So I Was the Persecuted Grand Duchess Destined to Die? Chapter 89

Chapter 89

Meanwhile, in the VVIP corridor of the Opera House—

“Ufufu. Finally!”

The prima donna playing the heroine Mimi, Aurora Bright, hurried down the corridor, her mind replaying her earlier conversation with Director Peter.

“Aurora, you must perform perfectly tonight. Do you know who’s in the audience? His Highness the Second Prince is here!”
“What?!”
“And that’s not all. There’s also—”

Peter had tried to continue, but the moment she heard Second Prince, Aurora’s reason had evaporated.

Her rival actress had come to watch tonight’s show, which had already irritated her—but that now felt insignificant.

What incredible luck! Hard work really does pay off!

Opera actresses shone brilliantly on stage.

But behind that glamour stood an unbreakable wall of status.

A commoner could only climb so high.

The best possible ending for an opera star? Becoming the mistress of a noble.

And if luck ran out… there were far darker fates.

Aurora had always dreamed of catching the eye of someone powerful—escaping the miserable uncertainty of an actress’s life.

And her top target?

Finally. His Highness the Second Prince!

Everyone in the industry knew that Felix Rembrandt loved opera.

But he always came quietly and left quietly. Even as a lead actress, Aurora had never managed to create an opportunity to speak with him.

She’d wished desperately for even the chance to “accidentally” collide with him.

Yet the wall between royalty and commoner had always stopped her.

But today is different. If he spoke to Peter, it’s practically an official visit, isn’t it? And if the lead actress doesn’t greet him, that would be rude.

Today might be her one and only opportunity.

What kind of person is he? He must be handsome.

In truth, Aurora had barely seen even nobles up close.

But if we’re destined, I’ll know him at first sight.

In this regard, she was painfully naïve.

She arrived before the two VVIP box doors.

Security here was tight—no one else was in the corridor.

Two doors.

Both clearly occupied.

W-which one?

She couldn’t simply barge in.

Time was running short.

Then—

“Hahaha!”

From the left room came the clear, bright laughter of a woman.

“…!”

Aurora’s vision went white.

Her rival had a similarly clear voice.

That wretched girl!

Of course. That rival must have learned about the Second Prince’s attendance and gotten there first!

Aurora couldn’t sit back.

Knock knock.

“Excuse me, Your Highness.”

She softened her voice sweetly.

“I am Aurora Bright, the lead actress of tonight’s opera. I heard a distinguished guest had arrived and wished to pay my respects. May I enter?”

After a murmur of voices inside, a deep voice answered—

“Enter.”

What a voice.

She nearly swooned.

Composing herself, Aurora opened the door.

“…!”

A man of unmistakably noble bearing turned toward her, expression indifferent.

The clothes.

The face.

The aura.

That must be royalty.

Even seated, he radiated elegance.

Then—

“You’re really the lead actress?”

A woman beside him blinked up at Aurora.

What the—

Aurora sucked in a breath.

She’d seen countless beautiful women.

But this one…

Silver-white hair tied into twin rolled buns.
Skin pale as moonlight.
Eyes bright even in the dim room.

Who is she?

Surely not a commoner.

A new actress?

Hmph. I won’t yield this chance.

Opera houses were always full of hopeful newcomers. Aurora dismissed her.

What mattered was the man.

She curtsied gracefully.

“Greetings, Your Highness. Allow me to introduce myself properly. I am Aurora Bright, the prima donna portraying Mimi in The Marquis’s Wife’s Thrilling Temptation.”

“Wow! It’s so nice to meet you!”

But the enthusiastic greeting came from the silver-haired woman.

Aurora’s smile twitched.

I wasn’t greeting you.

The woman bounced forward excitedly.

“You’re even more beautiful in person! I can’t believe you came to greet us. I’ve hit the jackpot today!”

“Pardon?”

“Oh, it’s just an expression. I’ve really wanted to meet you. This is amazing!”

Amazing? Wanted to meet me?

So her target was him all along! Shameless!

Aurora assumed the woman was putting on an innocent act to charm the prince.

The irony of her own motives did not cross her mind.

She forced a smile and addressed the man again—

But his gaze had not left the silver-haired woman even once.

“I’m actually a huge fan of the original novel,” the woman chirped. “Seeing it adapted to stage is so exciting…”

Ha! Then audition yourself.

Aurora had clawed her way up for years. She resented the idea of someone parachuting in through connections.

Her irritation slipped out.

“Mimi isn’t a role just anyone can play. It’s a dual role, and it’s soprano. Not easy to handle.”

Know your place.

But the woman beamed.

“Exactly! That’s why it’s so impressive! I heard there are repeat viewers lining up. That must be because of your voice.”

“Well… yes. My voice is quite well regarded.”

“When you speak, you’re already so lovely—what must you sound like singing? Like a lark! Or a canary!”

“…That’s a bit much.”

But Aurora’s lips curled upward despite herself.

This woman either had excellent taste—or an excellent silver tongue.

“Not at all! May I have your autograph?”

“…My autograph?”

“Yes! I just got the pamphlet. Please sign it!”

Before she knew it, Aurora was holding a pen.

This was oddly disarming.

She hadn’t spoken a word to the prince.

Fine. I’ll just sign and move to him.

“Of course. Your name is…?”

“Renée! Renée Celeste.”

“…What?”

Her pen froze mid-stroke.

Renée.

Celeste.

The name that had shaken the capital.

The wife of—

The Grand Duke.

Aurora slowly lifted her eyes.

And met the calm, unreadable gaze of Xavier Celeste.