It was when I was around the age of nine that I started to realize I was living my second life and  it would eventually begin to go downhill, and that I was in a position of great danger.

At that time, I understood that I had been reincarnated and the memories of my previous life were gradually coming back to me.

So without knowing the full plot of the ‘original story’, I was living quite happily and ignorantly.

Until I met ‘him’, the person who would trigger everything.

“Laure. Say hello. This is the Duke of Rochester. He’ll be your fiancé in the future.”

‘D-Duke of… Rochester?’

A handsome, young boy with golden hair and blue eyes that resembled the autumn sky was standing in front of me.

The moment I saw him, I was awakened by the truth like a thunderbolt.

This world where I was born in was a fictional world inside a novel, and the fact that I was reborn as the “villainess” of the original story. And that boy, who will become my fiancé, is the ‘male lead’.

‘No way. That’s a lie. This can’t be true.’

My knees gave up, I slid down to the floor with a thud and burst into tears. Both my father and the young duke were so taken aback that they didn’t know what to do. Even with their futile attempts to pacify me, I just wouldn’t stop crying.

‘Who wouldn’t in my situation, I was destined to be executed and killed at the age of twenty!’

And now, I only have 10 years left to live! It was so unfair. So far, I’ve never done anything bad or cruel, I was planning on being a good-hearted person in the future too, like I’ve always been.

“Laure. Stop crying. Hmn? Dad already made up his mind about this engagement. Don’t cry.”

“Hic…”

While I was eating the chocolate cake that my dad gave me to soothe my crying, I made a promise that day…

In order to survive, I will never, ever associate myself with the ‘male lead’.

* * *

However, life never goes the way you want it to.

“Haaah…”

I sighed. In the mirror set in front of me was a cute-looking woman, wearing a white dress with long pink hair and her eyes were filled with melancholy.

Laure Ecree.

The youngest daughter of Marquis Ecree. It was me.

11 years have passed since I first met the male lead.

Tonight, I’m going to spend my first night with my fiancé, the Grand Duke of Rochester. Much to my dismay, everything is going according to the original plot.

– Laure. Won’t you spend the night with me?

I couldn’t refuse him as he asked me so intently. Because, even if I knew it was downright stupid, I already came to like him.

– Y-Your request, I’m willing to accept it.

‘Ah! Really! Why did I do that. All I had to do was shut my eyes and say no. I shouldn’t have looked him in the eye then.’

“Haaah.”

Sighing for the thousandth time, I stepped out in front of the mirror.

My fiancé, Grand Duke Calix Rochester, was the main character of the novel “The Devilish Man.”

There was no one who made eye contact with him for more than three seconds that did not fall in love with him, and there was no one who could ever resist him once they heard his sultry, low voice.

He was a very handsome and capable man. And with the Duke’s family name, he could possess everything he wanted. He is someone without any shortcomings.

But even to a seemingly-perfect person like him, there was one thing that proved he was also human, and that was trauma, he got it after his family died in an accident when he was seventeen.

The Grand Duke of Rochester, Calix, used to have nightmares during those times. The horrible sight of his family members dying before him made the simple action of closing his eyes burdensome.

The young man, who was left alone after losing his family, lived in great solitude and remained very lonely in his vast castle for quite a period of time. It was me who stood by his side during those sad and empty times, Laure Ecree.

As his fiancee, I visited Rochester Castle almost every day, and in the summer I spent my vacations there.

At first glance, Calix seemed unapproachable, but in fact he was actually a fairly friendly person.

Even though I hadn’t yet invested some feelings, while taking care of him during those times, I slowly grew to like him.

Despite the fact that I strived to never like him, my heart was naturally drawn and I couldn’t do anything.

Eventually, I fell in love with him, and managed to survive to this point in time.

I still had a chance.

“Should I just run away now?”

I muttered, and with impeccable timing, Calix appeared.

“What does that mean?”

He walked out of the bathroom and was only wearing a blue gown. Through the loosely tied front, a hard-chested torso could be seen slightly.

“Laure.”

He approached me slowly as he called my name.

“Perhaps you don’t really like this.”

He said with uncertainty.

“T-That’s not it!”

‘Damn, I answered reflexively without realizing it. This was a great opportunity to refuse.’

“If you don’t dislike this… then, are you nervous?”

Calix brushed his hair backwards gently and asked. I nodded, trying to calm my pounding heart. Y-Yeah. Let’s say it like that. Though there are other reasons that can explain my anxious behavior.

“I’m nervous too, Laure.”

