Everything was perfect. After so many failed attempts, I had finally killed myself. I was longing for that day to come. I knew I breathed my last breath; my eyelids were heavy, and I felt my heart stop beating. So, why?

"I thought we told you to stay in your room! Why did you attend Lucy's tea party and cause a ruckus? Have you no shame?"

Ah, right. It's been a week since I realized I had reincarnated in the novel I read a year ago. The god of misfortune must love me for giving me a second life that is not different from my first.

I slowly bowed my head.

"I deeply apologize for having no shame because I am of noble blood so…"

I raised my head and met her gaze. I genuinely smiled.

"…how dare a mere half-breed like your beautiful Lucy insult me when her very existence has sullied the great House of Astral?"

I suddenly found myself on the ground. I touched my stinging right cheek and laughed softly. This old hag is testing my patience. A mistress raised her hand against royalty? Wow.

If I finally meet the Grim Reaper, I swear I'll have him take me to whoever is responsible for these misfortunes I'm experiencing. Once is enough, but don't you think twice is too much?

"From now on, you are forbidden to step outside your room. You are forbidden to consume food or water until I say so."

I helped myself up and tidied myself. My gaze landed on my father. You're not helping me, huh? My lips formed a sweet smile and exited.

"Dear, how could Megaria change? She was so timid before, so how is she acting like that?"

I looked back and stared at them. The Duchess was hugging my father- as his hands were soothing her back; it was a sight to behold.

"Pathetic."

I couldn't help but mutter as I silently closed the door. I sighed. 

Should I wait until I'm 18, or should I die now? They're going to torture me anyway, so what's the use of living?

It's still hard to accept that I'm living from a novel I read in high school. I thought I was crazy, but I tried cutting my palm, and surprisingly, it was painful. I sighed as I held the door's handle.

My good-for-nothing father forbade me from having maids since yesterday, not that I cared. I'm about to die anyway. It is best not to get attached.

I opened my door and was about to throw my heels across the room when I noticed a man standing in the middle of my room. His back was facing me, but I could recognize that back so well.

"Megaria."

I thought I could finally have my rest, but I guess not.

"Raphael."

I forgot about this animal who hated Megaria. Technically, everyone in the household did, but this one is the worst.

"I couldn't care less about you but heed my warning. Do not disdain the Astral House if you want to keep your heart beating."

His icy-glaring screams of wanting to kill me this instant met my gaze, and I could only stare. His shining black hair, gray eyes, sharp jaw, and perfectly shaped lips, I couldn't deny how handsome he was.

What a waste.

I replied with a smile, bowed my head, and took a step back as if to say if he had nothing more to say, he was welcome to leave my room.

After a few seconds, I could hear his footsteps getting closer. His tracks stopped in front of me. I could feel his deadly gaze boring holes in my head.

"Do not test me, Megaria."

I raised my head gently and stared at his retreating figure.

"My heart would gladly welcome your sword, Raphael Astral, my dear brother."