Living a Glamorous Life as Lady Barberini

Evangeline led Claudia down the hall that led to the dining hall. Outwardly, she was the picture of poise, but inwardly, every step had felt like a battle against gravity.

'How do they manage to walk gracefully in these dresses?'

Her thoughts were a flurry as she focused on keeping her steps steady, the rich velvet of her gown brushing against her legs with every movement.

Evangeline walked beside her with ease, as though gliding rather than walking. Claudia couldn't help but marvel at the stark difference between their poise.

Finally, they arrived at the grand dining hall, the massive oak doors swinging open to reveal a space bathed in soft morning light streaming through tall, arched windows. A crystal chandelier sparkled overhead as it caught the sunlight. The polished dining table, adorned with pristine silverware and delicate floral arrangements, stretched nearly the length of the room.

Seated at the head of the table was her father, Duke Antonius Barberini, his commanding presence impossible to ignore. His icy blue eyes, sharp and discerning, met hers as his blonde hair—now slightly tinged with gray—caught the light.

Beside him sat her mother, Lady Giuliana Barberini, radiating grace. Her snow-white hair framed her sun-kissed eyes, which shimmered like molten gold. Despite their composed expressions, there was a warmth in the way they regarded her.

Claudia paused for a moment, taking in their appearance. Her thoughts were unfiltered. 'They are exactly how I imagined them to be... so beautiful! I see why Claudia and Lucius look like this. Talk about unfair genetics!'

Her reaction must have shown, as Lord Antonius' brows furrowed slightly in concern. "Are you okay, my dear?" he asked, his voice steady, carrying an undertone of warmth that softened its usual sharpness.

Lady Giuliana leaned forward slightly, her expression mirroring his. "You seem distracted, darling. Is something on your mind?"

Claudia snapped out of her brief daze, offering a small smile to reassure them. "Oh, no, I'm fine. Greetings, Father. Greetings, Mother," she said, bowing, her tone polite yet tinged with a faint awkwardness.

Lady Giuliana's lips curved into a soft smile. "Good morning, my dear. You look radiant today."

"Indeed," Duke Antonius added, his eyes narrowing slightly, though his words carried pride. "The gown suits you perfectly. "

Claudia inclined her head slightly, her thoughts running wild. 'Carry myself well? If only he knew how hard it was to walk here without tripping over this dress!' But outwardly, she remained poised, her hands clasped gently in front of her.

Claudia's gaze shifted across the table, finally landing on Lucius, who was seated beside their mother. His warm smile and soft eyes that seemed to hold endless affection for her.

"Good morning, Lucius," she said, her tone light and genuinely warm.

Lucius leaned back slightly, his smile widening. "Good morning, little dove. You look lovely today. As always my sister is the prettiest."

"Thank you brother," Claudia replied, her cheeks flushing slightly at his compliment.

Her eyes then darted to Emilio, seated across from Lucius. Despite his composed demeanor, Claudia could sense the undercurrent of irritation from him, which only made her more determined to needle him.

"Good morning, Emilio," she said, her voice suddenly laced with exaggerated enthusiasm. "I'm so glad you came to breakfast. It makes me so happy!" She clasped her hands together, her expression one of eager admiration.

Emilio stiffened, though he quickly masked it with a polite smile. His thoughts betrayed him. 'I really did not want to eat breakfast. Neither did I want to see Claudia today.'

But he stood, smoothing his cloth as he walked toward her. Bowing slightly, he took her hand and pressed a chaste kiss to the back of it. His lips curved into what anyone else might think was a charming smile, though Claudia could hear his mental groan.

"I would not reject a request from you, my lady," Emilio said smoothly, his fingers brushing over the cuff of his sleeve as if to distract himself. "And…" His gaze flickered over her dress, a faint glint of confusion in his eyes. "You look beautiful."

His thoughts, however, were not as complimentary. 'She doesn't usually dress so extravagantly because I lied and said I hated women who overdressed. Did she have a change of heart? No, that's impossible. Claudia is still deeply in love with me.'

Claudia's smile faltered for a split second, her fingers twitching as irritation simmered beneath the surface. 'The fact I can hear his thoughts...Really disgusting,' she thought bitterly.

