My life is not perfectly made by God, but I am contented to what I have, I was the role model in our university, the professors continuously praised me for being a hard-working student, and yet there are still some students that gets easily be jealous of me and easily judged me.

But I don't care about that, as long as I have the two most important people in my life, my boyfriend, Nathan and my bestfriend, Rachel . Both of me and Rachel grew up in the same orphanage. We both don't have parents, the only person that took care of us was Sister Angelina, we may don't have any blood-related but we treat ourselves like sisters and the rest of the children at the orphanage.

And at the time I turned 18 years old, I worked hard for myself, I applied for too many jobs to support myself and my finances, I even worked at night. There were even times that I feel depressed and alone, then I met Nathan, the man that gave me hope and love, we spend our time together going to amusement parks or watch movie at the cinema. Him and I went to the same university, because we promised that we will work hard for our future, but that promise never happened. He met Rachel a year after she transferred to our university, the three of us spend most of the time at the cafe shop that I love the most and my boyfriend, nathan, brought me there to spend some quality time together. Whenever we planned to go on a date, Rachel always wants to come along, I thought that she was just lonely and sad, so I let her come with us, without any ill-intention.

After a year, I heard rumors about my boyfriend and rachel that they were seen on a place that is secluded, and yet I turned blind-eye on that rumors, I believe that they won't do something that will hurt me, for they, are the most important people in my life. Then one day, I caught them red-handed, I went to Nathan's apartment for he was sick, I didn't told him that I was coming just to suprised him a little bit, turns out I was the one that was suprised, Rachel was already at the top of Nathan doing the things that only couples or married couples should do, Unbelievable, my heart broke into pieces, they immediately saw me and tried to explain to me everything, the two most important people in my life deceived me and cheated on me, I was hurt, I was in pain, I couldn't breathe, the man who I should spend the rest of my life is the very man that gave me the most painful thing in my whole life. Tears are over flowing so, I ran outside of the apartment while crying. They pull the rug out from under someone, I stayed at my apartment, drinking and drinking, until I went at the university to submit a file for absence. Students were asking me if I'm alright, but I don't know what are they talking about, until I bumped 'them', Rachel was entangled at Nathan's arm, I felt what I felt like last time when I was at Nathan's apartment, so I ran off and go back to my poor and shabby apartment.

I bought alcohol bottles and stayed up all night in playing an Otome game that I downloaded in my cellphone and somehow to forget the pain that they gave me, this game called "Adelia" the female lead's name, and my role here is the Villainess which is "Selena" that I must protect or keep her away from being killed by the crown prince. Selena was jealous from Adelia for she was the one that loved by everyone, she was kind, pure, and soft-hearted person unlike the villainess, she is the exact opposite of the female lead. Selena, she is a very greedy lady, she love to bully and discriminate people, she is evil and have a bad-tempered personality which makes her hate by everyone, she will do anything to get the attention of the crown prince, for she is really inlove with him However, I thought of her was, she is only lonely, she wants love and nobody could give her that because they were focused on the female lead. I hope that I could be there for her to help her. That's why, I spend all night playing the game.

Still, no matter what I do to prevent the villainess to get killed, she eventually die in the hands of the crown prince, which is her fiancé that grows in love for the female lead. That night, whenever Selena gets killed I cried countless times then I eventually fell asleep, strange, when I closed my eyes I feel like so heavy on my chest was this because I felt so bad for Selena or was it because of 'them', but I don't want to think about that I just want to sleep and my vision turns into pitch black.

I opened my eyes with very light feeling, I feel refreshed! as if I didn't cried so hard last night, but then I noticed a very unfamiliar place, a room that is filled with beautiful furnitures, and things that looks so expensive at first I thought that I was dreaming or something but, someone knocked at the door and went inside then said;

"G-g-good morning, Milady"

Milady what? I asked her what is she talking about and suprisingly she flinched even I didn't do anything to make her scared like that, then I thought something is strange, I looked for the mirror and when I found one, I looked at myself and screamed from the bottom of my lungs, this is not me! This is not me! This is not me! I was in the body of Selena, The Villainess from the otome game, "Adelia" , I knew that she is Selena because she has Fair skin, petite face, slender body , long smooth purple hair and beautiful amethyst gem color of the eyes! There'a no doubt about it, I am Selena! what on earth happened to me?! Why am I inside the otome game?!

Can someone explain to me what really is going on?!