And then Calix laughed softly, his laugh was as sweet as cotton candy. Ugh, this is foul play! You shouldn’t be this handsome. No matter how much of a male lead you are!

I wholeheartedly resented the writer even though I personally didn’t know who they were. It’s all that writer’s fault that I fell in love with Calix. If only even 0.1% of Calix was not likable, if only even 0.1% of Calix was not my type…

But what’s the point of thinking about this now? There’s no use crying over spilled milk.

“Laure.”

“Y-Yes…”

Hearing the sweet voice of Calix, I answered a little feebly.

Calix stared at me with his beautiful but sad sapphire eyes. He looked just like a haplessly rain-soaked puppy.

‘Ugh, it’s not good for the heart. If you look at me like this, I’ll have no choice but to give you everything you ask.’

To be honest, when the heroine of the novel ‘Sia’ appears in the future, I was planning on quietly giving the seat next to Calix rightfully to her.

According to the original story, Laure Ecree, who was wrapped up in jealousy, committed all kinds of evil acts, threatened Sia’s life, and ended up being executed.

I didn’t want to die like that. I can’t the blessing of my second life go down the drain just like that.

Though my feelings for Calix were sincere, they weren’t in a deep enough stage that would make it unbearably impossible for us to break up. Fortunately.

If I had loved Calix enough to sacrifice my body and soul for him, like the original Laure, I would definitely suffer.

So, Mr. Male Lead, this beautiful night shall only be left as a pleasant memory.

I smiled softly at Calix.

“Calix, I’m fine. I’m just a little nervous. Y-You know… it’s my first time…”

‘Ah, how embarrassing.’

Looking at my cute blushing face, Calix laughed.

“I’ll be gentle. Laure. I won’t let you get hurt.”

“I, I believe you…”

My voice turned into a hushed whisper towards the end and I could feel the nape of my neck burn. Calix’s hand touched my cheek. I thought his hand would be cold to the touch, but instead his hand felt very, very warm. Thanks to this, my heart pounded even more.

“I like you, Laure.”

“I like you too, Calix.”

‘I know that your heart will change once ‘Sia’ appears.’

However, for the time being I’m grateful that your heart is mine.

Suddenly, tears welled up in my eyes for no reason. I smiled broadly, wiping the water from the corners of my eyes as Calix held me tight.

“Ugh, t-thirsty… water…”

I felt so thirsty as soon as I woke up. I removed the stupid blanket that covered my body and rubbed my half-closed eyes with my hands.

Usually at this point, a maid would bring me water, but I didn’t sense any signs of activity outside my room today.

‘Mmm, why is that so?’ As I opened my eyes questioningly, a glass of water popped out before me.

“Aarck.”

The one who handed me the water was none other than Calix.

‘W-Why is C-Calix here?’ In bewilderment, I blinked my eyes and looked up at him. Calix smiled.

‘Ugh, why are you smiling all of a sudden? That’s bad for my heart!’

“Laure. Good morning.”

“Y-Yes? Ah, Yes…”

‘What, what is it? What the hell happened yesterday? Calix’s mood is very unusual. Something seems peculiar and weird… Ack!’ I suddenly remembered.

I almost dropped the glass of water he gave me. ‘I, I, y-yesterday with Calix… kkaaak!’

I gulped down the water, returned the glass to Calix, and swiftly hid under the blanket.

The memories of last night kept flashing through my mind, so my heart was palpitating and my face began to burn. ‘I’m sure I look like a bright red tomato right now. Ah, it’s embarrassing. Really!’

“Laure.”

Calling my name with a warm, gentle voice, Calix attempted to lift the blanket.

I desperately held the blanket and resisted. ‘N-no! I don’t want you to see my messed-up, ugly face right now.’

However, Calix was much stronger than me. Eventually, the blanket fluttered like a feather and flew over the bed,

“Woaaahh…”

As I was exposed, my body curled up like a defensive armadillo,

And then I realized I wasn’t wearing anything. ‘Aack, I must be crazy!’

“Laure.”

I felt his gown brush against my shoulder. Before long, my body seemed to float, and when I finally came to my senses, I was already in Calix’s arms.

“Ugh,” I let out a groan as I tried to compose myself. Calix was looking down at me from under his nose. ‘Keuk, why do you look so handsome? I think there’s a halo that shines brightly from your back.’

“Is your body feeling okay?”

Calix asked tenderly. I answered with a hushed ‘yes’. He smiled and hugged me, then headed to the bathroom.

“E-Excuse me? Calix?”

“Hmmn, Laure.”

