The morning sun filtered through the lace curtains, casting soft patterns on the walls of my bedroom. I blinked, trying to clear the haze from my mind. Everything felt too real, too vivid. The warmth of the sunlight, the softness of the sheets, and the gentle breeze that carried the scent of roses from the garden below—it was all unmistakably familiar.

I sat up slowly, my heart pounding as I took in the room around me. It was my bedroom—the one from my youth. The blue wallpaper with tiny white flowers, the wooden vanity with its ornate mirror, even the old stuffed bear sitting on the chair by the window. This was impossible. I had died. I remembered it clearly—betrayed, humiliated, and left to suffer alone.

My breath caught in my throat as I rushed to the mirror, my reflection staring back at me with wide, panicked eyes. The face was mine, but much younger, untouched by the bitterness and cruelty that had twisted my features in my previous life. I couldn’t be more than eighteen, the age I was when I first met him—the male lead, Lord Arlen.

My heart pounded painfully in my chest as the reality of the situation sank in. I had been given a second chance—a chance to change everything. But why? Was this some kind of punishment, or was it an opportunity to avoid the tragic fate that had befallen me?

I stumbled back to the bed and sat down heavily, my mind racing. What had gone so wrong in my previous life? I had been consumed by jealousy and resentment, convinced that I was the rightful match for Lord Arlen. I had schemed and plotted to break up his engagement with Lady Seraphina, the story’s heroine. But in the end, my efforts had only led to my downfall.

I closed my eyes, willing myself to stay calm. This time would be different. I had all the knowledge of what was to come, and I wouldn’t let myself be drawn into the same trap. I wouldn’t let myself become the villain again.

A knock on the door startled me from my thoughts. “Miss Livia, are you awake?” came the familiar voice of my maid, Emily.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to respond. “Yes, Emily, I’m awake. You can come in.”

The door creaked open, and Emily entered, carrying a tray with tea and breakfast. She smiled warmly at me as she set the tray down on the small table by the window. “Good morning, Miss Livia. Did you sleep well?”

I nodded, though the truth was far from it. My mind was still reeling, trying to make sense of this second chance. “Yes, thank you.”

Emily began to busy herself with tidying the room, but I could sense her glancing at me with concern. I must have looked as out of sorts as I felt. “Your father has asked to see you after breakfast,” she said, breaking the silence. “He mentioned something about a meeting with Lord Arlen today.”

My heart skipped a beat. So, it was already happening. The first meeting between Lord Arlen and me—the beginning of my downfall in my previous life. I had to avoid this meeting at all costs.

“Emily, do you know why my father wants me to meet Lord Arlen?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Emily paused in her work, looking thoughtful. “I believe he wants to introduce you formally. Lord Arlen is a prominent figure in society, and your father sees this as an important connection.”

Of course. My father was always concerned with making advantageous connections. But this time, I wouldn’t be his pawn. I needed a plan, and I needed it quickly.

“Emily, do you think I could postpone the meeting? I’m feeling a bit unwell today,” I lied, hoping she wouldn’t see through it.

Emily frowned slightly but nodded. “I can inform your father that you’re not feeling well. Perhaps we can reschedule the meeting for another day.”

“Thank you, Emily,” I said, relieved. “That would be helpful.”

As Emily left the room, I felt a small sense of victory. Avoiding the meeting was the first step. But it wasn’t enough to just avoid Lord Arlen; I needed to stay away from him entirely. I had to change the course of my life, and that meant steering clear of anything that would lead me down the path of becoming the villain again.

I stood and walked over to the window, looking out at the garden below. The roses were in full bloom, their petals a vibrant red—a color that reminded me too much of the bloodshed and suffering of my previous life.

This time, I would do things differently. I wouldn’t be driven by jealousy or ambition. I would live quietly, away from the drama and the inevitable tragedy that had once consumed me. I would find a way to avoid Lord Arlen and Lady Seraphina altogether.

But even as I made this resolution, a part of me couldn’t help but feel uneasy. Avoiding Lord Arlen might be more difficult than I anticipated. He was persistent, and once he set his sights on something—or someone—he rarely let it go.

I would have to be careful, and I would have to be smart. I had been given a second chance, and I couldn’t afford to waste it. I couldn’t let myself fall into the same traps, make the same mistakes. I had to find a way to rewrite my story, to carve out a different ending for myself.

As the day wore on, I kept to my room, claiming illness as an excuse to avoid my father and any potential visitors. I needed time to think, to plan my next move.

