I really thought I was the main protagonist in a modern fairytale story. I had the looks, the money, the abilities, and the brains to back my claims.
As the daughter of a long line of heralded business tycoons, I had the wealth to buy anything I desired with just a snap of my fingers.
Men lined up at my door, stretching from the entrance of our private estate to the end of the public road leading to the city.
Women longed for my friendship, even those with the most jealous hearts, eager to bask in the glow of my seemingly perfect life.
And best of all, I had the most dashing and richest fiancé that every woman coveted – Cole Fay.
Cole's hair was a dazzling white snow, and his light blue eyes were as cold as the freezing waters of the Arctic, one of the few things I love about him.
He was undeniably handsome, and both men and women would fall at his feet just to catch a glimpse of his elusive smile.
Cole was the only son of business tycoon Cain Fay and multimillionaire investor Leanna Lee. His family owned multiple corporations spanning various industries, from mining and oil to jewelry, real estate, commercial establishments, and technological advancements.
They were the unbeatable merchants in the modern world, reigning supreme for decades. Needless to say, Cole would inherit everything under his name, a fortune so vast that it could sustain his future generations in luxury until the end of time.
And this man was mine!
The first time I laid eyes on him was when I was only seven years old, and from that moment, I knew he was the one for me.
While others were busy chasing me, I was busy chasing him. I pursued him relentlessly from childhood through high school, and finally, I convinced him to agree to be my fiancé.
It didn't matter if his reason was merely to fend off the hordes of annoying women who pursued him every minute of the day.
I was his shield and his excuse, and I didn't care as long as he was mine. I gained many enemies, especially among women, as I covered for him and protected him from their unwanted advances. Each day was a battle, but I wore my role as his protector like a badge of honor.
While I fought off his admirers, I deluded myself into believing that our bond was unbreakable. I thought that by standing by his side, I could eventually win his heart.
The looks of envy and hatred from those around me only fueled my determination. I basked in the belief that I was the chosen one, the heroine of my own romance novel.
But now, as I look back, I realize how stupid I was.
I was living in a fantasy, blind to the reality that Cole's affection was never truly mine. I was a pawn in a game much bigger than I could have ever imagined.
Now, with the clarity of hindsight, I see that I was never the protagonist. I was not even the villain or a side character . . . I was merely the cannon fodder in someone else's story.
The truth unraveled before my eyes: I was an orphan, raised as an ignorant girl to take the place of the real heiress of the Rosette family –– Sophie Rosette, who had been my maid since I was young.
To protect the true heiress of the elusive Rosette family, they took in an orphaned child and raised her to be the sacrificial pawn –– me.
I endured all the poison, bullets, and knives that were otherwise meant for their real daughter. I was the expendable decoy until Sophie came of age and could inherit everything under her name, safely and soundly.
And when that time came, my purpose was fulfilled. I was cast out and forgotten, stripped of my name and identity. My entire existence, built on lies and deception, was shattered.
The final blow came when I learned that my fiancé, my childhood friend, Cole Fay, was betrothed to Sophie. I, on the other hand, was banished to an unknown island and left to die, my existence erased from the world I once knew.
Desperate and broken, I set aside my pride and dignity and begged Cole to save me. I pleaded with him to take me back, to marry me, even if just as his mistress, to give me a name and a place in his life.
I clung to the hope that our shared history, our years of growing up together, meant something to him. Surely, he must have felt something towards me, even if it was just a little. Even if it was just as a friend. Even if it was just a tiny bit.
But when I looked into his eyes, expecting a glimmer of compassion, I saw nothing but cold indifference. His gaze was as icy as ever, and he uttered three words that crushed the last remnants of my hope. They weren't "I love you."
"Stop annoying me."
It was his famous line every time I chased after him. I thought it was cute . . . but now, I felt the full weight of his words.
Those words echoed in my mind, each syllable a dagger to my heart. In that moment, I realized the depth of my delusion and the extent of my worthlessness in his eyes. I had been nothing more than a tool, a disposable pawn in a game I never understood.
Cole didn't care about me.
Not one bit.
He was cold.
Too cold.
No amount of chasing and pursuing him my whole life could ever thaw his frozen heart.
The realization that he didn't feel anything for me was more shocking than discovering I was just cannon fodder.