Let's think of this straight, I am Katrina, a college student at F University and one day I found out my boyfriend, no wait, EX!- boyfriend and my EX!- bestfriend cheated on me. Then that following night, I drunk myself into alcohol and played an otome game that I downloaded on my cellphone, then I fell asleep and here I am! Is this a joke?! or Is this one of those tv shows that I watched that they pranking someone? prank or not, by the looks of it, it is certainly looks so real, I am looking at myself at the mirror and I couldn't find the right words to say, the only thing I know is that...I am dead-drop beautiful! Fair white smooth skin as white as snow, pink and soft lips like the color of pink rose, long and smooth violet hair and it even sparkles when it touches the ray of sun, and the eyes that resembles the jewel of Amethyst! How in the world does this kind of girl exist?!

Anyways, There's no doubt about it, this is the Villainess from the Otome game that I was playing last night! it is Selena!. How did I end up being Selena? and where is this place? is this her bedroom? while I was looking around the room, I noticed the girl with short hazelnut colored hair, freckles on her face and she's wearing a long black like a gown with a long sleeves and with white apron at the top of it. This kind of clothes that I usually saw on the internet, like those 18th or 19th certury Victorian era. While I was looking at her, her face is turning pale, if I move a little she will suddenly be suprised or the right word is scared? I don't even know her name, in the game, her name was only categorize as maid and she is definitely the maid of Selena.

"M-m-m-milady, do-d-do you still feel sick?" Wow, she stuttered too much.

"What happened to me?" I should probably ask that because I wasn't really sure what is going on, I just woke up and found myself in the bed.

"M-m-m-Milady, do you have amesia?! Oh no! we have to call the physician!"

"Wait! I, I am perfectly fine, I just want to know what happened to me, I can't seem to remember what happened yesterday, so could you please tell me?" After what I just said, her mouth was wide opened enough to a fly to enter her big mouth, I don't know what is happening to her exactly.

"Milady, two days ago you went outside of the estate even there was a strong heavy rain, we tried to stopped you, still you insist."

Heavy rain? wait, don't tell me this is where...

"That's why Me and Sir Jonathan came along with you Milady, because we cannot allow you to go outside without someone escorting you it is too dangerous for a lady to go outside especially on the night. Milady, you went to the Etoile Water Fountain."

"Etoile Water Fountain...?"

"Yes, Milady. You stand and stayed there for too long, then we invite you to go home, still you insisted to stay and let us be on our way, but we cannot leave you there alone, then all of a sudden you collapsed and you caught a high fever for staying too long under the cold and heavy rain, we immediately took you home if not, we do not know what will happen to you, Milady." Her hands were shaking and she is crying, just for Selena. I turned my gaze into the other direction and think that I know the fact that Selena is evil and do bad things not just the noble ladies but also to her maids and the employees of this estate, though, even Selena thw fact that she hurts her and humiliated her numerous times, she stayed with her and continues to serve her. Selena don't deserve her and I don't think do I.

But, wait, by the scenario she said, I remember this scene , wasn't the crown prince sent a letter to Selena telling her to meet him at the fountain for the reason that there is something important they should talk about? In th end, no crown prince appear. How stupid Selena is, I mean, she easily believed the words in that damn letter of the crown prince! and that crown prince, how could he! even though that he is the crown prince, how could he do that on someone that loves him?! he could just said he didn't like her, instead he let her drenched under the strong rain and got her sick! Wait a minute, if Selena is sick for two days straight that's means she possibly died due to her fever! Then, I, I am probably dead as well. Come to think of it, before I fell asleep, I felt that my heart is so heavy and my breathing was turning thinner and thinner. In conclusion;

"I was reborn as the Villainess"

"What Milady?" I was suprised, I spoke my words too loud. Anyway, I have to change my clothes and write down the things that will soon to happen to Selena, no, to me.

"Uhmm~ Sorry for asking, I don't remember your name, could you tell me your name?"

"M-Milady, i-i-it is Flora, your personal maid." Her name was Flora, huh.

"Okay, nice to meet you once again, Flora, before anything else, I would like to apologize I know that I was being so mean to you and did alot of bad things to you, I hope you could forgive me." I gently smiled at her and suddenly she cried so hard to the point her legs gave out, I was shocked to what she did all I could say that is thank goodness we were alone in this room or else people would think that I bully her again.

"M-M-Milady! you don't have to apologize to your humble servant! instead I was the who should apologize to you for disobeying your order, but milady's health is our top priority and thank God for keeping you alive and healthy again." She cried and cried to her hearts content, but hearing her saying that words, I feel somehow relieved that there is someone here who really cares for me, but her words were not meant for me, but to Selena. After she cried so hard, in the result of that her eyes were so puffy, so cute. She helped me in wearing Selena's dresses, to be honest, I am not use to it, this heavy garments and layers, it's too hot in the inside, but I have to endure it, for the image of Selena and I.

