You’ll Regret Stealing Him from Me — My Sister Who Took My Fiancé and Celebrated Was a Fool - Chapter 40

The blinding light and deafening roar continued. Through the windows, red, blue, and golden lights illuminated the venue.

“Fireworks?”

Someone murmured in a low, composed voice.

Yes, yes. Fireworks. The surprise I had prepared. Not an attack on the venue.

“It’s fireworks. They’re being launched from the garden.”

Another noble’s calm voice explained the situation.

“Check the windows. Is the glass intact?”

“Some decorations have fallen. Are there any injuries?”

Those must be the military nobles. They issued orders one after another, calling out to those around them. Their composed demeanor gradually calmed the panicked aristocrats.

“Fireworks? I see. That startled me.”

“Ah, so it wasn’t an attack.”

As the nobles grasped the situation, they slowly regained their composure. The noblewomen who had been gasping for breath now placed hands on their chests and took deep breaths.

Ah, good. For a moment, relief washed over me. My knees nearly gave way.

But then, a new terror struck.

The venue’s decorations were in complete disarray. The extravagant floral arrangements that had adorned the walls now lay scattered across the floor. Tablecloths were rumpled, chairs overturned. Though the windows remained unbroken, glasses and dishes had shattered from the vibrations, their glittering fragments strewn across the carpet.

The guests surveyed the scene as several doctors tended to a few nobles, likely bruises and scrapes from the commotion. One noblewoman clutched her bleeding arm. Fortunately, no one seemed seriously injured, but there were still many minor casualties.

“So, it was fireworks?”

“Don’t scare us like that. I thought my heart would stop.”

“But to do this without warning, at this time and place.”

Discontent rippled through the crowd. What had begun as hushed whispers grew louder.

“This is beyond inconsiderate!”

“Who gave the order? Launching fireworks without informing the guests!”

“People were even hurt!”

I had prepared the fireworks as a special surprise for the attendees. They were meant to be viewed from the garden’s special stage, where everyone could enjoy the beautiful display lighting up the night sky.

But this wasn’t the plan. The guests hadn’t been guided to the stage yet. Why were they launched now? The staff should have followed my instructions.

This isn’t my fault. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. If they’d just listened to me, none of this would have happened.

Yet my throat went dry. My heart pounded violently. How could I salvage this? I had no idea.

“Could this… have been part of the party’s entertainment?”

A young noblewoman’s whisper reached my ears.

“Surely not. They wouldn’t do this without warning.”

“Unthinkable. It’s utterly tactless. People were hurt!”

“Last time, I heard a fountain they’d prepared as a ‘new idea’ malfunctioned inside the venue.”

“Ah, I heard about that. It was quite the disaster.”

Then I noticed their eyes were on me. Eyes full of doubt. Accusation. Cold glares pierced me from all directions.

Why are you looking at me like that?

This isn’t my fault. It wasn’t part of the plan. This time, the surprise was supposed to succeed. I prepared everything perfectly. The staff just launched them too early on their own.

“Was this really Lady Isabella’s party?”

“I heard the last one was passable.”

“But this is especially terrible, isn’t it?”

The accusations crashed over me like waves.

Where is Roderick? Help me. I’m your fiancée, aren’t I? Say something.

Our eyes met.

But he coldly looked away. Silent. Deliberately turning his face from me.

Huh? Why? Why won’t you help me?

“Far worse than last time.”

“Perhaps this is her true capability.”

“Maybe the last one was only ‘passable’ because someone else helped.”

The whispers stabbed into my heart like needles.

No. I worked hard. I prepared everything properly. I reviewed the plans over and over, gave the staff instructions, did my absolute best.

I even improved upon my sister’s plans, making them perfect.

So why?

Why is this happening? I’m not wrong. This isn’t my fault.

From the crowd, an elderly noblewoman stepped forward with graceful poise.

Her silver hair was elegantly styled, her deep blue dress adorned with the crest of the Windsorfield ducal house. Margaret Windsorfield, the Dowager Duchess—a titan of high society, often called the queen of the social scene.

She stood before me, her gaze unwavering.

The room fell silent.

My heart leapt into my throat.

“Lady Isabella.”

Her voice was low and polite, yet devoid of warmth. Cold as ice.

“I have a question for you.”

All eyes were on us. Their stares burned. I wanted to run, but I couldn’t move.

There was no escape.

“Wh-what is it?”

My voice nearly trembled, but I refused to show weakness. I forced it steady, straightening my posture to appear composed.

The Dowager Duchess stared into my eyes. Her piercing gaze felt like it could see straight through me.

“Recently, a certain rumor circulated.”

A rumor? Dread crawled up my spine. What was she getting at?

“Have you forgotten? The rumor that Lady Seraphina stole party-planning ideas from you, her younger sister.”

“——!”

I froze. I couldn’t speak, couldn’t stop her. I had to shut this down now.

“However, after witnessing today’s event, I find myself wondering.”

Stop. Don’t say another word. Please.

“Was that rumor truly the truth?”

My mind went blank.

“Answer me, Lady Isabella.”

Her voice echoed through the silent hall. Heavy. Solemn.

“Was the truth of the rumor, the opposite?”

“That’s—”

I finally forced out words, but my throat closed up. No, that’s wrong.

“Was it not you who tried to steal Lady Seraphina’s accomplishments?”

No. No, no, no! That’s not it! I did nothing wrong! My sister stole my ideas! I’m the victim here!

“Th-that’s not true!”

My voice cracked, too loud in the hushed room.

The crowd stirred. Their stares pierced me—doubtful, accusing, disdainful.

No, no, it’s not like that! Believe me. Please.