A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady

Who in this world would welcome death.

Who in their right mind would wish for death.

Nevertheless, Violet wished for this lake to drown her entirely.

If no one wanted her, if no one loved her.

If everyone in this whole world hated her, if not a single person in the world needed her.

If the only option was to die.

If her family, all the friends she trusted, and everyone around her hated her.

‘For what reason am I still alive?’

It was a question that had no answer.

The duke was ever cold-hearted, her brothers were ever contemptuous. The servants reviled her. The people she believed she was close to gossiped about her behind her back.

“Sister, you brought it all onto yourself.”

“Sister, you will never be loved.”

“Sister, you know what? That place you think is yours has always been originally mine.”

On the very day that Aileen mocked her and said all these things, Violet was thrown into a realization of just how meaningless it all was.

It was at this moment that she hoped for death to come to her.

So, she did not rebel against death.

Once she’s dead, would there be at least one person who’d mourn for her?

But the silent lake did not answer.

With no will to live, Violet sank endlessly until she plunged to the bottom of the lake.

Death was right in front of her now, but this was what she thought:

I want to live.

I just don’t want to live like this.

I also want to receive everyone’s recognition.

‘I also… want to receive…’

It was for this reason that she broke down.

She knew that her death would not hurt them at all, but at the very least, she hoped that they would be a little saddened by it.

However, Violet did not die. The duke rescued his daughter and spent an astronomical sum of money just so she could be saved.

She was deprived of even death. Whether it was out of the intention of using her life, or whether it was out of love… Whatever the case, she was not allowed to die.

It was thanks to this that Yeon Ha-yoon opened her eyes to this world, and she did not want to die. She wanted to live longer.

Thus, her yearning for life was revived, and the two personalities within her blended together.

Yeon Ha-yoon sympathized with Violet. Granted, she thought that Violet was foolish, but she knew that the girl had no other choice.

* * *

Calm purple eyes met furious green eyes.

The resentment in his gaze was palpable. Violet pretended to be calm as she faced the raw anger that was being hurled at her.

“VIOLET STELLA EVERETT!”

Mikhail bellowed at the top of his lungs without any restraint. He was bristling to the point that it looked like he was about to march right up to Violet to slap her across the cheek.

“You really can’t resist making a huge mess, can you.”

All his anger was suppressed with that single line, and it was as sharp as a dagger that’s flung straight at Violet.

In the past, perhaps she’d have shouted back and said that it’s unfair? Nevertheless, Violet sipped her tea casually.

“The culprit hasn’t been clearly identified yet, yet you’re already shouting like this. Do you have any proof that it was me who did it?”

“Ha, haha… Is that, is that something that even has to be asked…”

With fury that couldn’t be chalked up to immaturity, dejected laughter filled the banquet hall. Roen muttered something to himself. The duke just watched the whole scene unfold.

By any chance, would he really slap her while so many eyes were watching?

But Violet smiled at Mikhail, who already had a track record of doing so.

“Other than you, is there anyone else in this entire residence who would scheme against Aileen?”

Oh, there were a lot. Since time immemorial, there were many things that Violet didn’t actually do but were credited to her. So, it could be said that there really were a lot of people who were conniving against Aileen.

She did not answer.

“People were saying that you’ve been quiet ever since you were confined to the annex, but it was all a ruse…!”

Since arriving at the annex, the only thing Violet ever pursued was her own happiness. It was accurate to say that she’d been quiet.

Although, there were of course times that she snuck out.

In any case, Mikhail continued to be indignant.

“And you’ve resorted to poison now?! What the hell is it that’s making you hate that child so much!”

What, he asked? Was he really asking because he didn’t know what had been urging and fostering her behavior?

Nonchalance painted upon her face, Violet asked back.

“Do you think that if I’d have really resorted to poison, the outcome would be as sloppy as this? I would have made sure to take her life, you know.”

“Right now, what did you just…!”

Violet laughed.

If she had really been set on killing Aileen, it wouldn’t have ended this way. She would have very much made sure that she’d never see that hateful face ever again.

On that note, why hadn’t she thought of killing that girl before?

Briefly lost in thought, Violet asked herself, but the answer quickly came to her.

All she wanted was her family’s recognition.

Even if she had killed Aileen without anyone knowing, it’s obvious enough that her family still wouldn’t have given her their time of day.

Or perhaps the thought of taking someone else’s life just never crossed her mind. Everett’s wicked woman had a more innocent side than expected.

Yet again, Mikhail became infuriated as he watched Violet acting so carefree. The atmosphere of the dining hall was oppressive.

“Stop.”

The duke, who had been watching until now, finally moved to calm the situation down.