Villainess' Second Chance

CHAPTER ONE

Veronica, my maid, was standing next to me as I gently opened my eyes. I was looking around to process where I am but suddent, I am back in my room.... completely alive....

I died

I swear I died in front of thousands of people

I touched my body to check if there's any sort of bruises and wounds but I found none. Not even the evidence of a spear pierced through my body.

To test if I'm dreaming or not, I lightly touch and pinch my skin. This immediately alerted Veronica and went directly towards me.

Then, she exclaimed, "Lady Eloise, you're awake at last. Do you need something? Do you feel unusual?"

I looked at her and questioned, "What happened?"

"Two days ago, you passed out in front of your father and brother; as a result, they called an ambulance right away."

I looked confused. "Did they?"

"Indeed, my lady."

"Why did I pass out?"

"When you started coughing up blood, the doctor assumed you had been poisoned during breakfast."

I recall this passage from the book, where the Ophelia State's head maid attempted to poison me. I didn't expect the duke to immediately call the physician to save my life. I can still remember how cold he looked at me at the day of my execution.

Just thinking about gives me goosebumps.

It's scary...

"Have you identified the delinquent?" I asked. They don't know that I know who attempted to kill me. It seems like my soul time traveled after I died, back to this very moment.

"No, dear lady, we haven't"

A second chance to live as Eloise Ophelia was given to me. However, I was inattentive from the start and simply ignored this whole situation. Back then I shrugged it off, I was convinced that no one will harm me since I am part of high society. But how foolish of me.

I need to track down some proof that the head maid was attempting to kill me. If not, I might suffer the same path again. Being publicly executed in front of thousands of people living in this city.

I got out of bed and changed out of my nightgown. Since it was noon and Veronica said I had slept for the previous two days, I finally left my chamber and walked to the dining area.

I saw my brother, Elliote Ophelia, eating there without my father, the duke. I barely saw him before but this time, he's here. Elliote's role in the book was simply just a reccurring character.

I tried my best for him not to notice me but it failed, my footsteps are betraying bitches.

"You're finally awake." He said without even glancing at me. I ignored him and went to my seat. I am too hungry to entertain him and the insults he'll say.

I sat down in front of him, Veronica served my lunch to my table. There was a tense mood between Elliote and I as we ate.

"Where's dad? I haven't seen him anywhere," I enquired. I didn't glance at him, I was too busy cutting my food.

"He is probably doing some work in the imperial palace." He said coldly

"I see."

Elliote does not despise Eloise in the first book; he was maintaining a "nice" relationship with her despite their sparse communication since the duke preferred Elliote than Eloise. They aren't close either, there's a gap between them since the whole family considered Eloise a rebel lady, a blacksheep, and a good for nothing compared to Elliote. He is also busy with his own career, and he barely comes home.

I suppose being a villain implies that people resent and loathe you. I sighed, I was too careless before and I can't let that happen again now that I've resurrected to live Eloise's life once again.

After finishing his lunch, Elliote got up and he walked away silently. Leaving me all alone at the table.

I groan

I find having a brother is not pleasant. Prior to my birth, I was the sole child. Barely has any competitors and away from people's constant comparisons

Actually, Elliote's action was exactly like that in my previous life as well. He's distant and cold towards me but, like I said, I ignored it all. I was busy enjoying the luxury life I forgot why I became part of the novel.

Actually, I really don't know why I was reincarnated here, in this fictitious world. All I know, I woke up in Eloise's body one day.

Everything is not new to me since I lived her life once, but it still feels.... different. And not in enthusiastic way.

"I'm done eating, I'd like to take a stroll in the garden, please.." I stated as I lost my appetite. I stood up and walked away

"As you wish, dear lady," Veronica stated and followed me. I immediately stop her and glance at her.

"Furthermore, Veronica, you are not required to follow me this time. I would want to take a break and be alone by myself, if that's alright."

She bows her head, "Of course, as you desire, my lady."

I walked to the long hallways and soon as I noticed no one's been following me, I immediately ran towards the garden and took a deep breathe.

Finally, some fresh air

Away from everyone

A stunning dahlia, my absolute favorite flower, caught my eye while I was wandering around. I was unaware that they existed in this multiverse; the original writer must've had a vivid imagination to include such flower in this world.

I sigh, thinking about all the things I was doing, like wasting the money I had and mistreating servants in our state. I had no idea that the ducal's garden contained such blooms, I went from being myself to became a rotten wretch as soon aas I became Eloise.

"Identify yourself."

I got jolted when I heard a voice from behind me. When I turned around, I recognized the man whom Thalia had fallen for in the original tale. A tall, muscular build man towered over me. His physique is definitely exactly what the novel mentioned. One of the male leads...

Augustus Tybalt