The villainess's second chance to love

Chapter 2: A Villainess's Redemption Plan

Celia stared at the ceiling of her lavish bedroom, the events of the ball replaying in her mind. The sharp gaze of Prince Adrien, the subtle shift in the Duke's daughter's expression, and the suffocating whispers that followed her every move—they were all reminders of just how precarious her situation was.

The system's interface popped up again, glowing faintly in the dim light of her room.

---

Current Points: 100/1000

Quest Progress: 1/20 Redemption Tasks Completed

Next Task: Earn the favor of a noble lady. Reward: +200 points.

---

"Earn the favor of a noble lady?" Celia muttered, frowning. "Which one? Do they expect me to pick at random?"

The system chimed, its annoyingly chipper voice echoing in her mind. "Clarification: The Lady Evelyn Redgrave is a recommended target. She holds significant influence among the young noblewomen and was previously one of your harshest critics."

Celia groaned. Of course, it would be Evelyn Redgrave. The Duke's daughter whose dress she had ruined in her first life. The same Evelyn who had orchestrated half of the rumors that had tarnished her reputation. Winning her favor was going to be an uphill battle.

She sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. "Fine," she muttered. "If that's what it takes, I'll do it."

---

The next morning, Celia's resolve was tested the moment she stepped into the dining room. Her father, Duke Everhart, sat at the head of the table, his stern expression softening slightly when he saw her.

"Good morning, Father," Celia said, curtsying politely.

He nodded, gesturing for her to sit. "Good morning, Celia. You're up early today."

In her previous life, Celia had often slept in, skipping breakfast to avoid the awkward conversations with her family. But she couldn't afford to be that person anymore.

"I have much to do," she said, keeping her tone light. "It's time I start taking my duties seriously."

Her father raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Her mother, seated to his right, looked pleasantly surprised. "That's wonderful to hear, my dear. Perhaps you could begin by visiting the Redgraves. I heard Evelyn was quite taken aback by your actions at the ball last night."

Celia froze. "She was?"

"Yes," her mother said, smiling faintly. "She mentioned it to me before we left. It seems she appreciated your quick thinking."

A spark of hope lit in Celia's chest. This might be her chance to complete the next task.

---

Later that day, Celia found herself standing in front of the Redgrave estate, her heart pounding as the butler escorted her inside. The grand manor was as opulent as ever, with its gilded walls and intricately woven carpets. Celia's nerves tightened as she was led into the drawing room.

Evelyn Redgrave sat by the window, sipping tea from a delicate porcelain cup. Her golden curls framed her porcelain face, and her piercing blue eyes sharpened the moment she saw Celia.

"Lady Everhart," Evelyn said, setting her cup down. Her tone was polite, but there was a coolness to it that made Celia's stomach churn.

"Lady Redgrave," Celia said, curtsying. "Thank you for agreeing to see me."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow. "I must admit, I was surprised by your visit. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Celia took a deep breath, keeping her smile steady. "I wanted to apologize for any grievances I may have caused you in the past. I realize I haven't always acted with the grace expected of someone in my position."

Evelyn's eyes narrowed slightly, and for a moment, Celia thought she might laugh or dismiss her outright. But then Evelyn gestured to the seat across from her.

"Please, sit," Evelyn said.

Celia obeyed, relief flooding her as she settled into the chair.

Evelyn studied her for a long moment before speaking. "I must admit, Lady Everhart, your behavior at the ball was… unexpected. You've never been one to concern yourself with others."

Celia clenched her hands in her lap, forcing herself to remain calm. "I've come to realize the error of my ways. I hope to make amends, starting with you."

Evelyn tilted her head, as if trying to determine whether Celia was being genuine. "And why should I believe you've changed?"

Celia hesitated, her mind racing for an answer. The system chimed softly in her mind, offering no advice, only the quiet pressure of her quest hanging over her.

"I suppose you have no reason to believe me," Celia said finally. "But I hope to prove it through my actions, not just my words. If you'll allow me the chance."

Evelyn's lips twitched, almost as if she were suppressing a smile. "Very well, Lady Everhart. I'll give you the chance to prove yourself. But know this: I have no patience for insincerity. If this is some ploy to gain my favor for your own benefit, I'll see to it that you regret it."

Celia nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "I understand."

---

The rest of the afternoon passed in a tense dance of conversation. Evelyn tested her at every turn, asking pointed questions and subtly reminding her of past slights. But Celia held her ground, answering honestly and showing genuine interest in Evelyn's thoughts and concerns.

By the time she left the Redgrave estate, her head was pounding, but the system's chime made it all worthwhile.

"Quest complete! +200 points."

Celia let out a relieved sigh, leaning against the carriage seat as it carried her back to the Everhart estate. Two quests down, and her redemption was slowly taking shape.

But as the carriage rolled through the city streets, her thoughts turned to Prince Adrien. His cold gaze and sharp words still lingered in her mind, a constant reminder of the challenges ahead.

If she wanted to survive this second chance, she couldn't afford to let her guard down—not even for a moment.