I had truly believed that, after all the years we had spent together, I held some place in his heart. But it was a lie I had told myself, a comforting delusion to mask the stark reality.
But it was just me . . .
Alone and banished to Unknown Island, I felt the weight of my despair. The isolation and betrayal were too much to bear. I drowned myself in the sea, hoping to end the unbearable pain.
And when God saw the tragic comedy that was my life, He gave me a second chance.
This time, I vow to rewrite my story. I will live for myself, embrace my strengths, and cherish every moment.
I will forge my own path, independent and strong, free from the shadows of unrequited love.
And this time . . .
I will never love you again.
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|| A/N ||
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". . . E . . . ve . . . Eve!"
I blinked, the long curls of my lashes was getting in the way as I struggled to regain my vision.
Turning towards the man seated at the center table, I couldn't help but be struck by his appearance. His hair gleamed like 24-carat gold, and his eyes were a piercing green, as sharp and vibrant as emeralds.
Despite being in his late forties, he exuded a youthful dignity that was enhanced by his impeccably tailored vest and suit. Every detail, from the pure gold cufflinks to the brooch on his neatly pressed front-buttoned jacket, spoke of his status as the head of the Rosette family –– Sullivan Rosette.
My supposed father.
For a moment, I wondered if I was hallucinating. The last thing I remembered was the sensation of waves crashing around me, dragging me into their depths before everything went black.
Was this heaven?
Surely not.
Seeing the face of the man who had treated me like a stranger since birth made it feel more like this was hell.
No wonder there was never any love in his gaze when he looked at me.
Despite my relentless efforts to earn his affection and approval –– studying late into the night, mastering every subject, practicing countless musical instruments until my eyesight blurred –– he never showed any warmth or concern for me.
I had never truly been his daughter all along.
"What is it?" Sullivan frowned.
My heart sank as I realized that even in this moment, there was no warmth in his tone, no hint of paternal care. I was merely a duty to him, a pawn in the game of appearances and family legacy.
Taking a deep breath, I straightened my posture and prepared to face the man who had shaped my life with indifference.
"Nothing father," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.
"Is there something on your mind?"
My attention flickered to the woman who had just spoken. She possessed long curls of dark hair and cold, crystal-grey eyes. She was the pride of her social circles; everywhere she went, nothing but praise followed her.
Sophia Rosette, my supposed mother.
She was the reason I strained my ankles and hurt my back, all to walk elegantly with poise and charm, just like her.
I excelled in etiquette classes, hoping to hear a word of praise from her, but her lips remained sealed. She was always distant and cold towards me, and now I knew the reason why.
"My lady, are you not feeling well?"
My heart thudded hard against my chest. I knew all too well the owner of that voice.
I looked at the innocent face of Sophie. Short dark hair framed her face, and her grey eyes were paired with a charming smile.
She had always been by my side, learning everything I learned in secret. Once, I dared to question why she was present at the family table, and all I received in response were icy stares from my supposed parents and a day-long confinement to my room.
Since then, I never questioned her attendance again.
Now, thinking back, Sophie did bear a striking resemblance to someone . . . now that I knew who she truly was. Minus the wig and the fake dark skin tone, she was definitely a carbon copy of Sophia.
They even had the same name, for heaven's sake! It was Sophia who named her Sophie. By then, I should have known that something was going on. But I guess I was too busy being engrossed in the opulent life of being rich.
"My lady?" Sophie's voice broke through my thoughts. Her tone filled with feigned worry.
Did she already know?
Of course she did.
Why else would she not have intervened when I was banished?
She could have easily made me her guard or a maid, but instead, she merely watched with indifference as I was dragged onto the boat. Perhaps she couldn't wait to be rid of me so she could have everything to herself.
She must have endured all this time, jealous of everything I had everything that should have been hers. It must have been painful. She also liked Cole, which must have made the jealousy ten times worse.
Too bad I was too ignorant back then to savor the feeling of her agony.
Thinking of Cole, my heart throbbed with painful memories, enough to make me wish he would die. They would all die!
I'm petty after all.
But above all, hatred surged within me. Hatred enough to forget the man who had never cared about me.
In this life, the two of you could go to hell for all I care.
. . .
. . .
Wait . . .
Did I . . . go back into the past?
I glanced around at the indifferent figures seated at the table.
Yep . . .
This was definitely hell.
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