Chapter 295
A Painting of the Villainess as a Young Lady
Before meeting Aileen, Violet ran through many different scenarios in her mind of what the girl might do.
Whether she would lash out, screaming and causing a scene, or cry and play the victim, Violet had prepared herself accordingly.
But it was all for nothing.
In other words, she had never considered a situation like this.
ââ¦Why are you here?â
Staring blankly into space with lifeless eyes, Aileen spoke without even looking at Violet.
When Violet had requested to meet, Aileen didnât even express any intention to refuse. More accurately, it would be fair to say she was in no position to refuse, given her current circumstances.
âHow unexpected. I didnât think youâd be the one to ask that question.â
Eyes completely devoid of light, gazing into an unknown distance. Her skin had become dry, and shadows lay beneath her eyes from lack of sleep.
Violet understood well enough. She knew exactly when a person started to look like that.
âIf you have nothing to say, then leave.â
Aileen spoke in a voice that seemed to convey death, as though she didnât even have the strength left to argue.
Watching her, one corner of Violetâs lips tugged up.
âItâs not that I have nothing to say. I was merely curious to see what you had become.â
âWell, now your curiosity must be satisfied.â
It was a clear signal for Violet to leave. Her smirk deepened.
âHah, you were always the one who came to me first, and now you tell me to leave when I finally grace you with my presence.â
Aileen turned her head away, as if she couldnât bear to even look at her anymore. Predicting the unseen expression on her face, Violet chuckled once more.
She felt no sympathy. Although she could understand Aileen better than anyone at this moment, that was all there was to it.
With a soft, gentle expression, Violet approached Aileen.
And she whispered.
âI was worried when I heard youâd collapsed. Iâm relieved to see youâre quite all right.â
At Violetâs words, Aileen suddenly turned back to her, shouting in outrage.
âAre you mocking me right now?! Ha! Whoâs worrying about whom? Donât make me laugh. You? Worried about me?â
It seemed she had finally gathered the energy to shout. Violet responded with an even more exaggerated expression of concern.
âWhat do you mean? Itâs only natural to worry about family⦠Even if you donât seem too happy to see me.â
The words Violet spoke now were the same ones Aileen had once said to her: that she was oh so very worried about her dear older sister, that it was natural to worry about family.
Of course, Aileen probably wouldnât remember.
ââ¦You always have to be the superior one, donât you.â
Aileen gritted her teeth, glaring at Violet with a venomous look.
The situation was a complete reversal. Aileen, who had collapsed from poison, and Violet, who had come to visit her out of concern. Even now, as the elder sister was offering concern, Aileen spat back with venom lacing her words.
âIf it werenât for you, if only you hadnât existed, I would haveâ¦â
Before Aileen could finish her words, Violet answered softly.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
âIf that were the case, then you would have been even more of a nobody.â
âHow can you be so sure? You were born with everything, how could you possibly understand how I feel?!â
âThen, do you understand how I feel now?â
For a moment, Aileen was lost for words. She grabbed whatever was closest and threw it. It was a soft pillow, so it didnât hurt much, but it was still irritating.
âGet out! Get out of my sight!â
Even her outburst felt familiar. Violet, wondering whether it was time to end this childish act, simply smiled again.
âItâs sad. To think youâd say such cruel things to a sister who loves you so.â
With a face that appeared as gentle as her words, Violet watched as Aileen turned her back and lay down, covering her ears.
Unfazed, Violet continued speaking.
âFine, Iâll answer the question you asked earlier. I came here to see you like this. To see the great Aileen, once renowned for her angelic kindness, now called a villainess, trembling and lashing out beneath her sisterâs shadowâ¦â
Whether Aileen was listening or not, Violet kept speaking until she suddenly stopped.
ââTruly.â
Though she had been covering her ears with her hands, Aileen slowly lowered them.
âI feel truly satisfied.â
ââ¦Ha.â
Violet felt no sympathy for Aileen. Even in the face of the girlâs pitiful state, Violet did not soften. In fact, she felt nothing but amusement.
Taking pleasure in someone elseâs misfortune might seem vile to some, but Violet didnât care.
After all, the suffering she had endured up until now had been far too severe to let a moment like this soften her resolve.
Not a single shred of sympathy touched her heart.
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