I asked Flora to get me a piece of paper and pen, then she gave me a feather pen with purple color on it. I sat on the chair and place the paper on the table and start to remember the episodes that will happen in the game called "Adelia" that was the female lead's name, fair skin, red lips , long and silk blonde hair and eyes were crystal blue and face of an angel. Selena and the Crown prince were engaged at the young age by the emperor and her father, she constantly followed the prince wherever he goes because she loves him more than anything but, the crown prince didn't return the feelings from Selena, he didn't give care for her, he let's her do what she wants to do even letting her bully and humiliate other noble ladies, that was until he met Adelia at the banquet that both he and Selena attended. When the eyes of the crown prince and Adelia met, he immediately fell inlove with her, Selena saw how her fiance looks at Adelia and right that instant she remembered that her wish for how many years, that someday the prince could also look at her that way and someday the prince will love her as the way she loves him. But, that was merely a wish from a star, jealousy grews inside the heart of Selena. Adelia was bullied by Selena for numerous times, She splashed a tea on Adelia's face, she humiliated her infront of the people and spreading rumors on how vicious and pretentious lady Adelia is, however people thinks that Selena was already too much for her doings, people started to get angry at her and started to not to believe in her, Selena was left alone and no one was there for her anymore.

One day, on a tea party, there was an accident where ladies blamed Selena for hurting Adelia's hand, I couldn't seemed to remember how did Adelia's hand got hurt, all I could remember that they blamed Selena, and Selena denied that she hurt Adelia, the news got all over noble society and reached the ears of the prince. They even said that Adelia got sick due to what happened, The prince rushed to where Adelia is he was worried then got furiously angry at Selena. The following day, the prince immediately ordered to annulled the engagement with Selena, on the other hand, Selena didn't know what is happening, she was in her room all day because she was sick. News only got to Selena the next day, on that very day the engagement ceremony between Adelia and the Crown prince were held at the Imperial Palace, unlike the engagement of Selena and Crown prince, there were no ceremony was held. However, a very unexpected event happen on the ceremony, there assassination occur, where their target to kill was Adelia, but the prince protected her and the other men that were secretly inlove with Adelia.

After the unfortunate event that happened, one of the assassin that kept alive to tell the truth, he said that they were instructed by a noble lady named Selena to kill Adelia, however no matter what, they believed what the assassin said. The prince can't control his anger, rushed to Selena's estate. That day was raining so hard, as if the sky were crying along with Selena, thunders were loud and scary as the heart of Selena were trembling and sad then suddenly her doors was opened, it was the prince, Selena's face was lighten a bit, she thought that her beloved prince get back into her side once again, but that was the opposite of it, he did returned, but to not love Selena, he returned to kill her. The prince draws his sword and pierced Selena to her chest, blood flows downs like a river on the floor, the rain got even more heavier and thunders were uproar. Before Selena died, she whispered to the ears of the prince, that were her final words "I love you, I hope you'll be happy"

"She loved him until her final breath, to think that will happen to me as well!"

"Milady, what's wrong?" I was carried away by my emotions, I totally forgot that Flora is still here.

"A-Ahem! I was just talking to myself, hehe"

I looked at the paper and think that this will be Selena's supposedly said fate, which is to die, at the hands of her beloved fiance. But~ I am not Selena, this is maybe her body, but I was given already a second chance to live again, so I will not going to waste this opportunity to live a happy life. First things first, I have to avoid the engagement with the prince, because that's where it all started! As far as I remember, the prince and Selena were already engaged at young age, but I am not certain what exact age did they got engaged, hmm, did I miss something?

"Milady, let me remind you for tomorrow meeting with the Emperor together with your father, The duke."

"What? what for?"

"Milady, did you forgot? tomorrow will be your engagement discussion with the crown prince together with the Emperor and your father."

Wait, what?...! WHAT?! ENGAGEMENT WITH WHOM?! ME?! Was I miss something? how come it will happen very fast?! I was just started to plan but to happen it by tomorrow! I am not yet prepared! Was there no escape from the damn fate?! Am I really going to die?! No! wait, I have to think fast, I have to give them a solid reason why I want to annulled the engagement between me and the prince!

"Milady, are you alright? your face is really pale, do I need to call the physician?"

"N-no, no, I'm fine I was just thinking, don't worry about it." Thinking how escape this damn fate, yeah. I have no time to waste.

"I bet you are already excited for tomorrow, Milady! you'll be engaged to the no other than the crown prince! How romantic!"

Romantic, my foot! he didn't care nor love Selena, so why would I even care about him? he swings his sword and pointed it to the woman that only did was to love him, then in just blink of an eye, he killed her! just thinking about it, instead to feel romantic what I really feel is scared, it is a nightmare for me.