By evening, I had decided on a course of action. I would do everything in my power to distance myself from Lord Arlen and the events that had led to my demise. I would be polite but distant, friendly but aloof. I would avoid any situations that might draw his attention or provoke his interest.

But as night fell, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this would be easier said than done. The story had already begun, and I was a part of it, whether I liked it or not. Avoiding Lord Arlen might be possible for now, but how long could I keep it up? How long before fate caught up with me?

I lay in bed that night, staring up at the ceiling, the weight of my second chance pressing heavily on my chest. I had a long road ahead of me, filled with uncertainty and danger. But I was determined to see it through.

This time, I would survive. This time, I would find a way to live the life I had always wanted—one free of schemes, betrayal, and heartbreak. I would rewrite my fate, no matter what it took.

But as I drifted off to sleep, one thought lingered in the back of my mind—a nagging worry that refused to be silenced. Could I really change my fate, or was I doomed to repeat the same tragic mistakes, no matter how hard I tried to avoid them?

---

---

The following morning brought with it a fresh wave of determination. I had successfully avoided the meeting with Lord Arlen yesterday, but I knew that my father would not be easily deterred. He was a man of firm resolve, and avoiding his plans for me would be a challenge.

As I dressed in a modest green gown, the very image of simplicity, I reflected on the upcoming days. I needed to find a way to make my absence from social functions seem reasonable and not draw undue attention. If I could maintain a semblance of normalcy while subtly steering clear of Lord Arlen, I might have a chance at crafting a different future for myself.

Emily helped me with my hair, arranging the loose curls in a simple style that matched my modest attire. Her eyes held a mixture of curiosity and concern, and I could sense her worry. “Miss Livia, are you sure you’re feeling well enough today? Your father mentioned he’d like to see you, but perhaps you should rest a bit longer.”

“I’m quite well, Emily,” I assured her, forcing a smile. “Just a minor indisposition yesterday. I’m ready to face the day.”

Emily’s expression softened, but she still looked unsure. “Very well, Miss Livia. I’ll let your father know you’re ready.”

As I made my way downstairs, the familiar scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air. The kitchen staff was bustling about, preparing breakfast. I greeted them with a nod, feeling a pang of nostalgia for the life I was trying to change.

My father was already seated at the dining table, poring over some papers. He looked up as I entered, his stern expression softening slightly. “Ah, Livia, there you are. I trust you’re feeling better today?”

“Yes, Father,” I replied, taking a seat across from him. “I’m ready to get back to my usual routine.”

My father nodded approvingly. “Good. I was hoping we could discuss the upcoming social events. There are several opportunities for you to make important connections, and I want to ensure you’re prepared.”

I managed to keep my expression neutral, though I felt a twinge of anxiety. The social events were where I would be most vulnerable, where I would risk encountering Lord Arlen again. “Of course, Father. I’m ready to contribute.”

“Excellent,” he said, pushing a stack of papers toward me. “Here’s a list of the upcoming events and gatherings. I expect you to attend and make the most of these opportunities. Lord Arlen is a prominent figure, and I want to see you engage with him.”

My heart sank. It was clear that my father had not given up on introducing me to Lord Arlen. Avoiding him would be even more difficult now that it was a matter of family expectations.

“I understand, Father,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ll do my best.”

After breakfast, I retired to the sitting room to review the list of events. Each entry seemed to loom over me like a looming shadow. The more I examined the list, the more it became clear that avoiding Lord Arlen would require careful planning.

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. Emily entered, her face pale and her eyes wide with concern. “Miss Livia, there’s someone here to see you. It’s—Lord Arlen.”

My heart skipped a beat. “What? How did he know I was here?”

Emily shook her head. “I’m not sure, but he’s insistent on speaking with you.”

I felt a wave of panic rise within me. This was not how I had planned to handle this situation. I needed to maintain my distance, not have an impromptu encounter with him.

“Please, Emily, tell him I’m not feeling well and that I’m unavailable,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm.

Emily hesitated but nodded and left the room to deliver the message. I paced nervously, trying to calm my racing thoughts. If Lord Arlen was here, there was no telling what he might want or how he might react to my absence.

A few moments later, Emily returned, her face still troubled. “Miss Livia, Lord Arlen insists on seeing you. He says it’s a matter of urgency and won’t leave until he speaks with you.”

I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach. There was no avoiding it. I had to face him, even though every instinct in me wanted to run.

“Very well,” I said, steeling myself. “Show him in.”

Emily nodded and stepped aside to allow Lord Arlen into the room. He entered with the same confident stride that I remembered from my previous life, his presence commanding attention. He was dressed impeccably, his dark hair neatly styled, and his eyes—those piercing eyes—seemed to search me out with a mixture of curiosity and determination.

