The narrative picks up with Liana attending a party at the Viscount Hord's estate, celebrating the engagement of his third son. Liana, who has been living a quiet life after her parents' death five years prior, is stepping into a new role. Her older sister, Esly, was once known as the "Wicked Woman" due to circumstances that led her to withdraw from society. Now, Liana is to impersonate her sister as the "Wicked Lana" to protect Esly's reputation and future. Despite her initial fear and the hostile gazes of the attendees, Liana resolves to play the part for her sister's happiness.
The story then delves into the tragic past of the Calota Count family. Liana and Esly lost their parents in a carriage accident five years ago, leaving them with significant debt from a failed business venture. Their ancestral estate was placed under royal guardianship until Esly, as the heir, married. Esly, who had been attending a prestigious academy, was forced to withdraw due to the financial strain and the social stigma associated with their family's ruin. With no support from relatives, the sisters were left to fend for themselves.
They were eventually aided by Count Twiit, an old friend of their father. Count Twiit, a wealthy widower who had lost his own wife and daughter in an accident, offered financial support. In return, Esly became his companion, listening to his stories. To comfort him, Esly began to impersonate his deceased daughter, Lana, adopting her flamboyant style and makeup. This persona, "Wicked Lana," became widely known in high society, though Count Twiit remained unaware of the negative rumors surrounding Esly. Esly played this role to repay Count Twiit's kindness, but the gossip deeply wounded her.
After Count Twiit's death, he left a portion of his inheritance to Esly, which significantly helped in repaying their parents' debts. With the debts nearly cleared, Esly was expected to return to her true self and build a future. However, the "Wicked Lana" rumors persisted. An invitation to a friend's wedding presented an opportunity for Esly to re-enter society as herself, Esly Calota, and potentially find a suitable husband to inherit the Calota Count title. Liana encouraged this, believing it was time for her sister to find happiness.
During the wedding, Esly met Naje, the third son of Viscount Hord. Naje, who was initially unaware of Esly's true identity and had heard rumors of "Wicked Lana," mistook Liana for the infamous figure due to her more striking appearance. He treated Liana coldly, believing she was the one causing Esly distress. Despite this, Naje fell in love with Esly, and his family, after some deliberation, agreed to the engagement under the condition that the remaining debts be settled within a year.
Liana, determined to protect her sister and facilitate the marriage, took on the role of "Wicked Lana" herself to attend social events with Esly and Naje, aiming to draw attention away from her sister and allow her to be seen as Esly Calota. This deception caused friction with Naje, who continued to view Liana with suspicion.
The situation took a dire turn when Esly fell ill with a rare and expensive disease. The cost of treatment was astronomical, equivalent to their parents' original debt. Liana, realizing that relying on Naje or his family would further burden them and potentially jeopardize the engagement and the Calota Count's future, resolved to find the money herself. She decided to work tirelessly, selling heirlooms and taking on more embroidery work, determined to cure her sister and secure her happiness, even if it meant sacrificing her own future. The narrative ends with Liana facing this immense challenge, driven by her love for her sister.