**knock**knock**knock**

Someone knocked on my door and when Flora opens it, it was the head butler, Sebastian. He sometimes served Selena her food when she was in probation by the duke.

"It's good to see you, Milady, so well and healthy. Forgive me for disturbing your rest, but the duke wants to speak for you at the moment."

The duke, in the game, I remembered that the duke, Selena's father, was very strict on her, for she was the only child of the duke after his wife and mother of Selena passed away when she was merely a four years old. Due to strictness of the duke, Selena grew rebellious, but that was the opposite of it. After the Duke's wife passed away, he works day and night and didn't have that much time to be with daughter that's why they grew apart from each other. Well, each person has a reason, but whatever reason that is it is not valid to left his daughter alone, I mean what kind of parenting is that?! Unlike me, I grew up on the orphanage and didn't knew who are my parents are, but Selena she still has her father, but her father left her alone! thinking about it really makes my blood boiled. Whatever! As if I was the one to talk, I never know the reason from my parents why they abandoned me, maybe Selena's father is different.

"I'll follow you, head butler." I followed the head butler to the Duke's office, when we the the place, he opened it and there was the duke sitting on his chair and doing his loaded of works, but he stopped when I came in.

"You wish to speak to me, father?" For a moment, I saw his face was a bit suprised when I said the word "father" , on the game Selena didn't call the duke father instead she calls him "your excellency" what a father-and-daughter problem.

"A-ahem! Are you prepared for tomorrow? I hope you are , because we will in the presence of the Emperor and the crown prince"

"I am aware of that, father."

"I hope you won't do unnecessary action while we are infront of them."

"Yes, of course Father." Well, sorry duke, Cross-finger on that, you'll be thanking me afterwards anyway because what I am about to do tomorrow will save your one and only daughter, so advance sorry.

"You may go now." I bowed at the duke and turned around, when I was about to open the door, he suddenly called me.

"Selena."

"Yes Father?" I looked at him and he nervously looked at me in the eyes, this man, don't tell me, he doesn't know how to interact with his daughter?!

"I-I, This is the first time you called me 'father' again after your mother died, so I ah..." You want me to call you 'father' from now on, this man and Selena are both lonely, were only waiting for each other to whomever will be the one that will approach them, bur seriously talking about pride they are really father and daughter on that. How funny. But this is not bad at all, I kinda like it.

"Father, see you tomorrow" I smiled at the duke and leave the room, outside of it was Sebastian was holding his handkerchief and wiping his tears, I was a bit shocked to see him crying.

"S-Sebastian? are you alright?" he suddenly face me and puts his face closely to mine.

"Milady, I am just so happy for you, the duke is certainly feel so happy when you called him "father" awhile ago. The duke may not know how to express his feeling but I bet he feels so happy too as well the late madam." I think he's exaggerating things too much, Well, he is not wrong at all, I mean, this should be one of the things I should do, to fix the relationship of the duke and Selena and to change the image of Selena with the eyes of the people. Of course, my top priority is to avoid the engagement with the crown prince, I'm sorry Selena, but I have to do this, I know that you loved the prince, but I want to live and in order to achieve that I have to do what I have to do.

...****************...

...TO BE CONTINUED...

...****************...

An otome game played by many, Selena, the Villainess from the game named "Adelia" the heroine. This Otome game is not the typical otome game that you have to save the heroine and make the male lead fall in love and it's perfectly made happy ending, no! it's not! this game is made to save the Villainess from being the villain of the story. Yes, you read it right, this game is to save Selena from being the villain of the game, however saving villains wasn't easy as you think it is, on this game, Selena became villainess because of reasons, first that because she is jealous of the heroine, second she wants everyone to love her as they love the heroine, third she wants to have a perfect life with her beloved and last but not the least, she wants the prince to fall in love with her.

Well, the problem is that the prince didn't pay attention to Selena that much or should I say he didn't like Selena at all!!!, everything that Selena does, he doesn't care. Selena did everything to make the prince notice how she loves him, but still, it wasn't enough. The next thing Selena heard a strange rumor that there is someone that catches the attention of the prince, a strange lady who came from afar place and met at the banquet then just fell in love. It said that the strange lady that the prince met at the banquet is no other than the heroine, Adelia.

