Lyra Etheridge, a modern-day psychologist, wakes up in the body of Aris Devereux, a villainess in a popular web novel she once skimmed out of boredom. In the novel, Aris is a shallow and envious aristocrat destined to face ruin for tormenting the st...
The grand mirrors in the Devereux mansion reflected a face Lyra barely recognised. Though she knew every detail by heart from the novel, seeing it in person—as her own face—was disorienting. Her reflection showed a young woman with flawless porcelain skin, long golden hair braided elegantly down her back, and eyes that shimmered an unnatural shade of violet. They were beautiful, yes, but cold, distant— just like Aris was in the story.
Aris Devereux, the villainess destined for disgrace.
But that's not who Lyra was, or who she planned to be. This was her life now, and she had no intention of following the doomed path Aris had carved for herself.
Her violet eyes met her reflection's stare. She had to think carefully—act wisely. In the novel, Aris's downfall began with impulsive jealousy toward the heroine, Helena. That jealousy led her to torment Helena publicly, out of desperation for the love of Prince Orion. But Orion was never meant for her. He belonged to the heroine, and the more Aris fought against that, the more her actions ensured her destruction.
Lyra took a deep breath, her mind racing with possibilities. She had no interest in the prince. Let Helena have him. What she wanted now was freedom from the chains of this story—freedom from playing the villainess.
The sound of soft footsteps outside her chamber jolted her from her thoughts. She straightened, trying to calm her pounding heart as the door creaked open. A maid entered, her head bowed.
"Lady Aris, the Duke has requested you presence in the drawing room."
Lyra's stomach tightened. The Duke—her new father in this world. From what she remembered of the novel, Duke Devereux was a cold, calculating man, more concerned with maintaining the family's power and status than with his daughter's well-being. In the story, he was indifferent to Aris's suffering and her eventual downfall. Would he sense the change in her? Would he even care?
Lyra nodded at the maid. "I'll be down shortly," she replied, trying to maintain the haughty tone that Aris was known for.
The maid scurried away, leaving Lyra alone again. She exhaled slowly, smoothing the elegant lace sleeves of her gown. She didn't know what kind of relationship she could have with the Duke now, but one thing was clear: she had to play her cards carefully. No rash decisions. No emotional outbursts like the old Aris. She had to be smarter than that.
As Lyra descended the grand staircase, she marvelled at the opulence of the mansion. Every corner was adorned with gold accents, intricate tapestries, and marble statues, a testament to the Devereux family's immense wealth. Yet despite the luxury, the house felt cold. Empty. A glided cage.
She reached the drawing room, her heart beating steadily in her chest. Pushing the heavy doors open, she stepped inside. The room was just as imposing as she expected, with ceilings, velvet drapes, and the ever—watchful gaze of her father.
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Duke Devereux stood by the window, his tall, imposing figure bathed in the soft glow of the morning light. His dark black hair glistened in the light, without a single streak of gray, perfectly matching his youthful yet stern appearance. His face was hard and unforgiving. When his sharp eyes met hers, she could feel the weight of his scrutiny.
"Aris," he said, his voice as cold as his demeanour. "I trust you've had time to reflect on your disgraceful behaviour at the last banquet."
Lyra stiffened. She vaguely remembered reading about the incident in the novel—Aris had publicly insulted Helena in a jealous fit, humilitating herself in front go the prince and the entire court. The repercussions had been severe, not just for her reputation but for the family's standing.
She wasn't that person anymore. She wouldn't make the same mistake.
Lyra squared her shoulders, meeting the Duke's icy gaze. "I have reflected, Father," she said evenly, careful to keep her tone calm and composed. "And I've come to the conclusion that my previous actions were unbecoming of our family's name. I intend to correct my course."
The Duke raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by her words. He crossed his arms, his gaze never leaving hers. "Correct your course?" He repeated, his voice skeptical.
"Yes," Lyra replied, maintaining her composure. "I will no longer concern myself with petty rivals or court dramas. I intend to focus on my personal development and improving the Devereux nam through more.....dignified means."
For a long moment, the Duke said nothing. His expression was unreadable, and Lyra couldn't tell if he was pleased or suspicious. Finally, he nodded, though his approval was subtle, almost begrudging.
"Very well," he said, his tone softening only slightly. "But do not think for a moment that your past actions will be forgotten so easily. You have tarnished this family's reputation, and you must work diligently to restore it."
Lyra swallowed the retort that almost bubbled up. The old Aris would have reacted emotionally, begging for her father's approval or lashing out in frustration. But she was done with that. She gave him a small, respectful bow instead. "I understand, Father. I won't disappoint you again."
With that, she turned and left the drawing room, her heart pounding in her chest. She had passed the first test. Her father might still view her with suspicion, but he hadn't outright dismissed her change in attitude. That was a victory, however small.
As she walked down the mansion's empty corridors, her thoughts raced. She had avoided one disaster, but there were many more to come if the story followed its original path. The court would still expect her to compete for Prince Orion's affection, and Helena would still be viewed as her rival.
But Lyra had no intention of playing that game.
She would forge her own path. She would rewrite her fate.
And this time, the villainess would not fall.
Author's Note: Thank you so much for reading the first chapter of The Villainess's Unwritten Fate. I hope you enjoyed meeting Aris as she begins her journey to change her story and defy the fate that was written for her.
I'd like to share a little more about the meaning behind our female lead's names, both from her past life and her current one. In her original world, she was named Lyra, which is inspired by the constellation and the ancient musical instrument. Lyra represents creativity, harmony, and navigating through difficult emotional landscapes—qualities she used as a psychologist to help others. And as for her surname Etheridge it is an English surname meaning "noble" or "gracious," potentially symbolizing her inner strength and wisdom.
After reincarnating in this new world, her name became Aris Devereux. The name Aris is derived from the Greek word "aristos," meaning "the best." Although Aris was originally known as a villainess, her name reflects the inner potential she has to become her best self and break free from the cruel fate assigned to her. Devereux carries a noble meaning, symbolizing grace and high status, which fits Aris's aristocratic background.
Finally, a quick note: English is not my first language, so I hope you'll forgive any mistakes and enjoy the story as it develops. Thank you so much for your support, and I hope you'll continue with me on this journey!
