"It seems we've both changed a lot since we last met each other." Elise stated, finally able to process the situation.
She couldn't believe she was standing in front of Xander Liam, the second male lead of the story. They were only meant to meet in a few weeks' time with Xander seeing her with another alpha thanks to her parents.
He'd think she had become like other omegas who flung themselves at alphas and it would cause a rift between them. Which would worsen when his grandmother urged him to marry her.
Xander would never disobey his grandmother, worried about her weakening health as well as how much he cared for her. But he would blame Elise for his grandmother's command and take his grievances out on the original owner.
The former childhood friends would constantly fight, the hatred festering until Elise died. It was honestly quite pitiful in Elise's opinion how misunderstandings ruined their once good relationship.
Still, meeting another male lead this early was shocking to say the least. She'd somewhat prepared herself to run into them after that mission, but not so soon.
Seems I'm not going to be able to trust much of the plot soon. Elise thought to herself. It's clearly unraveling faster than I thought. Stupid butterfly effect…
"You're right that we've both changed..." Xander said, bringing her back to the conversation. He was quiet for a moment before he asked, "How have you been?"
"Well thank you." Elise answered automatically. "And you? You're an actor now right?"
She remembered that was his profession from the story - the charming superstar beloved by all. He was sweet to everyone, but the heroine.
"Yeah… I am." Xander chuckled nervously. "Finally achieved my childhood dream."
His words made her chest tighten, making Elise wonder if it was the body's subconscious doing that. There was a major scene in the story where Elise and Xander had a fight about them talking about their dreams.
Elise had wanted to become a nurse before her omega status was confirmed. After that, her parents' sole focus was turning her into the perfect omega. Even if it meant destroying their daughter's dream.
Xander never understood this and would mock her for turning into the one thing he hated - someone obsessed with climbing the social ladder. Not that Elise was ever that.
In a way, it was the straw that broke the camel's back, finally destroying the last thread of their friendship.
The author really enjoyed making Elise suffer. Elise thought to herself with a sigh. Ruining a childhood friendship like this.
"That's good to hear…" Elise murmured, the air quickly becoming awkward.
Thankfully, Mary came to the rescue and clapped her hands together, "Why don't you two head out and catch up for a bit? It's been so long since you've both seen each other. I bet you're eager to have a private conversation."
The original owner's mother was really never one to miss an opportunity. She was clearly hoping the two would become close because then her sister would greatly benefit from being connected to the star actor Xander Liam.
Much to his disgust as she read in the book.
"No it's alright." Xander declared, standing up. "I only came for a quick stop to say hello. I have some things I still need to do."
"Are you sure?" Her father, Robert Zhane, asked getting up. "Perhaps you two could meet up later if you're busy?"
"Perhaps…" Xander mused, glancing at her for a moment before turning his attention back to Robert. "Anyway, thank you for the tea. I'll be heading out now."
Her parents tried to get him to stay longer, but Xander refused, soon leaving the penthouse. Once he was gone, Elise was ready to escape to her room, only to be stopped by her younger sister.
"Why didn't you stop him?" Melina asked angrily. "Are you two childhood friends?! Don't you want to catch up with him?"
Perhaps the original owner was interested in reconnecting with her childhood friend after they parted when they were twelve. But not Elise.
She was perfectly happy with keeping her intention limited with the male leads. Even if it meant delaying the mission. She really wasn't ready to deal with their misunderstandings and hatred.
Besides, she wanted to be left alone. Her mind was still trying to process the fact she had been reborn into the body of a tragic character.
She wanted to have a chance to properly figure out what to do now that the system was forcing her hand. As if sensing her thinking about it, a message suddenly appeared in front of her:
[Xander Liam Heart Meter: +5]
It made her frown, wondering what exactly that meant and what had caused it. But before she could think much about it, her sister was shaking her shoulders.
"Are you listening to me?!" Melina yelled at her. "You stupid omega! First you ruin things with that producer and now can't curry favor with Xander. Tsk! What's the point of you being an omega if you can't use it?!"
Just like the book Melina didn't bother hiding her jealousy of Elise being an omega. She truly believed Elise had hit the jackpot becoming an omega, confused why Elise didn't use her status.
"Enough Melina." Her mother reached out and removed Melina's hands off Elise's shoulders. "Don't hurt your sister… We don't need her to become even dumber."
Melina huffed, but kept silent. Mary gave her a small smile before turning back to Elise and asked, "Now dear, where were you last night? You made us all worried."
Elise felt her eyebrow twitch, having to take a deep breath to stop herself from bitch slapping these two. They really were asking for it. Thankfully, the rational side of her brain reminded her to keep docile.
She didn't need her parents thinking she needed some re-education. She needed to keep up the pushover act until she could properly get out of their clutches. Otherwise, she'd be doomed.
"I was feeling dizzy after Melina gave me that drink so went to lay down in the hotel room you got for me." Elise murmured, deciding to play dumb. "Didn't you say I should go to Room 401 if I was tired?"
"Ah yes…" Mary gave her a nervous smile. "But you weren't there."
"Really?" Elise pursed her lips. She was quiet for a moment before she added, "Well, it's in the past I suppose. By the way, Melina, what was in that drink? I felt so hot, almost like I was in heat."
"Maybe you're just close to your heat." Melina muttered before adding under her breath, "Dumb bitch…"
Elise felt a thread of her sanity snap. She knew if she didn't remove herself from this room of stupid, someone was going to get jumped. Melina first probably.
"Then I guess I'm going to rest. My body is still sore from that drink." Elise exclaimed, hurrying off to her room before anyone could say anything.
Once she was in her room, the door thankfully marked with her name, she locked it and shoved a chair under the door knob to secure it. She didn't need anyone coming in.
Once she secured the door, Elise flopped down on the queen-sized bed exhausted by everything. All she wanted to do was sleep. Too bad she had to first figure out what the hell she was going to do now.