Selena saw how everybody easily gave love and care for Adelia, that love and care was the long wish of Selena for herself that was easily snatched by an unknown lady from a faraway place, her anger, jealousy, and frustration grew inside her which results in hatred, cold eyes, harsh judgment and silent treatment from everyone and also results to revoked the engagement between her and the prince. Selena already suffered from loss, she couldn't bring herself out of her room and just threw her tantrums by throwing things and hurting the maids, she feels betrayed by those people. Until one day, the prince run to their estate and slammed her door, Selena thought that her prince realized that she was the one that he truly loves, but that is false imagination, the prince drew his sword and pointed it to Selena's heart. Selena was shocked and that made her open her eyes to the reality that the prince she loves will never love her the way she loves him, so she closes her eyes and accepted her fate, the prince slashed his sword at Selena which results in blood flowing down to Selena's cold body and she was falling then said her final words to the prince "I love you, I hope you'll be happy."

Until her last breath, she has nothing to wish for but the prince to be happy, all that Selena did was love someone that her love was given to someone who doesn't deserve her. Her life and Life of Katrina, a college student from F University, died from drinking too much alcohol and heartbroken. Her life is not perfect but she did everything to survive, she did what she could do. until one day her trusted friend and beloved boyfriend betrayed her. She caught them red-handed. Katrina locked herself in her room drinking alcohol and just playing the otome game she downloaded. The moon was bright and stars are hiding behind the clouds. Katrina closed her eyes for she felt so heavy and the moment she opened her eyes she is no longer Katrina she knows, she is already Selena the villainess in the otome game she's playing.

SELENA' POV

"Ahhhh~" Tomorrow will be the day. Tomorrow I will meet the prince and I will do my very best to make the emperor realize that I and the prince are not meant for each other, I have to save myself from the cruel fate and live my life to the fullest, before that, first thing first I have to do my part. I have to think of some reason to prevent this arrange marriage.

"Flora."

"eek! y-yes milady?" I forgot that Flora is still scared of me, well I won't blame her for that, but I am not the Selena that she knows. I need to gain the trust of the employees here at the manor.

"you don't have to be afraid. I won't do anything that will hurt you. If I did, no! I hurt you before and I am very sorry, it won't happen again." I bowed my head to plead for forgiveness. The moment that I did that she freaked out and told me to stop bowing at her for she doesn't deserve to be bowed down to someone like me. In this game, if you are lower in rank you supposedly lower your head to those people who hold higher titles in nobility. I don't have any title in my name yet, although I am recognized as the daughter of a duke, which means I have the same power and must as a duke. Which I feel a burden for some reason.

"Mi-Milady you don't have to do that to someone like me, I am just your maid and I should be the one who should plead for forgiveness for I didn't take care of your health. I am sorry milady." I looked at her and she lowered her head, I laugh, not because I am laughing at her but I laugh at both of us, I told her that we should stop apologizing to each other because if we don't we will be apologizing to each other nonstop.

"Anyway, Flora can I ask you something?"

"Sure, Milady."

"I would like to know where is the library here or are there any books stored in this house?" She looked at me with disbelief, I wonder what is wrong with my question.

"Mi-mi-milady!!! are you perhaps ill? do-do-do you want me to call for the physician? "

"Huh? wait what?"

"Milady, do you feel anything hurt with your body?"

"Flora, I am perfectly fine, after that occurrence, I just want to change myself for the better."

"For the prince?"

"No, for myself. I will not let this engagement happen."

"Wh-what do you mean milady?"

"I am not going to engage to the prince."

Flora's face turns pale as if her soul already left her body.

"hey, flora are you okay?"

"Milady! I thought you love the prince? then why all of a sudden?"

"I just realized something after that incident. And I am not worthy to be the prince's fiancé, there is still someone out there who is more worthy and reliable to be at the side of a prince and that is not me. Yes, I do love the prince however that was before, not anymore. So did I answer already your questions? should you lead the way to where is the library, please Flora? " I smiled and Flora stops asking questions, well there's nothing wrong with what I just said, I am not madly in love with the prince, that was Selena. While walking in the hallway it is somehow familiar to me, maybe because this body belongs to her.

While I was in deep thought inside of the library, searching for something that might help with my situation or just get some clues on what this place is, I don't want to embarrass myself in the public. While I was scouring I found the family tree of Selena, at the game, it did mention that she has an older brother and Selena was only 15 years of age right now and still currently attending the Academy, although due to what happened she temporarily stays here at the manor, as far as I know, Selena's brother is at the academy as well, still finishing his studies for he will be the next duke of this house. Well, the good thing is that in this place is, ladies are allowed to go to school, nobles or not. In my previous life, I did read that in somewhat era said that ladies are only allowed to study arts and embroidery in preparation for looking for the perfect husband for them, unlike if you are born a boy you have the right to go to the academy.

Another thing about her brother is that they don't have much interaction with each other. I was trying to look at Selena's memory but it doesn't seem to have much memory of her brother rather than I guess they hate each other. Well, Selena's mom passed away after few days of giving birth to her, maybe her brother resent his little sister for killing his mother. I guess the best way to not be involved in a mess, is to avoid the brother. Right!

