haphephobia. ∿ d. agriche.

いち

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FAKE FAMILY

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SHE had deemed herself worthy of being a well known duke's daughter.

But, she wasn't always like that.

All she could remember from her past life was that she was an abused child and that she had gone to sleep and woken up in this world.

It took her a while to realize that she was no longer in her time, but she realized it when her so-called "father" started mentioning the name "Agriche". This hit harder than a truck for her. This means she was in the 19+ harem manhwa world of Roxana.

"My lady, it is high time you wake up." The maid said, as she shook the girl from her sleep. The girl sheltered her eyes as another maid opened the curtains. "Lady Areum, please wake up dear. Your lord father awaits."

Of course he was. There was never a day when Duke Armani didn't await for his daughter. She groans as she sat up. Her maids stood lined up perfectly. Everything in this household was deemed to perfection. Not one of the servants fell behind and not one of the guards faltered from their works. If one was at least a second late to their duties, they would be executed or worse given to the Agriches for handling.

She was dressed in a gown, made of white silk and embedded with beautiful shiny gems of different shapes, which were colored using different varieties of blue.

It took the maids a few minutes to brush her hair until it shone. Then, her long grey hair was tied in a crown braid. She looked in the mirror as the maids finished with the final touches.

Areum Armani was truly a beautiful girl. She couldn't believe her eyes. She was so sure that she was probably not as pretty during her past life. Perhaps it came with being in the manhwa world. As a noble at that. Nobles and royals were always such beautiful people. She could recall so many manhwas where this was the case.

The maids bowed as she turned away from her reflection. "Is there a visitor today?" She asked the guard who had just recently turned into her personal guard.

The guard shook his head. "No, my lady, but you and your father have been asked to join Duke Agriche for some tea."

She froze at that. Lant Agriche didn't have the greatest reputation. He was known to be ruthless, cold and murderous. The entire family's reputation revolved around crimes.

She nods. "Very well. Is my father still waiting?" She hoped he had eaten and left already, but this time luck was not on her side.

"No, Lady Areum. He still awaits your presence."

Then she was escorted to the dining area, where her father as well as her siblings sat.

Duke Armani sat at the head of the table. His cold purple eyes made contact with her own as he seemed to be furious for her late arrival. "Sit." He commanded as she sat next to her brother, who seemed very uninterested on whether or not she was late.

The family started eating, silence ruling the room. The only sounds were the sounds of the utensils.

She felt the cold eyes of her own father steadily looked at her. She felt exposed, as if he was staring directly at her soul.

"I assume you've been told about our rendezvous at the Agriche estate?" Duke Armani said, no one needed to ask who he was talking to because everyone knew the person who he always picked in these visits was Areum.