Lena Hartwell awoke with a start, her heart pounding as she tried to make sense of her surroundings. The room was lavishly decorated, with its rich velvet drapes and polished mahogany furniture, but something felt deeply out of place. The mirror on the wall reflected a face she recognized but didn't entirely belong to her—a younger, more refined version of herself.
As the memories flooded back, Lena's mind raced. She was no longer in her own world but had transmigrated into the body of the female antagonist from a romance novel she had once read. The tragic fate of her predecessor, the fake heiress who would die after an ill-fated attempt to kill the true heroine, Sophia Whitlock, loomed over her. Sophia was set to return in two months, and the Hartwell family had made it clear that she, the fake daughter, would have to leave once Sophia came back.Lena's eyes narrowed as she mentally reviewed her options. I need to act fast, she thought. If I'm to avoid the same fate, I need a plan.She swung her legs out of bed, her bare feet touching the cool marble floor. The room was filled with elegant dresses and designer bags, a stark contrast to the practical clothing she would need for her new life. Lena's gaze landed on the large wardrobe. This is a goldmine, she mused, her detective instincts kicking in. I need to sell these high-end items and use the money to buy what I really need.As she began to sort through the clothing, her mind worked quickly. First things first. I need a place to live, and the police academy might be my best bet.
They offer board, which means I won't have to worry about accommodation. But for now, I need to ensure I have enough funds to get by until then. Her eyes fell on a pair of intricately designed shoes. These will fetch a good price, she noted. Lena made a mental checklist of what she would keep and what she'd sell. Elegant gowns and flashy accessories were set aside for sale, while she kept a few pieces of formal wear and comfortable daily clothes. She purchased standard daily wear, including a black, beige, and white dress for events, and two pairs of leather shoes—one for formal occasions and one for daily use.She glanced around her room one last time. The opulence that had once felt like her prison now felt like a temporary asset. Adapt and overcome, she reminded herself. I have two months to prepare, and every moment counts. She focused on taking pictures of the elegant clothes and accessories she planned to sell.
She carefully arranged the items in flattering positions and used natural light to capture their details. Her keen eye for detail ensured that each photo showcased the pieces to their best advantage. Once satisfied, she quickly uploaded the images online, setting competitive prices to attract buyers.Just as she was finalizing her listings, the house butler knocked gently on her door. "Miss Hartwell, Master Daniel and Madam Hartwell request your presence for lunch."Lena took a deep breath, her mind already shifting gears. She had to navigate these interactions carefully."Thank you," Lena replied through the intercom. "I'll be right down."Descending the grand staircase,she entered the dining room, she greeted them with a polite, if reserved, smile. "Good afternoon, everyone."
Daniel saw her and looked away and Madam Hartwell's gazed at her smiled and motioned her to sit down. Throughout lunch, Lena navigated the conversation with practiced ease, offering polite but neutral responses. She subtly steered the discussion toward less contentious topics, avoiding anything that might provoke a negative reaction. Her goal was to appear compliant and integrated while continuing to gather information on the family's expectations and relationships.
As she ate, Lena felt a growing sense of emotional detachment. She noted how her interactions were now more guarded, as she had resolved not to invest in the family's affections. They've already decided to remove me from here, she thought. There's no point in getting emotionally involved if it's only going to lead to heartache later on. Instead of engaging in the conversation, Lena remained mostly silent, only speaking when directly addressed. The polite but distant demeanor she adopted felt like a protective barrier against any potential hurt.When Lena excused herself from the table and left, Master Daniel and Madam Hartwell exchanged puzzled glances. Daniel, the elder brother, furrowed his brow in confusion. "Did you notice how quiet Lena was today?" he asked, his tone reflecting genuine concern. "She barely spoke at all and seemed so stiff."Their conversation lingered on Lena's unusual behavior, both of them unsure of what to make of her newfound reserve.
The silence she maintained throughout the meal had clearly left an impression, and the family's confusion about her emotional distance was evident.As Lena retreated to her room, she felt a mixture of relief and focus. The evening was her time to regroup and strategize. She ordered dinner to be brought to her room, opting for something simple—a light salad and a bowl of soup—so she could focus on her planning without distraction.After the meal was served, Lena settled at her desk, pulling out her notebook and jotting down her immediate tasks. "Alright, first things first," she said, her voice low and methodical. "I need to finalize selling those items. The quicker I get the cash, the better. Then, I need to make sure my application for the police academy is complete and submitted before the deadline."She opened her laptop and began researching the police academy. She scoured the website for information on the entrance test, noting the test date and requirements. Her brow furrowed as she skimmed through the details.
"The entrance test is on the 15th of next month. I need to make sure I'm prepared," Lena muttered. "Application form, documents, and maybe some practice tests… gotta find those too."She made a list of all the things she needed to gather and do: complete the application, prepare for the entrance exam, and make sure her financial situation was sorted out. Her mind worked in overdrive, trying to ensure nothing was overlooked."Mmm, need to double-check the requirements for the physical test," she murmured, tapping on her laptop's keyboard. "And start some practice—don't want to be caught off guard. Maybe I should set up a schedule for studying and exercising."Her dinner plates were cleared away as she finished her planning. Lena closed her laptop and took a deep breath, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Despite the challenges ahead, she felt prepared and ready to tackle each task methodically.One step at a time, she reminded herself, her determination unwavering. I've got this.