundation building. I specifically ask to put up a playground here so Cairistine, the daughter of Mairenn, can play outside.

 I was too tired, so I just wanted to take a rest. I haven't finished the first week, and even if I stay late today, I won't probably be able to finish it.

 "Maybe it's better if I stay here for the night. My parents usually went home late at night. So, I guess they wouldn't mind if I won't return tonight. Also, wouldn't that make it easier for them? So that they won't need to avoid me already."

 I guess I'll do that tonight. I'll just inform the coachman this evening. 

 I was busy enjoying the swing when someone spoke behind me. It sounds like a child because of the voice. 

 I immediately stop swinging, afraid that I might hurt that child. I look back and find Cairistine standing a few meters from me.

 "Dame Csille, you're back?"

 Her brown eyes stared straight into mine, and just like before, I felt like I was being enchanted by her eyes. Her eyes might not be rare, it's only brown, but there's something to it that draws me.

 I smile warmly at her. "Yes, I am back. How are you doing? I hope you didn't mind that I brought your mother with me to the western region. As much as I want to bring you there too but it's not safe for you. So, I hope you're not mad at me for doing that."

 Cairistine shakes her head. "No, Dame Csille. I understand. Mother already explain to me how dangerous the situation is there and how can I be mad at my savior?"

 I extended my arm to ask her to come to me, which she happily obliged. I gently caress her head. "You're really a matured child, Cairistine. I'm sure your Mother is so proud of you. By the way, what have you been doing while I was away?"

 Cairistine became excited when she heard my question. She immediately told me everything she did while I was away.

 "And Dame Csille, do you know that Lady Lilla once bought me a ribbon for my hair? It's so pretty that I didn't use it often because I'm afraid I'll wear it out."

 I laughed because of what she said. Cairistine is really a simple minded child. She appreciates a small gift like a ribbon. "Don't worry. I bought you a set of ribbons. So, you can have many options, and you can use them every day. If it becomes worn out, then don't worry, I'll buy you a new set." I gently caress her hair. "I'm sure it will suit your hair."

 Cairistine's eyes twinkle like the star in the night sky. Her eyes are really beautiful, even more beautiful than Csille's eyes because it's full of life. 

 "Thank you, Dame Csille. You are really an angel." She then smiles sweetly at me. 

 I just smile at her in return. I don't know how I will respond to what she said. 

 Angel? Csille as an angel? Where can you see a villainess like that? I don't think that's possible. I know more than anyone else what will happen in the future.

 Cairistine sits on the other swing and plays on her own. She probably knows that I am here to relax. 

 A moment after, Cairistine stopped swinging and looked at me. "Dame Csille, are you breaking off with his highness?"

 I immediately got frozen because of her question. Why did she ask me that question? Does it mean that even a child like her is updated with what is happening between Prince Fraser and Csille? 

 "I heard from other people that his highness is treating you badly. Are you breaking up with him?"

 I sigh. "And what if I am? Do you think it's okay?"

 Cairistine nods her head vigorously. "Yes, at first, I thought Prince Fraser was so in love with you, but after I heard what he did to you, I don't want him to be your husband anymore. You're the nicest person I have met, Dame Csille, and I don't think you deserve someone who will treat you badly."

 I smile bitterly at myself. Even a small child like Cairistine can see that, but why can't the real Csille do? 

 Never mind. I already know the answer.

 "Dame Csille, do you know that I used to have a Father before? And we're really not vagrants. In fact, my father has a decent work, and we have a house, but it all changed when my father started to get addicted to alcohol. He starts to mistreat Mother and I because he is always drunk. I saw how my mother suffered, which made me realize that if I grew up, I would never marry someone like that. So, I was hoping you could do the same too, Dame Csille. You deserve someone who will appreciate you and love you."

 I look at Cairistine. She's soo young, but she's already knowledgeable in life. 

 I am about to respond to her when someone calls her name from the building. She immediately excused herself and ran inside.

 "Thank you, Cairistine. But I don't have any other choice. I am the villainess, and villainess doesn't deserve a happy ending.." I mumble to myself while looking at her back.