JASMINE
"Ma'am… you need to rest. Do you…"
I raised my hand, cutting her off mid-sentence. The housekeeper, still nameless to me, froze, eyes wide like I had grown a second head. The doctor had just left a few seconds ago after doing a thorough check-up, and only when he was sure I was fine did he leave.
"What is your name?" I finally asked.
She blinked at me as if I had asked her to solve quantum physics but still responded anyway. "Elena, ma'am."
Right, the woman who had been crying over my coma a month ago now looked at me like I might bite.
I nodded once. "Elena. Thank you for the water earlier. I am going downstairs."
"But the doctor…"
"The doctor can wait." I was already moving, bare feet silent on the plush tiles as I left the bedroom.
The staircase curved like something out of a magazine with marble steps, wrought-iron railing, and crystal droplets catching light from above.
Every inch of this mansion screamed wealth. And yet the woman who had lived here had been so starved for love she'd clung to a man who despised her.
(Host, that is because the male lead is the core of this story's plot. Follow the script. Do not regret it later.) The system reminded me but I scoffed under my breath.
(Despite all my help in seventeen different worlds, I never became rich. I just keep getting dumped into worse bodies.) I fired back.
(That is because you refuse to follow the rules.) I rolled my eyes so hard it hurt.
"Why stay with a man who only buys you silence?" I muttered aloud. "I see no sense in that."
(Host.)
The warning tone was harsh now but I ignored it.
My stomach growled loudly, embarrassing me as I reached the bottom of the stairs. The scent of fresh coffee and something buttery hit me like a promise and I followed it instantly.
The dining room opened up ahead and there I met with a long mahogany table, fresh flowers, and place settings for one. Silver domes covered plates. My mouth watered instantly.
I moved faster than I meant to, but then my life had another turn as my foot caught on the edge of the rug.
I pitched forward, arms flailing straight toward the floor.
Until hand shot out. Strong fingers closed around my wrist, yanking me upright before I could crash.
My heart slammed against my ribs as I looked up only to meet with those midnight eyes staring down at me cold, unreadable, but so close I could see the faint scar above his left brow.
His grip was firm, steady, almost careful. For one stupid second, the body remembered what it felt like when he used to hold her like this.
Then when he was sure I was on my feet he let go as I had burned him.
(Host… this is the moment you get closer.)
(Why?)
(He isn't the villain. He's only furious because she kept cheating on him. He doesn't hate her! She made him hate her.)
I blinked rapidly, still catching my balance.
(What do you mean?) I asked shocked
(You are more like a villain so help yourself and rewrite your destiny.)
I froze and glanced back at Stephan. He studied me for two long seconds, expression shuttered, then he turned away toward the front door
(How can I be the villain?)
The system's voice dropped lower, almost pitying.
(Jasmine… the owner loved Stephan since high school. Then suddenly she started falling for his younger brother. She couldn't have the brother openly, so she forced her way into Stephan's life anyway. Pretended to love him. Make her father arrange the marriage. The sweet, innocent girl he once adored disappeared. She became the cheating, manipulative wife who humiliated him at every turn. Let me remind you that you are still technically a college student who refuses to graduate because you would rather chase after your little brother and waste your life.)
My eyes widened so much they stung.
(Wow… this is the first time you have dropped me into a world where I am the villain… and also with twisted fate)
(Because you no longer deserve to be called the female lead. Fight for yourself now or lose everything. The system is already preparing the next female lead to replace you if you deviate.)
I blinked again at once as I glanced back at Stephan. He was already walking toward the front door.
"Where are you going?" I called after him. "That isn't the way to breakfast."
Every servant in the vicinity froze as their Heads turned. The air went thick with shock, as I had just shouted profanity in church.
Stephan paused at the threshold. But didn't turn fully just glanced over his shoulder.
"I don't eat breakfast at home." His voice was flat. "Thanks," he added and instantly he was gone. The door closed with a soft click.
Silence rang in my ears for some seconds before my stomach rumbled again and louder this time.
I ignored the stares and marched straight to the dining table. Dropped into the chair as I owned it. (Well… technically I did.)
"I am hungry," I announced to no one in particular. "I need to eat." I lifted the first silver dome.
It turned out to be Pancakes Golden, fluffy, drizzled with maple syrup and fresh berries.
Bacon crisp on the side. Scrambled eggs flecked with herbs. Fresh-squeezed orange juice in a crystal pitcher.
My mouth watered so hard it hurt. I was about to devour my food when the system ruined my mood instantly.
(Host, you are supposed to chase after him. Make him fall for you again. Not… sit here stuffing your face.)
I rolled my eyes and speared a piece of pancake.
"Nah," I said around the first heavenly bite. "Tell me more about him. I don't believe he is completely innocent. No one gets this cruel without doing something wrong."
(You are the villain. Not the female lead.)
I swallowed as I stared at the empty doorway where Stephan had disappeared.
Then the system pinged again red warning lights flashing in my vision.
[Blink! Blink! Blink.]
[Re-evaluation complete. Host status updated to mmmmmm Cannon-fodder demotion in progress.] I could only sit and watch the system do its thing.
[Fight for your life in this world or lose both here and in reality.]
I set the fork down slowly as it growled out, "Cannon fodder."
The words tasted like ash as I looked at the untouched feast in front of me, then at the closed front door.