I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 17-24 continue Bianca’s struggle to rewrite her fate while navigating love, politics, and the curse that dooms her. These chapters highlight her growing bond with Maria, who surprisingly supports Bianca despite past tensions, and her attempts to protect Maria’s mother from an unseen threat. Meanwhile, rumors spread about her and Ricardo, even as Asel reappears, confessing his undying devotion and offering Bianca a chance at freedom.
Between imperial pressures, tea-party politics, and her charitable work with the orphanage, Bianca wrestles with loyalty and choice. Her fragile relationship with Ricardo reaches a turning point when Lala forces them to reconcile, leading to Ricardo’s heartfelt vow to prove himself worthy of her.
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 17: Between a Crown and a Duke’s Heart
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 17 begins with Maria nearly slipping during the ball. Thankfully, Ricardo rushes in and saves her, earning whispers from the crowd. Meanwhile, Asel notices Bianca’s calm face and asks if she is alright. Even though she is slightly hurt, Bianca brushes it off with her usual composure. The ball moves on, and Bianca finds herself dancing with Asel.
During their dance, Asel teases her about being distracted, pointing out that she cannot seem to focus. Bianca shoots back that he is the reason she is so flustered. He has this habit of making people swoon over him. With a mischievous grin, Asel drops a bomb. What if he chooses her as his crown princess? Bianca is stunned. The thought of being beside someone as carefree and confident as Asel makes her wonder. Could she live a life free of worries if she chose him instead? He reassures her once again that she could always remain by his side.
Jealousy in the Ballroom
But her gaze shifts, and she catches sight of Ricardo watching her intently from across the hall. The weight of his eyes makes her heart stir in ways she does not want to admit. Just then, another woman approaches Asel, pulling him away. Left alone, Bianca retreats to a quieter room, her heartbeat echoing in her ears. She reflects on the recent days, torn between the comfort Asel offers and the complicated emotions Ricardo stirs.
Meanwhile, on the dance floor, Ricardo abandons Maria mid-dance and follows Bianca. Finding her, he confronts her directly. His tone is serious as he asks why she requested him to escort Maria in the first place. Bianca, cool and collected, responds that there is no reason he shouldn’t. After all, they looked wonderful together. Her words cut deep, and Ricardo clenches his fists in frustration. He then counters by asking about her relationship with Asel, his voice laced with jealousy and something Bianca cannot quite name. I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 17 ends with tension thick in the air, Bianca caught between two men whose emotions could change everything.
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 18: Confessions and Confrontations
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 18 begins with Ricardo’s frustration spilling over. He confronts Bianca, demanding how she could spend the evening with another man while sending her own fiancé off with a “random woman.” His words sting, making it sound as though she has betrayed him. Bianca is stunned, especially when Ricardo reminds her of the words he once said: “I told you that I like you.”
Her heart pounds, but her pride holds steady. Ricardo goes further, confessing his desire to marry her. The weight of his words lingers in the air, but Bianca cuts through it sharply, “Well, I don’t love you back.” Her response shocks him, but she does not stop there. She looks him in the eye and asks, almost daringly, if he can truly swear to love her forever. Without waiting for his answer, she turns to leave. Ricardo stops her, his voice quieter yet heavier, admitting that his feelings for her are real. Bianca is shaken. For a brief moment, she wonders. What would happen if she really loved him, too? But reality sets in: they do not love each other, at least not in the way they should.
Bianca’s Stand
Bianca pushes her thoughts aside and returns to the ballroom. There, she overhears a group of noblewomen whispering cruel gossip about Maria, mocking her for not knowing her place. Rage flares in Bianca. Stepping forward, she defends Maria fiercely, declaring that it was she who asked Ricardo to be Maria’s escort. And that Maria had no knowledge of the engagement. Bianca points out that Ricardo would never betray her. Her icy authority leaves the women rattled, and they scatter quickly.
Afterward, Bianca approaches Maria with softer steps. The chaos of the ball still swirls around them, but Bianca’s focus is on Maria alone, ready to reassure her. And perhaps even change the path of the story that’s been set in stone. I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 18 ends with Bianca taking charge once more, determined to protect Maria and steer the narrative her way.
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I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 19: Maria’s Kindness, Bianca’s Fear
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 19 begins with Maria stepping outside the ballroom and greeting Bianca warmly. To Bianca’s surprise, Maria congratulated her on her engagement with genuine happiness in her voice. Bianca, caught off guard, immediately tries to explain why she had not told her earlier. But before she can get far, Maria gently stops her. With a calm smile, she insists there is no resentment. In fact, Maria says Ricardo and Bianca truly look like they were made for each other. She shockingly even admits that she likes Bianca even more now than before.
Bianca feels her throat tighten at Maria’s sincerity. Just then, Ricardo approaches, but Bianca shuts him down with a firm “there’s nothing left to discuss.” His expression hardens, and he turns away, leaving an awkward silence behind. Maria urges Bianca to clear the misunderstanding with Ricardo. While Reinard arrives, briefly interrupting the moment. As Bianca leaves, Maria thanks her once again, her kindness shining through despite the circumstances.
