So far, the plot is not proceeding as per the novel. It is kind of making me question everything right now. They met each other, yes, but it's way too different. It goes against the storyline, which is a bit worrisome.

The event had left no impact on my brother's side at all!

How would Estelle leave an impression on him, like in the book?

When Nathaniel accused her of cooperating with the thief, Estelle proved him wrong. My brother got unnerved by it, though he didn't show it to his face, it made him think of that scenario when he is alone.

Therefore, Estelle had caught his attention.

But now, my brother appeared like he doesn't care! What am I supposed to do with that? How would I remedy their situation?

I paced around the room, feeling restless. It was deep in the night, everyone was already fast asleep aside from the night guards, but I couldn't.. Normally, I would be in my dreamland at this late hour.

Ever since that event from yesterday, it just filled my damn mind and didn't let me sleep.

"If the future has changed, then the story won't happen?" I whispered in horror.

Wait wait wait wait! Let's not jump to conclusions yet! However plausible that might be.

It's only the beginning, so maybe we should see for ourselves how it would play out first.

"Let's just say that because Kai is here, then the events that Kai appears in the novel won't occur," my feet halted its steps in front of the mirror-- "Then let's go back to the story."

Now, what the hell happened in the book again?

Yeah, Nathaniel and Estelle met in the Capital, what then? What was next after that?

I tried to think about it, scouring my brain for the answer, but I couldn't, for the life of me, recall a single thing at all.

"Oh my Go-- I don't remember anything!" I exclaimed and stared at my reflection in puzzlement.

I slowly grabbed my hair and stared at the woman in the mirror who was doing the same. She had the look of absolute terror on her face.

No matter how much I tried to recall the story, it was futile. The more I think about it, the murkier it gets. I could only reminisce bits and pieces, a nugget of my memory, and it would make my head hurt afterward.

"What is going on?" I was deeply mystified by this.

Three years is long enough to forget minor things. Those that don't have any significance or impact to my day, perhaps, but a story that connects me to this world... to forget it all completely...

"How bizarre..."

'Well, to be fair, I only read it once. But still...'

Why can't I recall even the plot? And the conflict? What was the main reason for the whole story again? Was Nadia the main antagonist? Why can't I remember?

"Am I sick?" I can't help but voice out as I look at myself-- "Or am I getting stupid?"

Maybe I am lacking sleep. Yep, that might be the reason...

"Let's sleep and think about it tomorrow," I grumbled and dove underneath the covers.

-------------------**

Thursday morning, I was at the parlor and creating new designs for dresses. Adele had asked me if I have new ideas because all the previous designs were in demand and had long been purchased. The ladies were all asking her if 'Helen' has new ideas yet.

Apparently, my designs are the trend nowadays. Like for example, when I came up with the sleeveless bandage-dress, it got very popular for a solid amount of time. New dresses from other designers, which were inspired by it, came out, and almost everyone was wearing the same thing.

It was kind of flattering.

That's why Adele and I came out with the idea of making seasonal dresses. So far, I am enjoying being a secret designer, and the money of course. I can say that I am a rich woman now, and it's not because of my family's pockets.

Sometimes, I wanted to tell everyone that I made it, that I was Helen, but that would be impractical. They would start to pester me for it more than ever.

So yeah. Hiding it would be better for me.

"Send this to Adele and tell her that she should only bring this up for an event," I told Erin who then heeded my orders and went on her way.

I remembered the busy Capital having so much going on, so maybe there would be an affair soon.

'What if I start designing men's clothes too? Hmmm...'

If I really did, imagine how it would all blow up... I will reach new heights in no time. Fufufufufu~ I'll get buried with gold by then...

I stretched my tired fingers and heaved a deep breath, relaxing my tensed body. Kuro was at my foot with his big head resting beside my shoe, snoring.

'He's so cuuute'

"Milady, Miss Gwen is here," Freesia announced out of the blue.

'Oh?'

"Nadia!" Gwen then appears afterward behind her.

"You didn't tell me you would come," I said and stood up from my chair to greet her.

Gwen narrowed her green eyes on me, "What do you mean by I didn't? I told you last time, right? We're going to practice horseback riding together!"

I blinked at her words.

'Eh? Wait, when was that?'

Gwen must have seen my bemused expression and pouted.

"After graduation, in the cafe! You promised me!"

Ahhh... I remember now.

Geez, what's wrong with my memory these days... I feel like I am in my 60's already...

I let out a grimace, "Sorry, there's just a lot in my mind right now."

And I meant the current plotline. It is stressing me out. I have been thinking about it for a long time already, that is why I distracted myself by sketching dresses.

"Are you okay?" she asked in a worried tone.

I smiled at her in response and nodded my head.

We were practicing how to ride horses these past few months, which we should have done ages ago. But you know, later is better than never.

"Let's go in the stables then..."

Both of us went to the west side of the estate where the horses' stables are located. There was a wide plain where we can practice to all our heart's content. Sometimes, we would hold a picnic there whenever dad is on his day-off.

Yep, he takes rest days now, and he would always spend it with us~

My father brought me one particular mare on my 17th birthday. She was white and oh so beautiful! As usual, I didn't try to mind how much he spent buying her for me. Judging from how high quality she looks, the price would also be the same.

'I'm already used to getting expensive stuff anyway...'

The day that my father gifted her to me, was the day that I fell in love with her. Sounds cheesy but it's true. She's truly lovely!

Even though I have a horse, I sometimes ride Kuro instead. I told you guys, he is a big fox!

In fact, both Gwen and I were riding him right now as we made our way over there. Gwen is not a fan of it though, because firstly, there's no harness. Hence, we could only grab his fur for dear life.

I enjoy it, but Gwen doesn't.

"You can ride Bella, I'll mount Kuro," I told her as soon as we got there.

"Seriously Nadia, why is your pet fox humongous? I have never seen a fox as big as him!" Gwen commented as she stared at Kuro who was patiently sitting beside my legs.

"He is a special breed," I lied without even blinking.

"Breed?"

"Yes, don't ask about it now," I added and smiled at her, finishing the topic.

If she asked me about the breed then I would be totally screwed.

Both of us went to the horse corral where the caretaker, Mr. Colt, was busy brushing my brother's horse, Jack.

"Good Job today Mr. Colt," I greeted, calling his attention.

Mr. Colt, upon hearing me, immediately turned and stopped what he was doing.

"Milady! Are you going to practice today?"

"Yes, we are~ Is Bella ready?"

"She is milady. Please wait a moment and let me get her for you," then halted when he saw Gwen beside me, who waved at him-- "Do you also want me to get another one?"

I shook my head, "No, Bella is fine."

He excused himself while we waited outside for him. After a moment, he came with Bella in tow.

"What a beautiful horse!" Gwen remarked beside me, gazing at Bella with wonder in her eyes.

"I know right. It fits her name, Bella," I replied while smiling.

Bella, my pretty mare, slowly trot towards us. Her white glossy mane looked so shiny in the afternoon sun, swaying as she moved. Sometimes, I get jealous of how silky it was, then I would remember what Nathan had commented.

----

"It looks just like you." Nathan

"Excuse me?!"

I look like a horse?! That's new...

"No, I meant the color. You both have the same hair color." Nathan

Phew! I thought he's insulting me or something.

"Like you could talk, brother. We both have the same hair you know!"

"Yeah, but yours is long. Just like the horse's." Nathan

"Can we stop comparing me to a horse please?"

I mean, sure. He meant it in a good way, but it's still slightly embarrassing...

----

Looking at her now, it is kind of accurate but, come on guys. Would you want to get compared to a horse?