chapter 1: the shadow of Borgias

The cobblestone streets of Rome shimmered under the midday sun, a stark contrast to the chilling darkness that enveloped Cheon's soul. She was no longer Cheon, the girl who had perished in a car accident, a wish granted by a cruel fate that had finally freed her from the relentless abuse of her parents. Now, she was Rudbeckia de Borgia, a name whispered with both awe and fear throughout the Italian peninsula.

Rudbeckia, the villainess of the novel "The Death of the Villainess," a story she had devoured in her past life. A woman known for her beauty, her grace, and her ruthless ambition. A woman destined to meet a gruesome end at the hands of her own husband, Izek Van Omerta, the Duke of the North.

The irony was not lost on Cheon. She had always been drawn to stories of strong female characters, yearning for a life where she could be someone other than the victim. Yet, here she was, trapped in the body of a woman whose life was a tapestry woven with cruelty and deceit.

The Borgia family, a name synonymous with power and intrigue, had adopted her as their own. Pope Alexander VI, the head of the family, had taken her under his wing, showering her with affection and lavish gifts. Yet, the affection was a gilded cage, a facade that concealed a web of manipulation and control.

"Ruby, my dear," the Pope's voice boomed, a mixture of affection and command. "Your brother Enzo has informed me of your reluctance to accept this new proposal. I understand your apprehension, but this marriage is vital for our family's political standing."

Rudbeckia, or Ruby as she was now called, met the Pope's gaze with a forced smile. "Of course, Father. I will do as you see fit."

The truth was, she was terrified. The thought of marrying Izek Van Omerta, a man she knew only from the pages of the novel, sent shivers down her spine. She knew his reputation, a ruthless and ambitious Duke, a man who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

"It's not even been two months since the last marriage was broken," Enzo Borgia, her adopted brother, protested. His face was etched with concern, a rare sight in the Borgia household.

"Enzo, this is for the best," the Pope insisted. "The Duke of the North is a powerful ally. This marriage will secure our position and ensure our continued prosperity."

The Pope's words were a hollow echo in Rudbeckia's ears. She had read the novel, she knew the ending. This marriage was not a political alliance, it was a death sentence.

That night, as Rudbeckia lay in her opulent bedchamber, the weight of her fate pressed down on her. The whispers of the novel, the image of Izek, a cold, calculating man with eyes that held the glint of a predator, haunted her dreams.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, revealing the silhouette of Caesar Borgia, her other adopted brother. He was a man of immense power and ambition, a ruthless warrior who commanded respect and fear in equal measure.

"Ruby," he said, his voice a low rumble. "I know you're not happy about this marriage."

Rudbeckia forced a smile. "I'm just a bit nervous, brother. It's a big step."

Caesar's eyes, sharp and piercing, held a hint of something else. "I know you're afraid. Izek is a dangerous man, but I'm here to protect you."

"I appreciate that, brother," Rudbeckia said, her voice trembling.

Caesar stepped closer, his hand reaching out to cup her cheek. "Don't worry, Ruby. I won't let anything happen to you."

His touch was cold, almost predatory. Rudbeckia felt a shiver run down her spine. She knew the truth about Caesar, the dark secrets that lurked beneath his charming facade. He was a man who played a dangerous game, a game that could easily turn deadly.

"I'm going to miss you," Caesar said, his voice a low growl. "I'm going to be lonely without you."

His words were a veiled threat, a promise of violence and control. Rudbeckia knew she was trapped in a web of deceit and danger, a web woven by the Borgias, a family that valued power above all else.

"I'll be back to visit," she said, her voice barely a whisper.

Caesar's grip tightened on her cheek. "You'll be safe in the North, Ruby. I promise."

His words were a chilling reassurance, a promise that held the weight of a threat. The night before her wedding, Rudbeckia knew she was not just a pawn in a political game, but a sacrifice, a pawn in a game of life and death.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***