"Milady." Flora broke the silence in the library.

"what is it, flora?" I asked.

"Milady, if you don't mind asking again, are you planning on rejecting the marriage between you and the crown prince?"

"Yes. Yes, I am." I confidently said. Then Flora freaked out as if her soul left her body, her mouth is wide open, enough to a fly flies in.

"Flora, close your mouth. You're losing your composure." I giggled.

"But Milady, why?! I mean that is the crown prince!" I interrupted Flora before she says anything.

"Exactly! He is the crown prince, the next to the throne, the emperor of this people, the sun of the people, and the man of all. And I? A lady who is not worthy to be his empress, not worthy to be called the mother of the people." I guess I may be sound too depressing on that. I looked at Flora then she started again to cry.

"Milady~ why do you so mean to yourself? You are worthy of all ladies and other nobles! you are so beautiful, you are elegant you are what people should have! you are worthy to be at the side of the prince!" I admire Flora's determination and love for me but it is what it is.

"A lady, that hurt a lot of people and even you. It is alright Flora, I am fine to not be engaged to the prince. And please Flora, don't tell father what we talked about." At first, she hesitates but I eagerly told her to keep it a secret between us. I was looking at the window, I didn't know that I took too much of my time here at the library. The sun is about to rest and the moon will soon show up, the sunset was colorfully beautiful with its bright orange, the clouds are moving steadily, the birds are flying towards their homes and chirping. I wonder what future awaits for me here, now that I am Selena? I sighed and slap my both cheeks with my both left and right hand which brings Flora into distress again. I did that to remind myself, I will die if don't do this.

"Milady, if you want someone to slap, I am here." I know that Flora is a kind of aloof girl but I didn't know that she is a masochist. On the way back to my room, we bumped into other employees and they seem to be scared of me, but I smiled at them and they were shocked and like what happened to Flora, their souls have nearly left them and flies tries to fly inside their mouths then they immediately left or should I say they save their lives away from me. I stopped and sighed then Flora walks in front of me.

"Milady, is there something wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing. Let's go back to my room, I am tired." Whatever happened I will save my *** away from this engagement and be happy for my life. The next day, the usual, Flora wakes me up, I ate breakfast, I wash up then I dress up. The butler came to my room and said that the duke, my father will be waiting for me outside, I am trying to calm myself while Flora is shaking her hands and crying AGAIN!

"Flora, you are making me nervous. Stop crying, I am not yet dead."

"MILADY! Don't say such words! you are not going to die! I indeed want to milady to marry the prince but I also want you to have happiness, and if you said that you don't want to marry the prince, I still follow you wherever you go." She said it so seriously while crying so hard to make her snot dripped and she wiping it using her white apron. I patted her head and said nothing, I went downstairs, when the door opened the duke was waiting outside of the carriage when I was about to ride on then he stretched his hand for me which brings me to little bit surprised and assist me in riding the carriage.

Flora was left at the house. To be honest, I don't know how to speak at the duke, he seems to be a quiet person, his eyes are closed and arms are cross, we are not speaking any letters or words at all, this is so suffocating, the silence it is. Until I felt that the carriage are a bit shaking, I don't know where to hold on to, this is not the typical vehicle that inside of it there's a handle for me to hold on to. the shaking of the carriage loses my balance which my head bumped into the side of the carriage then all of a sudden the duke told to stop the carriage.

"You should sit beside me." I stopped for a moment and looked at the duke if he is serious and by the looks of it he is not joking at all. I firmly decline his offer but the way he looks at me he somehow wants to pierce my soul on the ground so that I couldn't any longer have the will to stand again. In the end, I accepted his wish which sits beside him, whenever the carriage is shaking, he holds me gently just to make sure I don't hurt myself anymore. That's where I realized, 'ah, this is what a father's care.' When we arrived at the palace, I saw the big golden gate opened that allows us to enter.

"Amazing. this place is filled with gold and white pattern." I whispered.

"Did you said something?" The duke asked me, which suprised me.

"Nothing, father."

The carriage stopped and the door opened, the duke gets down first then once again helps me to get down of the carriage. The moment I get down, It is me or not but it seems like everyone surrounds us are staring at me as if they are throwing daggers. I want to go home already!

"Greetings, My Lord, and as well to the young lady. " He seems like a head butler here, he bowed to us to give respect.

