Infamous villainess of history makes the crown prince fall for her

After spending some time with her family, Selene's parents finally urged her to rest. She had just recovered from a serious fever—one that had nearly taken her life.

Selene knew exactly why she had fallen so ill.

In her past life, her obsession with Crown Prince Keith Everhart had driven her to foolish extremes. She had waited for him in the rain, stubbornly refusing to leave despite her maids' and servants' desperate pleas. That reckless act had nearly cost her everything.

Her parents didn't press her for details about her sudden breakdown earlier. Instead, they left her room with gentle reassurances, reminding her to take care of herself.

As soon as they left, however, they headed straight to the duke's study.

Selene's father, Duke Aldric Vasari, leaned against his desk, his brows furrowed. "What do you both think?" he asked, looking at his wife and son. "Has Selene truly changed?"

Seraphina sighed, taking a seat beside him. "She was always a stubborn girl, but I've never seen her act like this before. It's as if…" She hesitated before shaking her head. "I don't know what to make of it."

Eric, who had been standing silently by the window, crossed his arms. "I don't trust it." His voice was cold. "You know how deep her obsession with the crown prince ran. What if this is just another ploy?"

Aldric sighed heavily. "If she has truly changed, I would be immensely happy. But if not…" He glanced at his wife and son. "We must continue to show her love and guidance until she does."

Seraphina nodded in agreement. "Of course. She is our daughter."

Eric, however, remained unconvinced. "We can't let our guard down. She'll be attending the Academy for Nobles soon, and the crown prince will be there. He will be surrounded by other noblewomen—women who aren't Selene."

His parents stiffened at the reminder.

Selene's past obsession had been dangerous. She had caused countless scandals, harassed the prince relentlessly, and even schemed against innocent noble ladies who dared to speak to him.

If she hadn't changed, she might try something drastic again.

A heavy silence filled the study.

Then, finally, Aldric sighed. "We'll keep watch over her. If she falters, we will be there to guide her back."

Eric remained skeptical but didn't argue.

For now, they would wait and see.

---

Meanwhile, Selene woke from a short nap. Her head felt clearer, and for the first time in a long while, her heart felt lighter.

She reached for the small bell beside her bed and rang it. Moments later, her maids, Isolde and Pamela, entered the room.

"Milady, do you need anything?" Isolde asked gently.

Selene took a deep breath, then met their gazes. "I wanted to apologize," she said softly.

Both maids blinked in shock.

Selene clasped her hands together. "I have treated you both terribly. I was cruel, thoughtless, and…" Her voice faltered. "I don't expect you to forgive me, but I am truly sorry."

Pamela and Isolde exchanged bewildered glances.

"There is no need to apologize, my lady," Pamela said hesitantly.

"But I must," Selene insisted. "I have been selfish all my life, but I want to change. I want to be better."

The maids were speechless for a moment before they finally smiled.

"Then we shall support you, my lady," Isolde said warmly. "Thank you for your kind words."

Selene felt relief wash over her.

She then straightened her posture. "I would like to visit the garden."

Pamela frowned. "But, my lady, you have just recovered—"

"I understand your concern," Selene said gently, "but I feel well enough to go."

After a brief hesitation, the maids relented. They prepared a warm bath for her, carefully dressed her in a comfortable gown, and made sure she was properly bundled to protect her from the cold air.

---

As Selene walked through the corridors toward the garden, she encountered several servants along the way.

The moment they saw her, they visibly tensed.

Fear flashed in their eyes as they quickly stepped aside, their gazes lowered.

Selene's heart ached. She had treated them terribly in her past life.

Taking a deep breath, she stopped in front of them. "I would like to apologize," she said softly.

The servants looked up, their faces frozen in shock.

"For all the times I was cruel, for all the pain I caused you—I am truly sorry."

Their hands trembled as they exchanged uncertain glances. "M-Milady," one of them stammered, "there is no need to—"

"But there is," Selene interrupted. "You may not believe me, but I want to change."

A long silence followed before one of the older servants finally stepped forward.

"You are our lady," she said gently. "There was never a need for you to apologize, but… thank you."

Selene's throat tightened.

The servants bowed respectfully before returning to their duties, though their expressions were still laced with confusion.

Selene sighed, knowing it would take time for them to trust her sincerity.

She would not rush them. She would simply prove it with her actions.

---

When Selene arrived at the garden, the crisp air brushed against her skin.

Isolde immediately draped a warm shawl around her shoulders, fussing over her to ensure she stayed warm. Pamela, on the other hand, had set up a small table with light snacks and tea.

Selene smiled. "Thank you, both of you."

The maids exchanged a look before nodding, still a bit taken aback by her kindness.

As Selene sat down, she gazed at the flowers blooming before her.

This was only the beginning.

She had been given a second chance, and she would use it wisely.

No more reckless obsession.

No more selfishness.

This time, she would protect what truly mattered.