Thorns of Affection: The Villainess' Unintended Romance

Prologue

Becoming Conscious

My eyes fluttered open, revealing a room filled with noblewomen of my age.

„Who were they?" My head throbbed, and my hand trembled as I clutched the delicate teacup.

My gaze drifted down to the cup of tea, its surface mirroring my puzzled expression. This face wasn't mine, these hands weren't mine—whose body was this? The sensation felt both foreign and familiar, like slipping into a well-worn glove that didn't quite fit. I belonged here, yet something was amiss.

My gaze drifted back to the chattering young ladies seated around me. Their words blurred, lost in a hazy fog.

"Lady Adela?"

The voice, soft yet clear, belonged to my servant and confidante.

„How did I even know that?"

My head throbbed, aching with unanswered questions.

"I'm fine,"

I replied, the words slipping from my lips almost instinctively, without conscious thought. It felt normal, as though I'd always lived this way.

I savored the tea, my gaze drifting from the chattering noblewomen to the opulent chandelier above. The intricate ceiling design surrounded me, and more nobles conversed, immersed in the tea party. It all felt surreal, as if I didn't quite belong—like I was in a dream.

—Or not. The warmth of the tea seeped through my fingertips, leaving a stinging heat. The pain felt too real for this to be a dream.

It's like I am here but, at the same time, not.

„The servant called me 'Adela'.., right?"

I pondered. It felt like everything had clicked into its right place.

„Right, 'Adela', I've heard of that name before. Was it...back then?"

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"Is this a trailer for the new upcoming otome game?" I murmured softly, excitement lacing my voice as I clicked on the trailer.

I watched the trailer for the upcoming otome game, «Court's Deception,» my gaze intense. Onscreen, a haughty noblewoman with black, silky hair and piercing red eyes made her entrance.

"You there, Lilia, right?"

The woman's voice cut through the air, clear and stern. Her arms were crossed, and she regarded the newcomer with disdain.

"Oh? There's even voice acting," I murmured with a smirk, my interest piqued by the trailer of the Otome game. With a decisive click of my mouse, I added the game to my cart.

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„That's all I could remember before seeing myself here,"

I thought, placing my hand on my forehead.