I can't sleep!
Even though I'm so tired, why can't I fall asleep?!
It's all Charles's fault. Just because you saw me in a nightgown, why did you blush like that?
Anyone watching would think you were in love with me or something!
Of course, there's no way that's true.
Still…I feel like we got along a little better this time. At least he brought my notebook back, and that has to count as progress, right?
I'm going to break this villainess curse and get along with everyone. That's my goal!
But did he really have to return my notebook at the crack of dawn?!
Someone knocked on my door again, this time much more gently.
"My lady, I'm coming in."
It was my personal maid, Sara.
She came inside without waiting for my answer, probably thinking I was asleep. The knock was just a formality.
Sitting on the bed, I faced her with the dark circles under my eyes that came from my sleepless night.
Sara looked surprised to see me awake and stepped closer. "My lady, are you all right?"
"Well…actually, I couldn't sleep. What time is it now?"
"It should be around eight. I always start work at eight."
"I see. Could you make me some tea, please?"
"Of course, I'll prepare it right away."
~
Time passed quickly, and before I knew it, it was noon. Naturally, I hadn't managed to fall back asleep. But after some tea and breakfast, I felt alive again and went back to working on my novel.
But could peace ever last for me? Of course not.
A certain reckless person barged into my room without even knocking.
"Heather, I need your help. It's urgent."
He looked so much like me, he could have been my male twin…
From Heather's memories I knew who he was, the older brother.
His name was Hector Federline. He had the same red eyes and silvery-white hair as Heather, though his complexion was healthier compared to her pale skin.
"How can you just walk into a young lady's room without even knocking?!" I snapped.
He averted his gaze and started fiddling with his hair. "What, are you doing something secret in here? I'm tired of cleaning up after you. Stop giving me trouble, dear sister."
"What if I had been changing, you idiot?!" Seriously, what's wrong with people in this world? Are they trying to give me a nervous breakdown?!
Judging by his frozen expression, that possibility had never occurred to him.
"Ah…right, you're a normal person. You need to get dressed and all."
"What?"
"You don't have magic power, so I'm guessing you can't use a clothing-change spell either."
There's a spell like that?! What a useless but tempting magic. Lazy people everywhere would fall in love with it, people like me!
When I glared at him, he raised his hands like he was surrendering.
"All right, all right, I'll knock next time! I didn't come here to argue with you."
I exhaled deeply. "Then why are you here?"
"I'm going on a date."
What?!
"And that's my problem because…?"
"Well…" He looked like he was struggling to say it.
"Well?"
"The girl I like has a brother…"
Are you trying to set me up with him or something? What are you plotting?
I stayed silent, waiting for him to continue.
"Her brother doesn't approve of our relationship, so he'll probably try to ruin this date too, just like last time."
"Honestly, I can see why he wouldn't approve."
"Hey, don't insult me. This is all your fault!"
"My fault? What does this have to do with me?!"
"The truth is, the girl's brother hates you. And naturally since I'm your brother, he doesn't want his sister dating me."
Well, that's…not surprising.
"There's nothing I can do about that, sorry!"
(Not that I'm actually sorry.)
"What do you mean nothing? Of course, there is."
What kind of madness is he about to ask from me now?!
"And what exactly would that be, dear brother?"
The mischievous smile on his face was proof enough he was Heather's sibling.
"If you distract her brother while we're on our date, there won't be any problems, right?"
You want me to keep busy someone who hates me, by staying in the same room with him? Really?
That's impossible.
"I don't think I can do that, brother."
He seemed to have expected that answer.
"Of course, I'll make it worth your while."
I'm not Heather, but…I can't pretend I'm not interested. He knows exactly how to persuade me.
"All right, I'm listening. What's your offer?"
He smiled faintly and continued.
~
I agreed to my brother's proposal, because what he offered was something I hadn't expected and definitely wanted.
Of course, I was so excited about the reward that I forgot to ask who the girl and her brother even were, but that didn't matter.
I trust my acting skills. No matter who it is, I won't let anyone ruin my brother's date.
Or so I thought, until I saw him staring at me in shock.
Charles Exeter. What are you doing here?!
Is it possible that you're the brother I'm supposed to distract?
No…right?