“Lady Livia,” he said, his voice smooth and polite, though there was an underlying intensity that I couldn’t ignore. “I hope I’m not intruding.”

I forced a polite smile, standing to greet him. “Not at all, Lord Arlen. Please, have a seat.”

He settled into a chair across from me, his gaze never leaving my face. “I came to see how you’re feeling. I heard you were unwell yesterday.”

“I’m quite better now, thank you,” I replied, trying to sound as neutral as possible. “I apologize for any inconvenience my absence may have caused.”

Lord Arlen inclined his head, though his eyes remained sharp. “No inconvenience at all. I was concerned for your health. I understand that you were feeling unwell, but I wanted to make sure everything was alright.”

The conversation was polite but strained. I could sense that he was not merely making a social call. There was a purpose to his visit, something I couldn’t quite decipher.

“I appreciate your concern,” I said, forcing myself to maintain eye contact. “It’s kind of you to check on me.”

He smiled slightly, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Of course. I believe we haven’t had the chance to properly introduce ourselves. Perhaps we could arrange a time to meet in a more formal setting.”

I tried to keep my voice steady, though my heart was racing. “I’m sure that can be arranged, Lord Arlen. I’m sure my father would be delighted to coordinate a meeting.”

Lord Arlen nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I look forward to it. It’s important to me to make connections with people who are significant in society. And I believe you’re someone I would like to know better.”

I swallowed hard, trying to suppress the unease that had settled in my stomach. This was not going according to plan. Every word he spoke seemed to further entangle me in the very web I had hoped to avoid.

As the conversation continued, I struggled to keep my composure, focusing on maintaining the polite distance I had planned. But the more Lord Arlen spoke, the more it became clear that my attempts to avoid him were only making him more determined.

Finally, the visit ended, and Lord Arlen took his leave, promising to arrange a more formal meeting in the near future. As the door closed behind him, I sank into a chair, feeling the weight of the encounter settle heavily on my shoulders.

I had hoped to avoid this, to keep my distance from him and protect myself from the fate I had once known. But now, it seemed that fate was closing in on me once again.

I needed to rethink my strategy. Avoiding Lord Arlen was proving to be far more difficult than I had anticipated. And with each passing moment, it seemed like the web of destiny was drawing tighter around me, threatening to ensnare me once again.

---

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The morning after Lord Arlen's unexpected visit was marked by a storm of thoughts. I couldn’t shake the feeling that my plan to avoid him was unraveling faster than I could manage. Despite my efforts to keep a low profile, it seemed that fate—or perhaps destiny—was determined to entangle me further.

As I prepared for the day, Emily’s presence was more anxious than usual. “Miss Livia, your father has requested your presence in the study,” she said, her brow creased with concern. “I hope it’s nothing serious.”

I nodded, though my heart sank. My father’s summons often meant difficult conversations or unexpected decisions. Today, however, I had to face whatever awaited me with a brave face.

“Very well, Emily. I’ll go immediately,” I replied, trying to sound composed.

The study was a room of solemnity and authority, with dark wooden shelves lined with books and documents. My father sat behind his large mahogany desk, his face stern and thoughtful as he reviewed several papers. The air was thick with the smell of old parchment and polished wood.

“Good morning, Livia,” he said without looking up. “Please, take a seat.”

I sat down, trying to keep my anxiety in check. “Good morning, Father.”

He finally looked up, his expression softening slightly. “I wanted to discuss your recent interactions with Lord Arlen.”

My stomach dropped. I had hoped that avoiding the meeting would be enough to divert my father’s attention, but clearly, it had not gone unnoticed. “What about them?”

“I’m pleased to see that you’ve made an effort to engage with him,” my father said. “It’s important to build relationships with key figures. Lord Arlen is an influential person, and his interest in you could be beneficial.”

I forced a smile, though my mind raced with unease. “Yes, Father. I understand.”

My father continued, “I’ve arranged for you to attend a gathering this evening where Lord Arlen will be present. It’s an opportunity to strengthen your acquaintance.”

My heart sank. It was clear that my father’s expectations were high. Attending the event would be a challenge, especially if I wanted to avoid any further involvement with Lord Arlen.

“I’ll be there,” I said, resigning myself to the reality of the situation. “Is there anything specific you’d like me to do?”

My father’s gaze was approving. “Just be yourself and make a positive impression. Show that you’re someone of worth and interest. I trust you’ll handle it well.”