"May I do the honor to lead you at the garden. The emperor will at your presence for he is currently discussing some matters at viscount Mondeu" We followed him to where our meeting with the emperor will hold. Along the way, I asked him if I could go to the ladies' room, I need to gather my thoughts before meeting the emperor. A maid shows me the way, after thinking and fixed myself, when I went outside the maid was gone and here I am, this place is so big! how will I go to the garden? why does that maid leave me all of a sudden? I just walk back as what I remembered a while ago, then I notice a beautiful small garden were beautiful and pretty flowers surrounding the cottage. I roamed around this garden, it is somehow refreshing to be here, the butterflies are flying, the smell of the flowers and grass relaxes me. I wonder why this garden here? and why does nobody here?

"Wow! It is so peaceful here! and beautiful." I muttered. While looking around I heard something move in the bushes, I looked at my back but nobody was there.

"Who is there?! show yourself!" I will be lying if I said that I am not scared! I am scared alright! I wonder if no one should enter this garden without permission! and if they found out that I enter without permission, they might have my head beheaded! Oh no!

"who's there?!" I slowly walk to the bushes, While walking my heart won't stop pounding so loud and I am sweating a lot. When I was about to look a jumpy rabbit appeared in the bushes and jump right into my arms.

"Wha-! Oh my God!" I fell to the ground and laughed at my silliness, I was scared that there might be someone here, turns out it is a cute white red eye rabbit.

"What are you doing here, little one? you scared me there Haha! anyway, off you go, I must be on my way too, this might be a short interaction but I am happy to meet you Mr. rabbit. May we see each other again., I hope. But, I think this will be our first and last meeting, for I will never go back here." I left the rabbit and the garden, I wish I could go back to that garden, but there won't be the next time because this will be the last that I will step on this place. I found my way back to another garden where we will meet the emperor and that crown prince.

"You took so long, where have you been?" Father seems to be worried about me. I smiled at him and told him that I got lost on my way back.

"The maid that supposedly wait me and bring me back here was gone right when I was about to go back here, but worry no more father I am back." The moment I said that the duke's face was somehow... how could I explain this...hurt? Maybe it is my imagination.

"Give praise for the glorious ray of sun, The Emperor!" The long wait is here, they announce the arrival of the emperor. He stood in front of us while the duke gave his respect to the emperor and me as well.

"Greetings, your majesty may the glorious ray of the sun bless upon you, I, Selena Ascania from the house of duke Ascania." Why do I feel so much pressure right now? this is way scarier than doing a recitation to the professor at the university, I can't even look into his eyes because it is not allowed to look straight in eyes of any members of the royal family or else you will instantly be killed.

"What a lovely child you have here, Duke Travis." Travis? oh~, that might be the name of the duke, It slipped in my mind.

"Thank you, your majesty." the duke said.

"Let's have a seat." We sat down. The biscuits, cake, and refreshments are served by the royal maids. I must say, this is the first time I saw a lot of delicious food in front of me well, in the previous life I need to work hard to buy this kind of sweets! Wait! Katrina, get hold of yourself! don't drool over!

"I've heard that your daughter was sick." geek!

"She was, but she is alright now your majesty." the duke said.

"I do hope so, is she still attending the Academy? Isn't she supposed to learn art and embroidery?" What? did I just hear him right? they were talking as if I am not here, which irritate me. Even in this place, ladies are presumed to learn arts and needlework and nothing more, although the ladies already have the right to study other than arts and embroidery at the academy. this emperor is looking down at me that's for sure.

"Well, your majesty-!"

"I do appreciate your majesty to address me not just by she but by my name if your majesty wants to know a story, please don't hesitate to ask me," I said sarcastically while smiling on the outside and seriously mad on the inside, no matter how displease his majesty gave me, he is still the emperor and me, I am just a daughter of a duke, I do not hold such power as he is.

The emperor was looking at me intensely, however, I won't back down, I just continue to smile, then he breaks the tension between us. He laughs so hard and loud as he seems to enjoy this kind of show. Inside of me telling that I want to punch this emperor.

"Your daughter is sure lovely and brave! She is perfect! I never saw a lady that talks to me like that, this is refreshing! you raise her well Travis. " The Emperor remarks about me.

"Your majesty, you flatter me. " I said while giggling. I still need to act in front of him.

"Your majesty, please stop teasing my daughter." The duke said to his majesty. Is he worried that I might start a riot here after hearing the words of his majesty?

"I would like to grant the young lady a wish if she permits me?" This is what I'm waiting for!

"Are you sure, your majesty?"

"Yes, just say a word."

"then, promise me two things first, your majesty," I said.

"What is it?" he asked.

"First, whatever I wish, please listen to me first. Second, please think about carefully whatever I wish for."

"If isn't against the authority of the emperor then I will do as you say, I am a man of words," I smirked.