The Twist of Fate
Later, back at the palace, Bianca consults the ominous book once more. Her stomach drops. This time, it reveals she dies again! All because of another misunderstanding. In this version, Maria seeks revenge, believing Bianca was responsible for her mother’s death. Panic coils in Bianca’s chest. The story is shifting unpredictably, and she realizes how fragile her survival really is. Determined to change things, she makes a bold decision: she will not step within a three-block radius of Maria’s mother’s hospital, no matter what.
But fate has a twisted sense of humor. The very next day, as Bianca walks through town, she unexpectedly bumps into Maria again. But this time, Maria is not alone. Standing beside her is none other than her mother, smiling kindly at Bianca. Bianca freezes. Her carefully laid out plan seems to be crumbling before her eyes. The threads of the story are tangling once again, pulling her deeper into a future she is so desperately trying to rewrite. I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 19 ends with Bianca realizing that avoiding destiny might not be as simple as staying away.
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 20: Rumors and Resolve
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 20 begins with Bianca reflecting on the inevitability of the story. Though she has managed to cause small changes here and there, the sense of looming tragedy continues to haunt her.
Meanwhile, the Crawford family is hosting a grand charity event. The noble guests gather in the reception hall for tea parties and polite conversations, while outside, commoners enjoy the cheerful atmosphere with street vendors. Bianca’s mother beams with pride, and Maria, too, appears grateful, enjoying the event thanks to Bianca’s support. Seeing their joy, Bianca agrees to accompany them. All while silently resolving to protect Maria’s mother from any danger.
Meanwhile, far away, the atmosphere is far less lighthearted. The Empress of the Splendor Empire, Mayam Cardigento meets Marquess and Marchioness Crawford. Her words are polite but calculated. She offers them another chance to bind Bianca to the Imperial Family. The empress reveals she has heard a troubling rumor: at the ball, Ricardo escorted Maria, sparking whispers that Bianca and Ricardo might be parting ways. She urges the Crawfords to reconsider their decision and allow Bianca to visit the crown prince, hinting at an opportunity while insisting there is no pressure. Yet her meaning is clear.
Protecting Maggie at All Costs
Back at the charity event, Bianca shares a casual, warm conversation with Maria and her mother, Maggie Velona. They laugh about food, cats, and dogs, cherishing an ordinary moment of peace. Suddenly, the director of Saint Lumenica Hospital approaches Bianca, asking if everything is alright. This makes Bianca’s thoughts spiral. She realizes Maria deliberately hides her noble origins whenever she is with her mother, choosing to live simply. Then it clicks. Maggie Velona was never mentioned in the book because she was only an “extra.” That explains why Bianca could not find her role in the story’s progression.
Determined, Bianca excuses herself, resolving to protect Maggie. She will tighten hospital security, ensure there are no mistakes, and even hire bodyguards. She swears she would not let Maggie die, no matter what the book once wrote. But just as Bianca makes this promise, elsewhere in the hospital, Maggie is handed a cup of tea by an unknown figure. Smiling innocently, she begins to drink. I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 20 ends with danger creeping closer, threatening the fragile peace Bianca is desperately trying to preserve.
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I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 21: Asel’s Confession
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 21 begins with Bianca spending a quiet morning at breakfast with her parents. She sits sipping tea, but the Crawfords cannot hide their unease. They cautiously bring up the Empress’s unexpected visit, clearly worried about what kind of political schemes might be unfolding around their daughter.
Later, Bianca goes to meet Crown Prince Asel. They sit together for a private conversation, and he carefully steers it toward the topic of marriage. Bianca immediately refuses, expecting him to press. But instead, he surprises her with calm acceptance, admitting those talks had ended long ago. Still, he questions her about Ricardo, pointing out how distant she seems from her fiancé. Bianca insists nothing has changed in their relationship, but Asel gently calls her out. If her relationship is not bad, it is not good either. That is why he has not given up yet; he believes his chance will eventually come.
Shifting the topic, Asel finally reveals the favor the Empress wanted: Bianca is to take on the ceremonial duty of knighting. Shocked, she wonders why, but before she can think too much, Asel leans close, whispering his true desire, “I want to steal you away from Ricardo.”
Bianca’s Dilemma
Bianca’s heart races. For the first time, she feels the possibility of breaking the curse of the book. What if aligning with Asel is her way out of tragedy? Carefully, she tells him that if he truly wants her, he must be ready to confront the Wynkaiser family directly. Asel does not hesitate even for a second. He agrees, though he promises to wait a little longer before making any reckless moves, even asking his mother to restrain rumors for the time being.
