Chapter 2 Becoming Arabella Voughn Castle

With a trembling hand Rana carefully observed herself in the mirror.

"My lady, are you still not done? You've been staring at the mirror for quite some time now. Is everything okay?"

Hearing Hollie's worried voice, I exhale another deep sigh, as I've been doing since I realized I've become a character in a novel.

Looking at Arabella's reflection, I can clearly see my own depressed expression—a downturned mouth, drooping eyes, and a lack of brightness in the gaze, conveying a sense of sadness and heaviness. This differs from the lively and cheerful look I imagine Arabella having—a bright smile, sparkling eyes, and a radiant expression exuding warmth and happiness. Currently, there is no trace of that liveliness in Arabella's face.

"Hollie." I called out to Hollie, my voice lacking its usual liveliness, surprised her.

"My Lady." As Hollie responded her expression filled with concern, she speculated that Lady Anabella's engagement to the crown prince might be the cause of her lady's sadness.

Hollie always wants her lady, Arabella, to be happy. She is happiest when Arabella smiles and laughs, but today, seeing her sad and gloomy breaks her heart.

Among all the maids who attended to Arabella's needs, Hollie and Anna were always there for her. As I read the novel, I envied Arabella; I wished I had Hollie and Anna by my side as friends, so I could feel less lonely in the world before ultimately deciding to end my life. The death of Arabella was heartbreaking for these two.

"Can you ask Anna to bring my breakfast here?"

"A-Are you not going to dine with the Duke and Duchess?" Hollie asked, confused by Arabella's command. Arabella was not yet ready to face her family, not until she had organized her thoughts.

"They don't care anyway, so they won't be bothered by my absence," I muttered.

"As you wish, my lady," Hollie decided not to prolong the conversation with her lady. She chose to give her space just for today, believing her lady's usual self would return tomorrow. After bowing, she turned her back and left through the door. Arabella/Rana looked at Hollie's retreating figure and let out another deep sigh.

As the door closed behind Hollie, I turned back to the mirror, examining Arabella's face once more. The reflection felt like a stranger, an unfamiliar canvas that I now inhabited. The weight of this new reality pressed heavily on my chest. How did I end up here, in the body of a character from a novel? Was this some kind of punishment or a second chance at life? I couldn't tell.

My mind raced back to the moments before I woke up in Arabella's body. The despair, the loneliness, the decision to end it all—those emotions were still raw. But now, I had been thrust into a world of aristocracy.

"Arabella," I whispered to myself, testing the name on my lips. It felt foreign, yet I had to embrace it. I had no other choice.

A soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. "Come in," I said, trying to steady my voice.

Anna entered, carrying a tray with breakfast. Her eyes widened slightly when she saw my expression, but she quickly composed herself. "Good morning, my lady," she greeted with a warm smile. "I brought your breakfast as you requested."

"Thank you, Anna," I replied, attempting a smile but feeling it falter halfway. I moved to the small table by the window where she set the tray. The aroma of freshly baked bread and tea filled the room, but my appetite was non-existent.

I never had such a lavish meal in my real world. I used to eat flavorless hard bread soup and expired food from the convenience store's stockroom where I worked.

Anna observed me for a moment, her concern evident. "Is everything alright, my lady? You seem... different today."

Different. That was an understatement. I sighed and looked out the window, avoiding her gaze. "Just a lot on my mind, Anna. I'm trying to sort through everything."

She nodded, but I could see the worry in her eyes. "If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know."

I appreciated her kindness, but I didn't know how to explain my predicament. "Thank you, Anna. Your presence is already a comfort."

Ah! I really envy Arabella because she has people who offer her genuine help, but she's too blinded by pain to realize it.

She smiled softly, but the concern didn't leave her eyes. "Would you like to talk about it? Sometimes sharing your thoughts can lighten the burden."

I hesitated, then shook my head. "Not now. Maybe later."

Anna nodded understandingly. "I'll be here whenever you're ready, my lady." She excused herself, leaving me alone with my thoughts and untouched breakfast.

I picked at the bread, my mind wandering to the Crown prince and Anabella. In the novel, Arabella becomes a villainess because of that plot twist. It was her reality. But now, it was my reality. How can I change your already written end Arabella? And How could I pretend to be someone I not.

"What should we do Arabella?" I mused aloud. She was strong, resilient, and determined. Qualities I admired but never saw in myself. Maybe this was my chance to change, to become someone better.

I forced myself to take a bite of the bread, chewing mechanically. I needed to gather my strength, to face the day ahead. I had to confront this new life head-on.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***