"Don't worry, your majesty. My wish will never be against the authority of the emperor or any royal members" I smiled and glad at what he said, then I will say everything to my heart's content.

"Father, I have arrived." An unknown voice of a boy appeared out of nowhere. I looked in the opposite direction and saw a young boy with black hair with fiercely golden eyes, proved that he has royal blood flowing through his veins when I stared at him as if I was drawn closer to him. There's no doubt of it, he is the crown prince.

"Ah! you're late."

"My apologies. Count Bethlom and I were discussing some important matters. Greetings, duke Ascania."

"Greetings to you as well, the crown prince." They exchanged greetings to each other, I don't want to interact with the prince but I need to give respect to this prince. I took a deep breath and put a smile on my face.

"Greetings to the crown prince may the glorious ray of the sun bless upon you." I bowed down then stand properly like a noble lady. He didn't utter any words he just nodded at me. What's wrong with this prince?! he didn't even say a word, the nerve! if he thinks that I will forget what happened, well he is wrong! Anyways, this will be the last meeting for both of us, I must endure it.

"Lady Selena, I know that you already met my son, but I want to introduce to you, Prince Calixious, the crown prince." We stared at each other, it is me or this heart of mine was pounding vigorously maybe because this is Selena's body and heart, however, I am not Selena, and I am here today, not to enjoy this tea meeting but to reject the arranged marriage.

"Your majesty, do your promise still stand?" I asked.

"Of course lady Selena, why don't we take a seat first." He suggested.

"Then, Your Majesty, can you be honest with me first?" I said. They stopped a minute, they were wondering what will I'm going to say.

"The purpose of why we are here is to be officially engaged to the crown prince am I right?"

"Y-yes that is right" The Emperor said.

"Then...I wish to not be engaged with the crown prince, your majesty." I confidently said to him. The look on their faces seems to be unbelievable as of this moment.

"Selena! what on earth-!?" The duke is trying to stop me, but I won't.

"Lady Selena, I wish to know the reason why you do not want to be with the crown prince?" He seems to be angry at me, the way he looks into my eyes as if he couldn't believe that there would someone reject his son.

"Simple, your majesty. I am not worthy to be with your son, I wish to have my freedom to choose whoever I want to marry and I don't want to be forced into something like this arrange marriage. I respect your wish your majesty-" He slammed the table with anger, which stops me for a moment, I bowed down in front of him.

"My apologies your majesty, but this is my wish. So please think about it." I sincerely look at his eyes and seriousness that I don't have any intention of backing down on my decision. Everything is a mess, chaos, however, I thought to have no choice, to survive and escape the cruel fate then I have to reject this marriage. The emperor sighed somehow brings him disbelief at what is going on.

"Fine, Lady Selena." I was about to be happy, however...

" However, I will not accept your wish, The only thing that I can do is to hold your engagement until you are ready." My eyes are wide open to what his majesty just said.

"But your majesty-!"

"Lady Selena, for so long, I wish us to be family, I wish that before I die, my son will have someone like you at his side to support him, a woman who brave, strong and lovely and that is you. with no further explanation, you and the crown prince are engaged, however, the official announcement at the public will be at hold until you are ready." I clenched my fist as if I want to burst into tears in front of them, his majesty already said his word.

"Prince, could you take Lady Selena for a walk, the old men will be discussing some boring matter that the young ones like you two won't understand." We bowed down together and left them, the duke and the emperor alone in the garden, While I am alone here walking with the prince, he is in front of me while I was at his back, it will be awkward for both of us especially me if we walk side to side. I thought I could escape this, I believed I could save the lives of Selena and me, but turns out a failure. ugh! huhuhu I really do want to cry right now!

"Why did you do that?" he suddenly asked. which brings us both to stop for a moment.

"huh?"

"Why did you do such a thing?!" he seemed to be angry but I do not know why he is angry at me, as if he wants to be married to me, but I know the fact that he does not like me, so why bother!

"Why? your prince, I know you don't want to be married to me, so I as well, don't want to be married to you. why do we have to be married if we don't love each other? " I said, then he stops, he's muttering a word but I couldn't understand it because he speaks so low.

"did you said something?" I asked.

"Nothing. See you at the Academy." then he left. I wonder what did he just said? See you at the Academy? wait! that's right the prince is also attending the Academy! so we...we will see each other again! why does everything doesn't go as I planned! I want to escape that damn fate!!!

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......TO BE CONTINUED......

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***My apologies to all! it took a long time since I updated this, kinda busy with some work. I hope you enjoy this new update! just like and comment if you want to say something or suggestion! I am happy to read your thoughts about this story 😊😊😊

see you again in the new update***!