The troubles started sooner than expected.
Roxanne had just barely started to adjust to the Sebastien mansion before the world outside tried to claw her neck.
And, of course, who else would make that move if not Reina.
She was very desperate.
She was standing near the stairs when she heard noises from the front door.
The domestic staff were trying to keep their voices low, but she could see through the tension
Curious, she moved forward as her eyes narrowed until she could see the unwelcome guest.
It was Reina.
She had a fitted gown on.
She was looking desperate.
"I am here to see Ciel," she said with a firm voice.
"There has been a terrible misunderstanding."
The butler, an older man with a look of practiced indifference, replied evenly, "Mr. Sebastien has not requested to see any visitors."
Reina's polished bravado cracked for a split second before she put on a smile. "I understand that, but if you could just let him know I am here, he will…."
"Whatever you think he will do, I can assure you, Miss Renwick, he will not."
A new voice came through, it was smooth but icy.
It was Ciel's
He came down the stairs with the aura of a king. He had a casual crisp white shirt on, with tailored black pants.
Reina turned, her expression lightening up.
"Ciel!"
Ciel's gaze was cool, but distant. "What could possibly bring you here, Reina?"
The warmth in her voice faded.
She hesitated, visibly not expecting such a reply from him. "I…I came to talk to you. To clear things up between us."
"There is nothing to clear up between us."
Reina sighed, as if she could not believe what he was saying. "Ciel, you know this marriage was a mistake. You were tricked…."
Ciel tilted his head slightly with an unreadable expression. "A mistake?"
"Yes! You were not supposed to marry her."
She looked towards Roxanne, as her lips curled slightly. "I am the one your parents chose. I am the one who fits into your world."
The silence after it was thick.
Ciel chuckled lightly.
"Fits into my world? You certainly appear to think so highly of yourself."
Reina moved closer, lowering her voice. "Ciel, I can make this right. Just give me the go ahead and we can change this."
Ciel's expression changed slightly. "And how do you intend to do that exactly?"
Reina stuttered. "I….I could talk to your parents, explain the mix up to them. I am sure once they realize what happened….."
"What happened was that I married Roxanne." Ceil interrupted, his voice cutting through the atmosphere like a blade.
Reina flinched at the mention of the name.
He took another step forward with a sharp gaze.
"And if you believe you can come here and try to correct it, you must be greatly mistaken."
Reina's mouth opened, but nothing came out.
He then dismissed her, turning away.
"Take her out," he ordered his butler.
The butler inclined his head. "Of course, sir"
Reina turned pale. "Ciel, wait…"
But he was already walking past Roxanne, leaving Reina there, still standing, and humiliated.
And as she was about to be escorted out, she looked at Roxanne again.
And that was when the real venom was revealed.
"This is not over," she whispered to her. "You do not belong here."
Roxanne looked at her. "Yet, here I am."
Reina's nostrils burned before she turned on her heel, storming out of the house angrily.
Roxanne watched her leave, realizing this was only the beginning.
Few minutes later, Roxanne had barely processed the confrontation with Reina when she was approached by one of the mansion's staff.
They had gotten a call from the security at the gates.
"Mrs Evelyn Renwick is at the gates," he told her. "She claims she is here to see you."
Roxanne exhaled sharply. Of course. If Reina had failed, her mother would definitely try a different approach.
"She's persistent," she muttered.
"Shall we turn her away?" The staff member hesitated.
Roxanne wanted to say yes. All her instinct told her that allowing her into this house would bring nothing but trouble.
But turning her away would not give her more leverage later, to claim that she was hiding, that she was being controlled.
Straightening up, she replied. "Let her in."
Some minutes later, Evelyn Renwick entered the Sebastien estate like she owned it.
She wore an elegant dress, with her blonde hair made into a nice ponytail.
Her expression could easily pass for that of concern, but Roxanne knew better.
"My dear," Evelyn said the moment she saw Roxanne, her voice a perfect mix of pity and warmth. "You are a big woman, living in this house."
She kept looking at the interior before focusing on Roxanne.
"I hope you are coping well?"
Roxanne smiled back politely, although forced.
"Quite well."
Evelyn seems amused by the answer with the way she curled her lips slightly.
"That's good to hear. But, my dear, you must understand…"
Lowering her voice, she moved closer.
"You do not belong here,"
Roxanne didn't bulge.
"That is quite funny, because I was just starting to feel at home." she replied.
Evelyn sighed, like she was speaking to a kid.
"You and I know this is not real. You do not have to pretend around me, Roxanne."
"What are you saying exactly?"
"To be honest, you were not meant to be here. This marriage is a mistake. A temporary arrangement at best."
"And once the sebastiens realize that…" she has a small, sympathetic smile. "Well, I would not want you to be left with nothing."
Roxanne's heart raced.
She knows what she is trying to do. Trying to make her start doubting herself.
But as she was about to answer, a voice rang out.
"Mrs Renwick."
Roxanne turned just as Ciel entered the room.
His expression was indifferent but at the same time, polite.
With a smile, Evelyn turned to face him.
"Ah, Ciel. It's great to finally meet you properly."
"I should ask you what brought you here, but I am aware of that already."
She pretended not to know what he was talking about. "Oh, I am just here to visit my stepdaughter."
"Stepdaughter, that's interesting. Because you clearly didn't treat her as one before this marriage."
Evelyn's smile disappeared immediately.
He took another step forward.
"Roxanne is my wife and as long as she's married to me, you would do yourself a favor to remember that she is not under your authority any more."
Evelyn looked tense.
"Of course. I meant no offense."
Ciel smiled.
"Good. Because I would hate for this to be our last conversation."
Evelyn wanted to protest, but she knew she should back off.
Looking at Roxanne for the last time, she nodded slowly. "I will take my leave then."
When the door was shut, Roxanne asked Ciel.
"Why on earth did you do that?"
Ciel just smirked.
"Because I am capable."
He said with a shrug, and turned to walk away, leaving Roxanne stare at him, more confused than ever.