“I, I can wash by myself. This is a little…”

I didn’t know if he intended to help me bathe. Calix put me down in a bathtub full of warm water, and rolled up his sleeves.

As my body flushed red up until the back of my nape, I avoided Calix’s gaze.

‘I’m aware that we’ve already seen everything there is to see with each other’s bodies. Still… this is… quite embarrassing, isn’t it?!’ As I glanced up at Calix timidly, he gave me a benevolent smile, which was as warm as a spring breeze.

“You don’t have to feel burdened. Laure.”

“B-but…”

“We’re getting married soon anyways, aren’t we?”

‘O-Of, of course. But soon, you will fall in love with the heroine, which will then cause you to abandon me.’

‘And once I get overwhelmed with jealousy, I will commit unimaginably evil deeds and inevitably suffer the consequences.’

‘That’s why I’ve been very cautious so far. Fighting my urge to like you…’

“You’ll have to eat more than usual from now on, Laure.”

‘You’re acting so kind like this, that’s why my heart keeps wavering!’

‘Heuk, but what can I do? It’s already like this.’ I placed my head on the surface of the water and turned my face away from Calix. ‘You don’t even know how I feel, you bastard. You future traitor!’

I patted the bath water, splashing it about, and it subsequently bounced in all directions.

I could feel Calix staring at me with a perplexed expression.

At a loss for what to do, Calix stroked my shoulder helplessly.

His hands, that caressed my shoulder, were so soft and tender that tears welled up in the corners of my eyes. ‘Calix, you sinful man!’

In the end, I had no choice but to leave myself to Calix’s care.

‘Ugh, it’s very embarrassing. Even if we’re going to get married, you can’t just give a person a bath?!’

“Our Laure is really just like a little puppy.”

‘Aah… I look like a puppy to you. Is that why you gave me a bath, dressed me, and fed me?!’

‘I have a hand, too. Look, it’s not even a paw, it’s a hand. Callix?’

“Ah… we’re already here.”

As I stared at him, Calix peered out the window and muttered regretfully. Before we knew it, we had already arrived at our house, the Ecree Marquis.

Calix exited the carriage first and assisted me with getting off the carriage.

He hugged me as he lifted me up from the door of the carriage, which almost made the servants-in-waiting die of embarrassment. ‘You, you’re too shameless, aren’t you? You know there are so many eyes watching!’

“Then take care on your way home, Calix.”

“Wait, Laure.”

I said farewell to him and was about to turn around, when Calix grabbed my hand.

‘What is it?’ As I looked up in doubt, he touched my cheek with his fingers. ‘Hmn?’

“Are you not forgetting something?”

“W-What…?”

“The right way to say good-bye between lovers.”

“…..?”

‘What kind of valediction? But I’ve already said my goodbye, right?’ I tilted my head and blinked my eyes.

Calix smiled slightly. ‘D-Don’t suddenly smile like that. My heart is going to drop.’

“N-Not…”

Not outside! I was about to say that but the rest of my words got caught in my throat.

In the blink of an eye, Calix’s lips overlapped with mine and he pressed down so hard that I thought my lips would fall off.

I looked up at Calix with a rubescent face. Calix chuckled, then smiled. It was a breathtakingly handsome smile.

“I hope you’ll say goodbye to me like this from now.”

“I, I beg your pardon?”

Embarrassed by his impudence, I couldn’t refute and just kept my mouth shut.

Calix gently raised me up as he hugged me, then walked me to the main entrance.

“Then make sure to take a good rest today. Laure.”

Calix kissed me on the forehead. Then, he looked up at me with warm eyes that seemed to imply I was very lovely and adorable. I couldn’t bear it and my face heated up.

As if running away, I entered the house and leaned against the closed door while taking a deep breath. My heart was beating erratically, causing my breathing to become ragged.

In my mind, I could see Calix’s handsome face, his golden hair, and his blue eyes that resembled the autumn sky. I could even smell a subtle scent of him.

‘Haa, Calix. You’re really a devilish male lead of that novel.’ I sighed heavily.

11 years of trying not to fall in love with Calix. That long endeavor shouldn’t go in vain, like a bubble disappearing into nothing.

From now on, I should set boundaries and stay away from him. That’s the only way I can survive.

‘If you fall in love with Calix like this, you might become a real villain, just like the original Laure.’

I smiled sadly to myself. Calix is a very attractive man, but the person that should be beside him in the future was not me.

‘That’s why I have no choice but to expunge my feelings little by little.’

I’ve made up my mind.