The Knight Who Broke Off Our Engagement and Told Me to Never Show My Face Again Still Clings to Me Today, Even Though I Was Possessed and Turned Into a Villainess for Ten Years - 48 - Birthday 3
“L-Lady Sadie, happy birthday…!”
“Thank you… ah—”
Before I could finish my reply, the timid young lady looked down and quickly walked away, almost as if running.
The birthday party had started, but most guests clearly came just to say, “Well, I showed up to say happy birthday!”
I gave a wry smile at how obvious it was.
Today, more than usual, it was clear just how disliked Sadie Arclight was.
In a way, it made things easier—I didn’t have to wonder who was being fake.
“Sorry I’m late. Happy birthday.”
“Thank you. I’m glad you came.”
Just then, Mabel—inside Eliza’s body—came to me.
It seemed she had just arrived. She smiled like a true lady—more graceful than anyone else here.
She definitely knows that I know who she really is.
Even if it was part of the plan, I felt uneasy seeing her acting so normal and confident, like nothing was wrong.
“Hehe, that dress is beautiful. It suits you. You have such a pretty face—I’m jealous.”
She smiled as she said that and gently touched my cheek with an icy cold hand.
She stroked it lightly. I got goosebumps.
I don’t know what she’s thinking.
I forced myself to hold back the anger and smiled in return.
“You’re very beautiful too.”
“That makes me happy. Thank you.”
“Please enjoy the party.”
She nodded and walked off into the crowd, her blue dress flowing behind her.
As soon as the guests saw her, their faces lit up and they welcomed her into their circle.
I let out a small sigh as I watched her back.
“Sadie, are you okay?”
“Yeah. Barely. She was acting so normal, it actually scared me.”
Gerald came over quickly and handed me a glass filled with juice and fruit.
He said, “Don’t worry, there’s nothing weird in this,” jokingly.
It made me smile without thinking.
“In thirty minutes, I’ll send the servant.”
“Okay, got it.”
Thinking the plan would finally start made me nervous.
If I looked nervous or acted strangely, sharp Mabel would definitely not drink from the glass.
I told myself to stay calm and squeezed my palm tightly.
“Hey, Sadie. You’re acting like your usual self, but… aren’t you scared?”
“I don’t like pain, but I’m not scared. Because you’ll be with me, Gerald.”
When I said that, he suddenly opened his eyes wide in surprise. Then he gave a smile, like he was about to cry.
“…Sadie, you’re such a good girl. You make me hate myself.”
“Huh?”
“I’m sorry.”
What was he apologizing for?
Gerald said he’d go get things ready and left.
◇◇◇
“We’re about to start the plan. But don’t really be shocked, okay? Ah, but please act surprised.”
“Okay, I understand.”
“Don’t push yourself too hard.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
So my parents wouldn’t worry, I whispered to them quietly before going over to Mabel.
As soon as she saw me, she smiled like a close friend.
“Oh, you came. It’s such a lovely party. I’ve been enjoying it.”
“I’m glad. That makes me happy too.”
We made some small talk. Then, watching the timing carefully, I raised my right hand a little.
“I’m thirsty. Could I get two glasses?”
“Right away, miss.”
To avoid suspicion, the servant poured the drinks right in front of us. He then held out the two glasses and let Mabel pick one.
After Mabel took hers, I took the other.
I tilted my glass toward her and said,
“Shall we toast?”
“Of course. To Sadie’s birthday—cheers.”
We clinked glasses lightly and took a sip.
They said the poison would take a few minutes to work. I made sure she saw me drink, and then Mabel drank from her glass too.
I watched her throat move as she swallowed and saw the liquid level go down. I felt secretly relieved.
Now we just had to wait for the effect to kick in.
“Ugh… ah…”
“Sadie?”
A few minutes later, my heart thumped painfully hard.
Pain much worse than I expected hit me all at once, and tears came pouring out.
I couldn’t breathe right. My throat made a wheezing sound. I couldn’t stay standing, and Gerald rushed over to support me.
It hurts. It hurts so much. I can’t breathe. It hurts so much.
I saw Mabel a moment later, clutching her throat and starting to suffer too.
I shut my eyes tightly and braced through the pain.
The hall was in chaos. I could hear loud voices all around me.
Now I just had to be taken to my room and drink the antidote. But even though I told myself to hang in there, my mind was fading. Cold sweat ran down my back.
The pain was so awful I wished my heart would just stop. I couldn’t believe the scream that came out of my own mouth.
Gerald’s voice grew distant.
“…Lady Eliza! Are you okay!?”
Just when I thought the pain was easing up a little, I heard that voice close to me. Even though Gerald had been holding me, it now felt like I was in someone else’s thin arms.
That strange feeling and the sense of dread made me open my eyes.
And the moment I saw what was in front of me, I gasped.
In my blurry vision—
I saw… myself.