Episode 1

"Yes! Kill the villain! How dare he try to hurt our handsome Seb!"

And that was how it all began—my unexpected journey into a clichéd old-school romance novel, the kind where the protagonists get their happy ending and the obsessed villain meets his doom. Just another ordinary story where the male lead had it all—power, looks, and a tragic past.

Elina was a quiet girl, always minding her own business. As a writer, she often traveled in search of inspiration. Her life was simple, peaceful, and uneventful.

After finishing the novel, she walked toward the kitchen for her usual late-night dinner—something she always looked forward to. But fate had other plans. One misstep on the stairs, and everything turned black.

Heaven? Maybe. Only God knows what sins she had committed to deserve such an abrupt end—dead at the young age of 27. Her only regret? Never falling in love with someone who truly cared. Never experiencing the kind of love she poured into her stories.

She had been in a relationship once, but it had been one-sided. After her boyfriend lost his job, he became financially dependent on her. At first, he tried—attending interviews, sending resumes—but as time passed, he gave up. He spent his days idle and his nights drinking. Eventually, their love turned into bitterness, ending in an ugly breakup.

“Am I… in heaven?” Elina murmured, glancing around the unfamiliar room. It looked surreal—an elegant space with luxurious furniture, soft cream-colored walls, and a bed that felt like a cloud.

“Sis?”

A young, handsome man entered, likely in his early twenties. His voice was full of concern.

“Wait—I’ll call the doctor,” he said quickly, pulling out his phone and leaving the room.

Elina slowly stood, her legs shaky, and walked toward the mirror. Her eyes widened in shock. She remembered falling—dying, even. So how had she ended up here? And more importantly… who was this girl in the mirror?

“This… isn’t me,” she whispered.

Hazel-green eyes stared back at her, set in a delicate, porcelain-like face. Silky, slightly curled black hair framed her features. She used to be considered cute, but now… she looked ethereal. Like a fairy plucked straight out of a dream.

“Vi... Vivian... Sis,” the young man called as he re-entered, accompanied by someone who appeared to be a doctor.

Elina—now Vivian—turned around slowly to face them.

“Sis, what are you doing? Come, lie down. Let the doctor check you,” the young man said gently, extending his hand to help her back to bed.

She took it hesitantly, still dazed.

“Hmm... What’s your name?” Vivian asked quietly, her voice laced with uncertainty.

He paused for a moment, as if bracing himself. He had expected this—but that didn’t make it hurt any less.

“August. August Ashford,” he replied with a small smile. “I’m your older brother.”

“You are Vivian Ashford,” he continued softly. “The only daughter of Caspian Ashford and Marlyn Hale. You may not remember now, but that’s okay. Your memories will return in time. And even if they don’t… I’ll be right here."

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