I couldn't move properly while I was at the market. My body ached because of the journey from the palace, and I didn't know why I felt this way.
Fortunately, Albert was here to support me. Once I'm rich, I'll help him rise out of poverty, just like me.
"Thank you," I said when he gave me some water.
"Are they causing you trouble again?" he asked, furrowing his brows.
I chuckled slightly. "Nothing new about that."
The truth is, my exhaustion had nothing to do with my aunt's demands. My body was conditioned to follow orders, but it was good for everyone to be reminded of Elizabeth’s family’s wickedness.
"Why don't you come live with us? Our house is small, but you'll fit in," he suggested, but I immediately shook my head.
"No, thank you. I have something to finish in that place," I replied.
I could see his concern for me, but I didn't want to share my story with him. He's kind to me, but due to recent events, I have become wary of people.
I won't leave that house until I find out the truth about my parents.
"Everyone, please listen!"
I jumped slightly at the loud trumpet sound. As I turned in the direction of the noise, I saw the palace guards.
How did I know? Because of the Corohelia symbol on their uniforms. What were they doing here?
Prince Ashton was also there. I was consumed by curiosity at his presence.
"Announcement from His Highness, Prince Ashton!" the guard declared and cleared his throat. "For now, we are searching for a woman with this shoe."
He raised a shoe placed on an expensive pillow. Wait— that's the shoe I lost at the party!
Did he actually retrieve it? And why was he searching for the owner when he knew it was me? What is your intention, Prince Ashton?
"His Highness wishes to have all women try on this shoe to find its owner. He asks for your cooperation."
I winced, along with Prince Ashton glancing in my direction. Thankfully, I quickly hid behind Albert, or I'd be caught!
Nonetheless, my question still lingered in my mind. Until they started fitting women with shoes, I couldn't shake off my uneasiness. I've been feeling nervous. It's like something's wrong... Like something bad might happen.
Why is this happening?
I closed my eyes and wondered if I missed any chores or things to be put away. This feeling usually came when I forgot housework or tasks.
Wait... put away?
Damn it, my shoe!
"WHERE is it?" I muttered anxiously as I returned home. The sun was blazing, and sweat trickled down my whole body, but I didn't care.
I'd forgotten to hide my shoes. If someone entered the basement and saw the shoe, it would be trouble for me. They'd figure out I'd been at the party that day!
I rushed into the basement, sighing with relief, thinking there was no one there.
"So, you're the princess the prince is looking for, huh? When did you become a princess?" 
I heard a cold and contemptuous voice behind me, and when I turned around, I saw Anastasia grinning, holding my shoe.
"That's mine, Anastasia," I said firmly. "Give it back."
I didn't like the way she looked at my shoe as if she had some evil plan in mind.
"What if I don't?" She raised her eyebrow, her lips curled up. "And who are you to order me around just because the prince is looking for you? You're such a cheeky beggar!"
Anastasia is truly a fool. She loves making up stories, and she doesn't even know why this shoe is so special to me. What if I smacked it on her face right now? Would she still dare to insult my mother's shoe?
No, Cinderella. Calm down. It's not the right time for that. I need to execute my plan first.
Get close to the Corohelias.
"Try it on," Anastasia suddenly said.
"Why?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Try it on!" She forcefully took my shoe and put it on me. "When I say try it on, you try it on!"
"What are you doing?" I shouted, but she didn't stop. Her eyes widened as she saw that the shoe fit me perfectly.
"You!" She exclaimed, seemingly unable to believe it.
I furrowed my brow. I had noticed her strange behavior earlier.
"As far as I remember, that princess was beautiful," she muttered, as if she didn't like the praise she had given. "But... How did you become her? How did you go to the party without us noticing?"
I raised an eyebrow. How could she be so sure that I was the princess the prince was looking for? She had only seen a shoe, and she wasn't at the market when the guards made the announcement.
Moreover, with so many women who could have the same shoe in our area, how was she so certain that it was me?
I became more skeptical due to what she was saying.
"The prince is in the capital right now, isn't he?" She pulled me out of the room. "Let's go there!" She continued dragging me along.
"What's happening to you?" I yelled. She was acting like she was going insane, and I couldn't understand her.
I tried to free myself from her grip, but I couldn't. She held me too tightly.
"Wait— What is it, Anastasia!"
WE’RE NOW in the capital, right in front of the prince. I might want to run, but I can't. I'm sure the guards would drag me back.
"Your highness," Anastasia greeted with a bow.
I simply nodded as a sign of respect. When I lifted my head, I was met with the prince's fiery gaze.
I averted my eyes, which only made him smile.
"We want to see if the shoe will fit any of us. Perhaps one of us is the princess you're looking for," Anastasia explained before looking at me. "Isn't that right, Cinderella?"
She gave me a warning look. I nodded, but I quickly furrowed my brow as I thought about something.
If she knew that I was the princess who left her shoe at the party, why did she also want to try on the shoe?
What's the real reason you brought me here, Anastasia?
The prince stood up and approached us. "Who among you will try it first?"
"Cinderella," Anastasia quickly answered, which startled me.
I couldn't immediately get up from my seat, which earned me a jab from Anastasia's arm. "What are you waiting for? Put it on!"
I just shook my head before sitting down. I was surprised to see Prince Ashton kneeling in front of me, gently putting the shoe on.
His smile nearly reached his eyes. We both knew the truth, and that's why he reacted that way.
But we didn't expect what would happen next.
"Why..." Prince Ashton started but didn't finish, as he looked at me. "What does this mean?"