People Change, Don't They?"

Selena's POV

I opened the walk-in closet.

Pink, yellow, lace, bows—they filled an entire row, like a cage Vera had arranged for me.

And in the very back, hung a black silk gown.

This was what my mother left me.

I changed into the gown. The smooth fabric clung to my skin, outlining my slender waist and straight spine. The exposed back revealed elegant lines that extended all the way down to the small of my back.

In my previous life, I had never worn it. Vera said it was too mature, not suitable for someone my age.

Now I understood—she was just afraid that if I wore it, I would look more like a Windsor heir.

I sat back down at the vanity and treated my freshly cleansed face like a blank canvas. Sheer foundation, earth-toned eyeshadow to define my eyes, perfectly separated lashes, and finally a layer of moisturizing mauve lip gloss.

Not flashy, not eager to please, and not childish.

Good. I examined the woman in the mirror. At sixteen, my facial features hadn't fully matured yet, still carrying the natural clarity of youth. But those eyes—those weren't the eyes a sixteen-year-old girl should have.

Too calm, too clear-sighted, containing too many stories.

I softened the sharpness in my eyes, making them gentler, adding a touch of innocent confusion.

Twenty minutes later, I descended the spiral staircase in heels, step by step.

In the hall below, melodious strings and guests' laughter intertwined.

My appearance created a brief pause in that harmonious soundscape.

All eyes turned toward me. Surprise, curiosity, appreciation. I saw Lillian.

She wore a pristine white tulle dress, her hair styled in an elaborate updo, her face wearing a perfectly calibrated sweet smile as she stood surrounded by a group of socialites.

When she saw me, her smile froze for an instant.

Beside her, Vera wore a tasteful champagne-colored gown, holding a wine glass, the smugness in her eyes quickly turning to shock.

The "clown" they had envisioned didn't appear. Tonight's script had been rewritten from the moment I came downstairs.

"Selena?"

Lillian was the first to react. She lifted her skirt and walked over, linking her arm through mine, her voice betraying nothing.

"Selena, you finally came down! We were all so worried about you."

She looked me up and down, smiling brightly.

"That dress is beautiful, though isn't it a bit too mature? I remember you didn't really like this style before."

"People change, don't they?"

I gently withdrew my arm, my tone flat.

"Can't dress like a child forever."

Lillian's mouth twitched. Vera stepped forward at just the right moment, draping her arm around my shoulders in an intimate gesture.

"Darling, you look absolutely stunning tonight. It's just that this sudden change is so dramatic, Mom's a bit worried. Has something happened recently?"

"No, I just wanted to try a different style."

"That's good then." She smiled, her fingers applying some pressure on my shoulder. "You know Mom cares about your feelings most of all. Oh, by the way, your father was asking about you just now."

"Well, I'm down now, aren't I? Where is Dad?"

Vera's expression became slightly unnatural, but she quickly resumed her perfect stepmother demeanor.

"He's discussing business with Mr. Ashford. Oh, look, Kane is over there."

She pointed toward the fireplace. Kane Ashford stood holding a drink, his golden hair like melted honey under the lights. Tonight he wore a perfectly tailored white suit that made him look like a prince from a fairy tale.

A fine, dense ache spread through my chest. This boy I had once pursued so fervently had returned my affection with kindness. But in my previous life's memories, as my reputation grew worse, he gradually distanced himself from me. Even in my final year, there were rumors he was going to get engaged to Lillian.

His beautiful blue eyes were staring at me, unmoving, filled with undisguised amazement and confusion.

I raised my hand to him in greeting, then turned to head toward my father.

In my previous life, this was when I had rushed toward Kane desperately, demanding to know why he hadn't responded to my messages. That eager, desperate display had become the first joke of the evening.

"Selena."

Kane walked over on his own initiative. He stood very close—I could smell the familiar cologne on him.

"You're very… different tonight."

"Am I? Different how?"

I asked calmly.

"I can't quite put my finger on it. Just…"

He seemed to be searching for the right words. I didn't give him the chance.

"Kane, let's catch up later. I need to see my father first."

I politely stepped aside and walked past him. His expression froze in surprise.

I could feel countless gazes sticking to me from behind. One in particular stood out.

I followed the sensation and looked over. In a less conspicuous corner of the ballroom, a man stood quietly.

It was Damian Cross. He wore a safe choice of black suit, holding no drink, just standing there like an observer removed from it all. Our eyes met in midair for a second. His gray eyes were calm and still.

I remembered the moment before my death in my previous life when he held my hand, and his solemn promise to me. It was hard to say my heart didn't stir. But right now, he and I weren't close yet.

I looked away. And in that instant of turning away, I saw his eyebrow move almost imperceptibly.

Was he observing me, or evaluating me?

It didn't matter. I didn't care what he thought of me right now. I wasn't sure if he could help me get revenge—from what I knew so far, he was just a lawyer. But I was certain he was on my side. I wouldn't ignore him again.

I quickly found my father. He was conversing with a white-haired man. I walked over and greeted them with a smile.

"Dad, good evening. Sorry I'm late."

Father looked at me with slight surprise, the displeasure in his eyes fading somewhat.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Much better, thank you for your concern, Dad."

I behaved obediently and sensibly, impeccably. In my previous life, I would only cause him trouble at occasions like this. But now, a completely different daughter left him momentarily unable to find a reason to criticize.

After brief pleasantries, I excused myself to get some refreshments, temporarily escaping the crowd.

I hadn't gone far when Vera followed from behind, now holding a glass of champagne. Lillian followed closely, tilting her head to look at me, her eyes bright and sparkling.

"Selena, you were so wonderful tonight. Dad seems to be in a very good mood."

"Is that so." I picked up a macaron and put it in my mouth.

Vera held the champagne glass in front of me, her tone gentle without any trace of impurity.

"Here, have a drink to celebrate. This is non-alcoholic. You just recovered, you shouldn't be drinking."

I had to admit, she was an excellent actress.

I took the glass. Both Vera's and Lillian's gazes fell on me, carrying some kind of hidden anticipation.

I raised the glass to my lips and caught that familiar scent—the faint medicinal smell hidden beneath the fruity aroma.

In my previous life, after drinking this, my emotions spiraled out of control. I made a scene in the ballroom, beginning the first step of my "mental breakdown."

My dear stepmother. My dear sister.

The glass stopped at my lips. I looked up at them.

Then I took a small sip. "Thank you, it's very good."

Vera's face broke into a satisfied smile.

Lillian leaned in and said quietly, "Selena, Kane keeps looking at you. Won't you go say hello?"

"I already did. You go find Kane."

I turned and walked toward Damian.

Vera and Lillian exchanged a glance. The champagne glass in my hand bubbled delicately, like the devil's eyes.