After the meeting with my father, I had the entire day to prepare for the evening’s gathering. I spent the time in my room, pacing and strategizing. How could I navigate this event without falling into the same traps as before?

As evening approached, Emily helped me with my attire. I chose a soft lavender gown that was elegant but understated. It was important to look presentable without drawing too much attention. Emily worked deftly to style my hair, and I looked at my reflection, trying to muster a sense of calm.

“Miss Livia, you look lovely,” Emily said, her voice filled with encouragement. “Just remember to be polite and composed.”

“Thank you, Emily,” I said, giving her a reassuring smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The carriage ride to the event was a tense affair. The streets were alive with people, and the lights of the city created a vibrant, if somewhat overwhelming, atmosphere. I arrived at the grand estate where the gathering was being held, and the sight of the elaborate decorations and bustling guests only heightened my anxiety.

Inside, the ballroom was a vision of opulence. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the elegantly dressed guests, and the soft strains of a string quartet played in the background. I took a deep breath, reminding myself to stay focused and composed.

As I made my way through the room, exchanging polite pleasantries with acquaintances, I felt a familiar sense of unease. My father had already introduced me to several prominent figures, but the looming presence of Lord Arlen was a constant reminder of the challenge ahead.

Just as I was beginning to feel overwhelmed, I spotted Lord Arlen across the room. He was engaged in conversation with a group of men, his posture relaxed yet commanding. His eyes scanned the room, and I could feel his gaze land on me. My heart skipped a beat as he excused himself and began to make his way toward me.

I tried to compose myself, forcing a polite smile as he approached. “Lady Livia, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” he said, his voice smooth and warm. “I trust you’re feeling better?”

“Much better, thank you,” I replied, trying to sound casual. “It’s a lovely event.”

Lord Arlen’s smile widened slightly. “I’m glad you could make it. May I have the honor of escorting you to the refreshments?”

Before I could respond, a hand gently touched my arm. I turned to see a young woman with striking features and a confident smile. “Excuse me, Lord Arlen. I believe Lady Livia and I have much to discuss.”

Lord Arlen’s gaze shifted to the young woman, and he nodded. “Of course, Lady Eliza. I’ll leave you to it.”

With that, he gave me a polite nod and moved away, leaving me with the unexpected newcomer. I looked at Lady Eliza with a mix of curiosity and relief.

“Lady Eliza,” I said, trying to mask my surprise. “Thank you for your timely intervention.”

She smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I noticed you seemed a bit overwhelmed. Lord Arlen is quite persistent, isn’t he?”

I nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude. “Yes, he is. I didn’t expect him to be so… attentive.”

Lady Eliza laughed softly. “He has a reputation for being relentless. But don’t worry; I’m here to help. My name is Eliza Hargrove. I’ve heard quite a bit about you.”

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “About me? I’m not sure I understand.”

Eliza’s expression turned serious. “I’ve seen how you’ve been handling yourself lately. It’s not easy, navigating the social circles and dealing with people like Lord Arlen. I can offer you some advice, if you’re interested.”

I hesitated, but Eliza’s sincerity was apparent. “I’d appreciate any help you can offer.”

She nodded, guiding me to a quieter corner of the room. “Firstly, you should know that Lord Arlen is not someone you want to cross. He’s influential and has a way of getting what he wants. But he’s also a man of principle, so if you can appeal to his sense of honor, you might find some relief.”

“That’s good to know,” I said, feeling more at ease with each word. “What else?”

Eliza’s smile grew. “Secondly, don’t be afraid to seek alliances. Friends in high places can be invaluable, especially when dealing with someone like Arlen. I can introduce you to a few people who might be able to offer support.”

The conversation continued, and I found myself growing more comfortable with Lady Eliza. Her insights were practical, and her presence was a welcome distraction from the looming threat of Lord Arlen.

As the evening progressed, I found myself more at ease, thanks in large part to Eliza’s guidance. When the time came to leave, I felt a sense of cautious optimism. I had faced Lord Arlen, navigated the social maze, and even made a potential ally.

Eliza’s final words as we parted ways were reassuring. “Remember, Lady Livia, you don’t have to face this alone. There are people who can help you, and I’m one of them.”

I nodded, feeling a spark of hope. For the first time since my rebirth, I felt like I might be able to navigate this treacherous path. It wouldn’t be easy, but with the right allies and a strategic approach, I might just be able to rewrite my fate.

As I made my way back home, I reflected on the evening’s events. The road ahead was still fraught with challenges, but I was no longer facing it entirely alone. With newfound confidence and a supportive ally in Lady Eliza, I was ready to face whatever came next.

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