Why Did I Become the Villainess?

 After the lunch break slash heart to heart talk with Rufus, we both go our separate ways. He still have works he needs to attend, while I still have documents I need to work on.

 It was already two in the afternoon when I returned to the Foundation, so I immediately worked the moment I arrived. I need to finish half of the second week's documents today, or else my work will just continue to pile up. 

 I can't stay late tonight because I don't want to make my parents worry again. I'll just have to work double for today.

 I stretch my arms and start working. I work and work until I feel my body feel sore from sitting for longer hours.

 I look at the pile of documents on my table and sigh. I feel tired just by looking at it.

 "When will I finish all of you?" I groan and slump my head on the vacant space on my table.

 I'll just take a few seconds break before I continue my work. I've been working non-stop for an hour now, but I couldn't see any changes with the amount of documents I still need to work on.

 I was startled when someone suddenly knocked on my door. "Dame Csille. It's Lilla. I have some urgent documents you need to sign first. Is it okay if I come in?"

 And here's another work. Aside from the pile of documents I need to work on, I still have these so called urgent documents I need to finished first.

 I groan. Lilla already knows what that groan means. Every time she brings me new urgent documents, she always hears me groans.

 I heard Lilla walk inside my office. "Are you okay, Dame Csille? Do you want me to brew you tea so you can relax? Maybe you should take a short break first. You look..."

 I look up at Lilla. "A mess? I know, and yes, please. I need tea. Also, can you help me bring out the documents that I have already finished. So, I can see how much work is left for me to do. You can ask someone for help."

 Lilla put down the urgent documents on my table before she started to pick up the pile of documents I had just finished working on.

 "Dame Csille, how should I arrange the documents? By project or by date?"

 We have a storage room for all the important documents. Those are the important contracts, reports, business plans, and the likes. We're storing it, so if something happens or if someone questioned the projects the Foundation made, we can show them proofs. 

 It can also serve as a guide to the future owner of this Foundation. That's why I always make sure that everything is organized so that person wouldn't have trouble running this organization. 

 I just hope that the Hope Foundation will continue to prosper in the future. Even if I wasn't here to watch it grow.

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 "Dame Csille, are you planning to stay for tonight again?"

 I look at Lilla and shake my head. "No. Brother Pascal visited me this morning, and he told me that my parents got worried about me. So, I'm not planning to stay up late tonight. Why did you ask?"

 "Because I was wondering why you haven't left yet. The Foundation has been closed for an hour, but you're still here working. It's already seven in the evening. Are you sure you still want to go home?"

 My eyes widened when I heard what she said. "What? Is it seven in the evening already? Why didn't you tell me? I'm sure my Mother and Father will definitely worry about me."

 I immediately get up and take my things. "Lilla, please do me a favor. Can you organize the documents on my table? Also, can you put the documents I'm already finished in the storage room. Thank you. I will treat you for lunch tomorrow. I promise you."

 I didn't wait for Lilla's response, and I immediately rushed outside the Foundation. It's a good thing I immediately see the carriage of the Lauretré Family. 

 The coachman immediately gets off the carriage and opens the door for me. "Good evening, Dame Csille. Are we returning to the Lauretré residence today?"

 I smile gratefully at him. It's a good thing he is still here waiting for me. "Yes, thank you for waiting. I hope you didn't wait that long."

 The coachman helps me get inside the carriage first before he answers me. "It's my job to wait for you, Miss. Master Pascal also ordered me not to leave the Hope Foundation without you."

 I just smile at him apologetically. If I didn't come out tonight, does it mean he needs to wait until I go home? 

 Brother Pascal is really making sure I come home tonight. Wait, the coachman said Brother Pascal ordered him to bring me home tonight. Then... it means Brother Pascal is also at home tonight.

 I don't know if I should feel excited or happy with that idea. After all, I forgot to visit him this lunch because I got busy talking to Rufus. I was supposed to visit Brother Pascal in the hospital so he could change my bandages. I'm sure he is mad again with me because of that.

 Aside from Brother Pascal, I don't know how I'll act around Mother and Father. After the conversation we had with his majesty, I didn't get the chance to have a decent conversation with them. 

 So, I don't know if they are still mad at me or not. I know it will take some time before they can fully get rid of their anger with my decision, and I understand that.

 I look outside the window and sigh. "I'll just see what will happen. I just hope at the end of this day. Everything will be okay among all of us."

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 "My dear, why are you eating a little? You should eat more. You're becoming thinner and thinner as time pass. It's not good for your health."

 I just let Mother pile up food on my plate. The moment I went home, Mother immediately pulled me to the dining area for dinner. 

 I was even shocked to see that all my favorite dishes were served on the table, and Mother kept attending to my need. Like she always does.

 Although Brother Pascal and Father didn't say anything, they also look like they don't disagree with what Mother is doing, which is what I didn't expect from them. After all, I know they are still mad with my decision.

 "Dear, eat up. You should eat more."