Quietly, under her breath, she muttered, "I wish you'd just die."

Emilio's head tilted slightly, his eyes narrowing as though he hadn't quite heard her. "Pardon me?"

Claudia blinked, her eyes widened innocently. "Oh, I said I wish I could sit next to you."

Lucius chuckled softly from his seat. "You two never fail to entertain," Lucius remarked, sipping his tea with a soft chuckle, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Claudia cast a quick glance at her brother, then back at Emilio, whose brows were furrowed slightly. The look he gave her said he didn't believe her for a second, but Claudia merely smiled wider, batting her lashes as though butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.

'I know I heard something else, but I can't quite place it,' Emilio thought, sitting back down.

Evangeline pulled out a chair for Claudia beside Emilio, and Claudia sank into it gratefully. She couldn't help but let out a small, inaudible sigh of relief. 'I can finally sit, but… Her eyes flickered to Emilio beside her. 'I can't believe I have to sit next to him. Me and my big mouth.'

Her father noticed the slight shift in her posture, his icy eyes softening. "I trust you slept well?"

Claudia nodded. "Yes, thank you. Father"

Lady Giuliana's smile widened, her gaze fond. "We are glad."

Claudia met her mother's eyes, her chest tightening slightly. 'They're so kind... Is this what it's like to have caring parents?' The thought lingered for a moment before she pushed it aside.

The sound of silverware clinking on fine china filled the room as the maids began serving breakfast. Platters of delicacies—freshly baked bread, ripe fruits, perfectly cooked eggs, and golden pastries—were arranged before her.

Her stomach rumbled softly, and her cheeks flushed as she marveled at the spread, the luxury still feeling unreal.

---

As they began eating, Claudia allowed herself to savor the rich flavors of the meal, but her thoughts wandered far from the dining hall. She replayed the events of the original story in her mind.

Claudia's gaze lingered on Emilio. She could still remember how, in the original story, he had stolen Claudia's mind-reading ability and destroyed everything she held dear. She suppressed a shudder, gripping her fork tighter.

He killed the holy paladin Cassian, eliminated the main villainess because she had harmed his obsession—the heroine—and eventually took over the Orgetia empire. Even the acting emperor fell under his control when Emilio uncovered a secret through Claudia's mind-reading ability, a secret the author never revealed.

In the end, Lord Vanitas saved the empire by sacrificing himself to kill Emilio. And just as the true main villain appeared... the author discontinued the novel.

Her grip tightened on her fork as her irritation boiled. 'Lord Vanitas sacrificed himself for this empire, yet they treated him like trash. Why? Because he wasn't born noble? Because he was a dark mage? A so-called villain?' A soft blush crept onto her cheeks as she chewed thoughtfully. 'Well, to me, he was the best character. I grew more attached to him than that holy paladin Cassian.'

Her heart fluttered. 'Now that I'm in this novel... I'll get to meet Lord Vanitas. I can't believe I almost threw away my chance to see him by trying to kill myself!' Her face grew redder as she took another bite.

Lucius, noticing her rosy cheeks, smiled slightly. 'She must be really happy to sit beside Emilio,' he thought, clearly amused.

Claudia heard his thoughts and resisted the urge to roll her eyes. 'No, I'm not.'

Shaking off Lucius' assumption, she refocused on the plot. 'Unfortunately, Claudia had already crossed paths with Lord Vanitas at Lucius' debutante ball. And what did she do? She insulted him when he was only trying to be kind!'

Her fork clattered softly against her plate as she suppressed a groan. 'He had handed her a handkerchief while she cried in the garden after Emilio danced with the heroine instead of her. And what did she do? She called him a monster and told him to leave! She was such a fool! Argh!'

She clenched her fists under the table. 'I have to make things right... and I need to get rid of Emilio. But how?'

Her father's voice broke through her spiraling thoughts. "Claudia, dear, we've decided to host your debutante ball."

Her eyes widened slightly. 'Right! Claudia hasn't debuted yet!' An idea sparked in her mind, and a slow, calculated smile curved her lips. 'First, I'll get rid of Emilio...and then, I'll use the debutante ball.'