A black limousine waited for Selena in front of Sakura Mall. A hoard of people gazed at the elegant girl as she entered the car. She could never get used to this new lifestyle. In her past life, she didn't even have a car. She sighed and looked outside the window as different landscapes flashed before her eyes. Lost in thought, she jungled through the villainess's memories of how she interacted with the male lead. She grimaced as images of her getting touchy with Lucian popped into her mind. The villainess would also use her sweet voice and blink her big golden eyes. Sure, Lucian was devilishly handsome but he was too young. Before she transmigrated into the novel, she was 22 years old. Also, he was a great danger to her baby sister.
They finally arrived at the estate after driving for half an hour. After they passed the front gates, they had to drive for a while before arriving at the mansion. Beautiful greeneries and a small lake surrounded the house. The land was covered with fresh grass and colourful flowers. Selena sniffed a big breath of fresh air and entered the house.
The Sinclairs were already sitting in the living room.
"Hi, Auntie! Hi Oncle!" Selena greeted.
"Selena! It's been such a long time sweetheart! You've grown into a gorgeous lady!" Mme. Sinclair exclaimed.
"I apologize for the unexpected visit. We came to discuss your engagement with Lucian," M. Sinclair added.
The Sinclairs were the most powerful family in the novel. They might look unapproachable because they were business tycoons but they had a close relationship with the Gray Family. They had been friends since their school days.
Selena sat on the sofa beside her mom. The villainess's parents looked young for people in their forties. Her mom was elegant, kind and warm while her father was cheerful and funny. She glanced at Lucian who was sitting across from her. He was laid back on the sofa. His black button-up shirt highlighted his broad shoulders and his black pants showed his long legs. When Selena met his red flaming eyes, she looked away nervously. How can a person be that handsome? His strong jaws, tall nose, thick eyebrows and smooth hair were all perfect. At school, she only observed him from afar but now that she had a closer look, she understood why the villainess had a crush on him.
"I wish to annul my engagement with Miss Selena."
Even his voice was nice and deep.
'Wait what did he say?' Selena thought.
"Lucian, what nonsense are you saying!" M. Sinclair roared.
"There's a girl that I like. So, I don't think I can keep this engagement," Lucian explained.
M. Sinclair massaged his temples while Mme. Sinclair calmed him down.
"I refuse," Selena retorted calmly. "There's no guarantee that you'll end up with that girl. We still have a few years before our marriage. I believe that it isn't a valid reason to cancel our engagement."
She also wished to cancel their arranged marriage but there was no way she was going to let him do as he pleased. It would only give him more freedom to pursue Grace. She had to keep a leash on him. It won't be much considering how the novel ended. But, at least he'll have to deal with his parents and keep a good impression as Selena's fiancee.
"We are terribly sorry, we should've discussed it with our son before coming," Mme. Sinclair apologized.
Before the Sinclairs went back, Selena had a private moment with Lucian. She encouraged herself inside her head and courageously warped her hands on Lucian's strong arm. She blinked her big eyes a few times just like in her memories and asked, "Why do you even like that girl? Aren't I a better match for you?"
"She interesting and pretty," he replied dryly.
Lucian wondered why Selena was so quiet at school this week but he was worried for nothing. This girl was still the same as ever. He did notice that she got rid of her heavy makeup and wore a simple white dress instead of her usual extravagant style.
He just created an excuse to get rid of the engagement. He was tired of having Selena always being near him like a fly. If it wasn't for the business and friendship between the two families, he would've been harsher with her just like the other girls who kept flocking around him. Grace was attractive because she wasn't like the other girls. It's as if his charms didn't work on her.
As the Sinclairs left, Selena believed it was too soon for Lucian to develop feelings for Grace. It felt more like a child who discovered a new toy. She clenched her fists. She would do anything to avoid her sister's tragic ending. It looks like she'll have to work hard before Lucian truly falls in love with Grace.
The next day …
It was Monday, the start of a new week. Selena went to Sakura Mall again on the weekend, accompanied by her mother. She was sick of looking at the clothes in her closet. The flashy colours hurt her eyes every time she opened her walking closet. Mme. Gray was puzzled by her daughter's sudden change in taste and she was glad to get rid of her ugly clothes. They shopped for the entire day and returned with a car full of new clothes and shoes. Selena gazed through her closet full of neutral colour clothing and nodded in satisfaction. When was the last time she shopped for new clothes? For once, she was glad to transmigrate inside the novel because the villainess family's wealth was no joke.
While she was changing into her school uniform, the system window popped up announcing the second scene.
