Morning sunlight poured through the windows of Marbella's study.
She had barely slept.
Maps of the Imperial Palace, medical books, and pages of handwritten notes still covered her desk.
The more she investigated…
The more questions appeared.
A gentle knock sounded.
"My Lady."
"Come in."
Mia entered with a silver tray.
Alongside breakfast rested a cream-colored invitation.
"The Countess of Rosenthal sent this this morning."
Marbella picked it up.
It was an invitation to a small afternoon tea hosted by several young noble ladies.
She recognized every family name.
Some had remained neutral during her execution.
Some had applauded.
One name, however, caused her fingers to freeze.
Lady Suzanna Ashford.
For a long moment…
Marbella simply stared at the invitation.
"…My Lady?"
Mia looked puzzled.
Marbella slowly closed the card.
"I'll attend."
The Rosenthal Estate.
Unlike the extravagant birthday banquet held only days earlier, today's gathering was modest.
Only a handful of young noble ladies had been invited.
Laughter echoed softly throughout the flower garden.
As Marbella arrived, every conversation stopped.
"Lady Petrovic!"
"Congratulations again on your coming-of-age."
"You looked absolutely stunning at your banquet."
Marbella greeted each of them with perfect courtesy.
"It is wonderful to see everyone again."
She had seen these faces before.
Years later…
Most of them had disappeared from her life.
Some had remained silent during her downfall.
Others had avoided even looking at her.
Then…
She heard a familiar voice.
"Marbella."
It was soft.
Warm.
Exactly as she remembered.
She turned around.
A young woman with chestnut-brown hair walked toward her with an elegant smile.
Her bright blue eyes curved gently as she embraced Marbella.
"It's been too long."
Marbella's body stiffened.
Suzanna.
In her previous life…
This woman had become Julian's beloved Empress.
The woman who smiled sweetly while watching Marbella walk toward the guillotine.
"…It's good to see you too."
Marbella forced herself to return the embrace.
Suzanna stepped back and smiled.
"You seem different."
"Do I?"
"You've become… calmer."
Several young ladies joined the conversation.
"Lady Suzanna has been talking about seeing you again for weeks."
"She was disappointed she couldn't stay longer at your birthday banquet."
Suzanna laughed shyly.
"My father called me away early."
"I couldn't even congratulate you properly."
Marbella watched her carefully.
Every smile.
Every gesture.
Every word.
Nothing seemed unnatural.
Suzanna still looked exactly like the girl Marbella had once trusted.
Kind.
Elegant.
Gentle.
The perfect noble lady.
If Marbella hadn't lived through her previous life…
She never would have believed this woman would one day steal her husband.
The ladies eventually sat around a beautifully decorated tea table.
Conversation flowed naturally.
Fashion.
Books.
The upcoming Spring Festival.
Suzanna suddenly turned toward Marbella.
"I heard you danced with His Highness the Crown Prince."
Marbella nodded.
"I did."
Suzanna smiled.
"He has always been such a gentle person."
"I hope his health improves soon."
There wasn't the slightest hint of malice in her voice.
Marbella quietly lifted her teacup.
Were you pretending…?
Or…
Did something change you later?
For the first time…
She questioned whether the Suzanna before her was already her enemy.
Or merely another piece waiting to be moved across the board.
Just then, another young lady giggled.
"I actually thought Lady Marbella would dance with the Second Prince."
Several others laughed in agreement.
Suzanna smiled curiously.
"So did I."
"His Highness Julian is quite popular among young ladies."
Marbella calmly set down her teacup.
"I had only just met His Highness."
"Choosing my cousin for the first dance felt more appropriate."
Suzanna nodded with a warm smile.
"I think you made the right choice."
Marbella looked into Suzanna's eyes.
They were clear.
Honest.
Almost innocent.
Yet…
Marbella knew better than to trust appearances.
She had once paid for that mistake with her life.