Asel decides to make his intentions public in a subtler way. Before the court, he plans to declare that Bianca will stand as the Knight Commander’s Lady, signaling his devotion. Bianca watches, conflicted. She thinks about how Asel’s loyalty, commitment, and willingness to protect her contrast with Ricardo’s hesitation. If only Ricardo had shown her this kind of devotion, she thinks, her heart twisting with guilt. Yet she cannot help but feel sorry for Asel, too. He is offering her the kind of love she has longed for, but her heart is still bound to a man who has never fully expressed his own. I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 21 ends with Bianca torn between two men: one who claims her love but hesitates, and another who boldly vows to fight for her.
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 22: Ricardo’s Condition
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 22 begins with Bianca reflecting on how long it has been since she truly spoke with Ricardo. With Victory Day drawing near, an odd sense of unease lingers in her heart. Amid these thoughts, she notices a letter. An unexpected invitation from Lady Conwells, the same noblewoman Bianca once scolded at the ball while defending Maria. Unsure but curious, she accepts the invitation, remembering how the book’s tragic ending still hasn’t changed even after Asel’s proposal.
The next day, Bianca turns her attention to the orphanage. She meets the director and asks about her teacher’s request. To her delight, she learns that every child has now mastered reading and writing their names. A hopeful sign of progress. Just then, Ricardo arrives. Bianca resolves to finally speak openly with him.
She asks Ricardo to take on the duty of knighting during Victory Day. Surprised, he immediately wonders if Asel is behind this request. Bianca clarifies that it has nothing to do with Asel. She shares about the Empress’s marriage proposals and the spreading rumors about them. Ricardo is left stunned and frustrated, struggling to process her words.
Bianca’s Answer
Their tense moment is interrupted when little Lala proudly shows off the name she has written. Despite the director’s attempt to stop her, Ricardo warmly lifts Lala into his lap, smiling, a soft side of him that shocks Bianca. As Lala attempts to write Bianca’s name too, Ricardo’s tone shifts. With conviction, he agrees to take the knighting role, but sets one condition. After the ball, he alone will escort Bianca. He refuses to let any more false rumors circulate, declaring firmly, “I’m your one and only partner, just like I’ve always been.”
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 22 ends with Bianca’s heart shaken by Ricardo’s passionate claim. Proof that despite everything, he still sees her as his only one.
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 23: Bianca’s Lesson in Reputation
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 23 begins on Victory Day, the official holiday celebrating the empire’s triumph in the war five years ago. To prepare for the grand occasion, Bianca accompanies Maria to shop for a suitable dress. Maria, still unused to such luxuries, is wide-eyed with amazement as they explore the boutiques. Bianca gently guides her, even trying on gowns herself, but her words carry a lesson beyond fashion. She reminds Maria that in high society, reputation and rumors carry immense weight. With Lady Conwell infamous for spreading gossip, Bianca advises it is wiser to maintain well enough relations with her. Maria listens carefully and accepts Bianca’s reasoning, realizing that politics among nobles is as dangerous as any battlefield.
Masks of Nobility
Later that night, Maria lies in bed, quietly holding the cookies Bianca gifted her. She reflects on how different Bianca is from other nobles, warm, considerate, and protective in her own way. Her mind drifts back to her past, where she was mocked for her lowborn status. And the clear contrast of Bianca’s kindness makes her hug the gift tightly.
The next day, noblewomen gather, their whispers sharp as they mock Maria once again. To everyone’s surprise, Bianca, calmly sipping tea, outwardly agrees with their mocking remarks, an act that confuses the line between ally and enemy. I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 23 ends with Bianca’s ambiguous reaction, leaving Maria, and the readers uncertain of what role she is truly playing in this delicate social game.
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 24: Between Cookies and Confessions
I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 24 begins with Bianca meeting Lady Conwell and other noblewomen for tea. To maintain appearances, she gifts them treats from the popular Angela Bakery, earning polite compliments. As the ladies chat idly, Bianca grows restless, her thoughts wandering back to Lala. When the women suddenly ask for her opinion, Bianca hurriedly agrees, without even knowing the topic. (Ooof, Big Mistake there…) Her agreement brings satisfied smiles from the group, a reminder of how easily words shape reputation in noble circles.
Later, Bianca visits the orphanage where she finds Maria, Ricardo, and the children enjoying themselves. Lala runs straight to her, brightening Bianca’s mood. Bianca hands her cookies. But tension soon sparks when Ricardo confronts her about their earlier talk. He demands clarity, upset by the possibility of Bianca being Asel’s escort.
Bianca tries to deflect but admits she cannot promise otherwise. Frustrated, Ricardo raises his voice clearly angry with the situation. Until Lala intervenes. Innocently, she clasps their hands together, urging them not to fight and to hug. Caught off guard, Ricardo embraces Bianca, whispering that he will work harder to become a man worthy of standing by her side. He sternly tells her never to mention other men in front of him again. I’m A Villainess But I Won’t Live Like One Chapter 24 ends with Ricardo’s raw confession, leaving Bianca conflicted between the devotion she sees in his actions and the curse she still fears.
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