[*Reminder to be at the location of the 2nd scene.
Location: Mooncrest High School back alley
Time: Lunch Break]
Selena sighed, it was going to be another busy day. It only has been a week since her transmigration and she already had two scenes and met with important characters. She wished she could have a break after the second scene was over.
She had her favorite math class today but she couldn't concentrate. Her golden eyes wandered off outside the window as she tried to remember the scene from the novel. As soon as the bell rang, she sprinted to the back alley. It was a famous place among the students to stay away from if you didn't want to get in trouble. It was the best place for bullies to take their victims.
Hidden in a corner, she waited for the scene to unfold. In the novel, the villainess hires bullies to mess up with Grace. But since she transmigrated inside the villainess's body she didn't do any of that. She was curious to see if the scene would still happen without her. This scene was important because Lucian saved Grace from the bullies. So, she had to intervene before Lucian arrived. Selena brought out her phone and texted her trusted spy.
Selena: Yuki, come to the back alley, I need your help. Take Grace with you and take her to the infirmary.
Yuki: Yes, my lady! I'll be there right away.
Selena nodded, satisfied with her responding speed. After waiting in her spot for 10 minutes, she finally saw a veil of pink hair walk into her vision. She held a letter in her hands. Grace scanned the dark alley, trying to find someone. As soon as she entered the alley, a group of thug-looking students followed behind. Grace took a few steps back when she noticed them. Her green eyes trembled.
"Who-who are you?" she asked.
"This chick is stupid! Did she think that Lucian wrote her a letter? Were you hoping for a love confession?" They laughed in unison.
One of the sidekicks pushed her against the wall and brushed her chin.
"This is your unlucky day, we were told to mess you up. But maybe I'll let you off if you become my woman. What do you think?"
Terrified, Grace screamed for help. The bully covered her mouth violently. She wiggled to get away from his clutches. Seeing that it didn't work, Grace bit his hand.
"This b*tch," the bully cursed and raised his hand to slap her.
Grace closed her eyes anticipating the pain on her cheeks. As the pain didn't come, she opened her eyes slightly and saw two hands stopping the bully from slapping her.
"What the hell are you doing?" two voices asked at the same time.
Selena glanced beside her, it was a short guy with a spiky haircut.
"Boss, I am terribly sorry, I didn't teach my guys properly," he said.
Selena was puzzled, she never met those guys. She had the feeling that someone was using her name to bully Grace. She knew she could change the scenes of the novel, but as long as she was with the main characters, she couldn't act OOC until the story was over. She decided to deal with her dear sister first before Lucian arrived.
"Grace give me that letter that you are holding."
She laughed sarcastically as she read the content of that letter.
[Dear Grace,
I have something important to tell you. Meet me at the back alley during lunch break.
Lucian]
Selena tapped the letter on Grace's small head.
"Are you stupid, this letter is obviously a trap. Didn't I tell you to not approach Lucian again? It seems you have forgotten all my warnings. "
Grace's shoulders trembled and she kept her head low. Selena hated it when she was looking into her eyes and keeping her head up. How was Selena going to bully her this time? Grace clutched her fists and waited for her punishment. It was going to be alright, she was already used to it.
"Grace!" Yuki screamed, "Where are you?"
A wave of warmth pulsed through her heart as Grace heard her friend's voice. She felt saved. Today, she wouldn't have to endure Selena's torturing anymore. When Yuki saw them, she rushed to Grace's side.
"Are you okay? I'll take you to the infirmary."
As they walked out of the alley, they crossed paths with Lucian. Yuki gulped from the intimidating aura and pulled Grace to walk faster.
"Selena, what are you doing?" an angry voice asked from behind.
Lucian stared at the thug-looking guys behind her.
"I know you aren't happy that I brought up the annulation of our engagement, but you didn't have to direct your anger on Grace," he said with an annoyed voice.
'What the hell is he talking about?' Selena cried inside. It was all a misunderstanding!
"This is a misunderstanding Lucian," she hurriedly explained, "I don't know these guys."
"Boss, what are you saying? I'm your loyal underling!" the short leader exclaimed.
Selena smiled awkwardly.
Lucian's thick eyebrows arched.
"If there's a next time, I wouldn't mind telling uncle and auntie about their daughter's behaviour at school," he warned and walked away.
After Lucian left, she sighed in relief. It wasn't the best outcome but she prevented Grace and Lucian from interacting. It was a good beginning.
"Hey, who the hell ordered you to do this to Grace without my permission?"