 I immediately stop Mother when I see her trying to put a whole steak on my plate. "No, Mother. I don't even think I can finish everything on my plate. Please, don't put food on my plate anymore. I cannot eat that much."

 "Oh?" Mother puts down the steak and smiles at me. She doesn't look like she got offended when I stopped her. In fact, she is smiling warmly at me. Like the usual warm smile, she always gives me. "I'm sorry, I was just worried about you last night that I couldn't help but pamper you." She shakes her head. "Eat up. I made sure to have the kitchen prepare all the dishes you like."

 I smile gratefully at Mother before I eat my dinner in silence. I didn't expect the warm welcome from them. That's why I don't know how to react properly.

 "My Countess, what is this dish called? Why haven't I seen a dish like this before?"

 I look up and try to see what dish Father is talking about, and my eyes widen when I see lasagna on the table. 

 Why is there a lasagna on the table? Only the kitchen staff knows how to cook this. But I have already ordered them not to tell my parents or Brother Pascal about the failed surprises. So, I don't understand why there is lasagna on the table.

 "That? If I remember it right, it is called lasagna. The head chef said it was Csille who taught him how to do it." She then looks at me. "I heard you learn it from Dea. I didn't expect Dea to be knowledgeable in cooking."

 I just smile at my Mother. I just hope she wouldn't mention it to Aunt Aveline, or else everyone will know that I was lying. If that happens, I don't know how I can explain to them why did I lie and where does the recipe come from. 

 The dinner continues in silence. Everyone is busy enjoying the delicious meal except for me. I couldn't help but feel anxious. Probably because I was guilty of hurting them. 

 "My dear, I heard from your Brother Pascal that you're overworking yourself again. You still have wounds in your hand. Are you sure it is okay for you to do that?"

 I look at my hand and smile at Mother. "Mother, Brother Pascal gave me permi—"

 "I gave you permission to work but not to overwork yourself. Those are two different things, Csille."

 I look at Brother Pascal and pout. I know what he is saying is true but can he just not sell me out? "I'm sorry, Mother. There's a lot of piled up work that I need to finish already. If I continue to delay it, then it will continue to be piled up. So, I don't have any other choice but to work."

 "But you should also take care of your health. Are you so busy with your work that you even forgot to visit the hospital for your wounds? I was waiting for you, but you never came."

 I knew he would bring this up, and I know it's also my fault. I should have visited the hospital first before I eat lunch with Rufus. 

 "I'm sorry, Brother. I was with Prince Rufus this lunch. We talked for an hour or two that it slipped my mind to visit the hospital. I'm sorry."

 Brother Pascal stares at me for a couple of seconds before he sighs. "You could have told me. I would have visited you in your office if only I knew." He shakes his head. "By the way, I heard from the Butler that you were trying to cook with kitchen staff. Is it the reason why the hear chef already knows how to cook lasagna?"

 How can he not know? I cooked this dish probably twice or thrice because of the failed surprise. Of course, he can memorize it already.

 I just smile at him and continue my dish. I just don't want to lie to them anymore. That's why I didn't say anything.

 Brother Pascal doesn't seem to mind that I didn't reply to him. We just eat our meal in silence. However, it was interrupted when a maid suddenly walked to my Mother.

 "Countess, Count, Master Pascal," she then looks at me apologetically. "Dame. I'm sorry, but I think I need to let you know the reason why Miss Csille is cooking with the kitchen staff. Miss Csille tried to make a surprise dinner for the three of you a couple of times already. But every time she did, you always have excuses. In the end, we were the ones who ended up eating all the food. Miss Csille orders us not to inform all of you because she doesn't want to make you feel guilty."

 I sigh. I already knew what the maid was about to say the moment she walked towards Mother.

 Mother, Father, and Brother Pascal all look at me. "My dear, why didn't you mention it to us? I'm sorry. We didn't know. We were just busy with work, that's why we couldn't come home at dinner time. We're sorry."

 I just smile sadly at her. I know that she's just making excuses for me to feel better. 

 "No, Mother. I should be the one saying sorry. I know harming myself is not a good thing to do, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry for hurting and disappointing you again and again. I hope you can forgive me because I really miss all of you already." I couldn't help but cry. What I am saying is true. I miss them already.

 Mother hugs me tight. "Shh. Don't cry anymore. It's okay already. We understand you."

 Father, who has been quiet the whole time, stands up and hugs Mother and me. "I'm sorry, my precious daughter. I was just mad because you couldn't see that I was just trying to avoid you from the wrong person. But now, all I want you is to be happy, and if that Prince Fraser tries to hurt you again, then I wouldn't mind going against him. No one has the right to hurt my only daughter. Not even Prince Fraser."

 Mother slapped Father's arm. "Waltier!" I just laugh at their behavior.

 We're finally okay. I can be relieved now. My only problem is Brother Pascal. I know he is still mad at me.

 I looked at him, but I was shocked when he smiled at me and walked towards us. "I hope you can also forgive me for acting cold towards you, Csille."

 I feel my tears roll down my cheeks.. This time, it's tears of job because finally my family already accepted my decision.