Jiyeon woke up in the marital bed, the soft midday light illuminating the room through the heavy curtains. The gentle brush of the sheets against her skin reminded her of the previous night, the intense physical connection she had shared with Zayne. She could still feel the slight ache that it had left her, but it was not just that which kept her restless. There was something more.
She caressed the ring on her finger, an apparently ordinary object that concealed the true control of her destiny. The system. This was not just a piece of jewelry; it was an invisible prison. The more she looked at it, the more she understood that her freedom was merely an illusion. The ring glowed, and once again, it projected the rules of that damned world in front of her.
[WELCOME, ROSALINE]
[CATEGORY: VILLAIN]
[DANGER LEVEL: CRITICAL]
With a sigh, she settled back on the bed, focusing her attention on the bright hologram floating before her. The rules of the game began to appear, golden letters outlining her fate.
[RULES OF THE GAME]
1. Play the role of the villain to perfection. Any deviation will result in your elimination.
2. **The protagonist, Vivienne Blackthorn, must destroy you to survive.
3. Manipulation, cunning, and domination are your tools.
4. The decisions you make will affect the outcome of your life and that of those involved.
5. Remember: you cannot escape this world without fulfilling your role.
—Perfect —she murmured, her tone heavy with irony as she crossed her legs and observed the rules projected before her.
Her destiny was sealed. If she did not act like the villain, she would die. If she did not play well, Vivienne Blackthorn would destroy her. Jiyeon closed her eyes for a moment, letting the weight of the situation settle in her mind.
"Do I really have any other choice?" —she thought coldly. "This game is designed for me to lose, but what they don't know is that I was born to win."
It had not been a coincidence that Jiyeon had survived so many extreme situations in her past life. Being a professional assassin meant she was used to working under pressure, adapting to impossible circumstances, and coming out victorious when all seemed lost. If she had to be the villain, she would be, but on her own terms. She would make the rules.
She smiled to herself, a cold and calculated reflection in the mirror across the room. Rosaline was the name the system had given her, but she was Jiyeon. She was an assassin, a hunter, and no one, not even an all-powerful system, was going to dictate how she lived her life.
"I won't be their puppet."
The system screen faded away once it finished displaying the rules, but Jiyeon was already clear on her next step: change the script. She could follow the system's rules, but that didn't mean she couldn't bend them to her advantage.
Getting out of bed, she felt every muscle in her body reminding her of what she had done the night before with Zayne. "Damn Zayne," —she thought, a small smile curling her lips. There was something about him that awakened both desire and danger. His cold and distant attitude contrasted with the intensity of the previous night, a mixture that intrigued her.
"I can't believe you're so different in bed..." —she murmured, as she recalled his hands, his lips. It had been something dark, almost forbidden, and although it pained her, she enjoyed the sensation. She enjoyed being the villain.
She let the warm water of the shower wash away the memories of the night, but even under the stream, her mind kept churning. "Zayne... what will you do now?" She knew he wouldn't be home during the day. He had his own affairs, but she wasn't going to sit still. It was time to act.
"Vivienne Blackthorn." That name hovered in her mind like a constant reminder of the threat she faced. If that was the protagonist who was supposed to destroy her, then Jiyeon would use every trick in her arsenal to turn the narrative in her favor.
"If this world wants me to be the villain, then I will be. But not as they expect." Jiyeon knew that her strength lay in her cunning. Those who underestimate their enemies are the first to die.
After dressing in an elegant black dress that accentuated her figure, a symbol of her position as a villain, she headed to the main hall of the house. The large windows let in the midday light, but Jiyeon was not interested in the beauty of her surroundings. Her thoughts were focused on her next move.
—The system thinks it has me under control... —she said quietly, her eyes shining with a dangerous determination—. But soon they will learn that no one controls Jiyeon.
The manipulation plan began to take shape in her mind. First, she needed to buy time. If she subtly followed the script, the system wouldn't detect her as a threat. She knew the system controlled every detail of this world, but perhaps it wasn't as perfect as it thought. What if she manipulated its actions in a calculated way? Playing the role of the villain, but at the same time gaining allies.
—Zayne will be my first card —she decided aloud, talking to herself—. He is cold, calculating, but I can manipulate him. I already did last night.
She knew that although Zayne seemed impenetrable, there was something in his way of acting with her that indicated a hidden interest, an attraction she could leverage. I don't care what happened to him; if he wants to play this game with me, I will let him in, but under my rules.
She took a glass of red wine, sitting by a window to observe the gardens outside while her mind continued to devise plans.
How to start...?
The script dictated that her relationship with Zayne should be marked by tension and distance. However, Jiyeon planned to create a different connection, a deeper one, a dangerous alliance. If she could get closer to Zayne and make him distrust Vivienne, she would have one foot in victory.
—Vivienne... —she whispered the name, almost like a breath—. You will be my greatest obstacle, but also my best opportunity. If I can get close to you... I can destroy you from within.
A dangerous smile curled her lips as she took a sip of wine. The bitter and sweet taste reminded her of the duality of her plan. Being the villain was not a punishment for Jiyeon. On the contrary, it was her chance to shine, to be who she had always been: a master of deception, an invincible strategist.
I am not Rosaline... I am Jiyeon. And I will write my own ending.
As she continued to be absorbed in her thoughts, the sound of the ring interrupted her concentration. The system projected a new warning:
[ALERT]
[A DEVIATION IN THE VILLAIN'S BEHAVIOR HAS BEEN DETECTED. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO RETURN TO SCRIPT PARAMETERS.]
Jiyeon let out a cold, calculated laugh, just like the character she was supposed to portray. The system already suspects... perfect. That only meant she was on the right path. Manipulating the system was possible, and now she had confirmation.
—They can try to stop me, but they won't succeed —she said aloud, savoring the challenge—. I will give everyone what they want to see, but my way.
The system seemed to be constantly watching her, but Jiyeon would not be intimidated. She would use every tool at her disposal to change her fate. Now, more than ever, she felt powerful, ready to face everything this cursed game threw at her.
I am the villain. And I love every second of it.
With that resolution, she rose from her seat, ready to act.
Jiyeon strode through the mansion with firm steps. The stone walls and opulent decorations made her feel as if she were in a theater, where she was the protagonist of a twisted play. Every room she passed reminded her that although she was now a villain, she could still shape her story her way.
As she walked, she encountered a maid. The woman, visibly nervous, stopped in her tracks upon seeing her.
—Lady Rosaline! —she exclaimed, nearly stumbling in her attempt to curtsy.
—Get up —Jiyeon commanded, her tone colder than usual. She didn't want to show weakness. In this world, vulnerability was not an option.
The maid straightened up, her face reflecting a mix of relief and fear. Jiyeon could feel the power emanating from her figure. The girl was the villain, and every glance, every gesture could influence how others perceived her.
—Where is my husband? —she asked, crossing her arms and observing the maid with an authoritative air.
—Lord Zayne left early, my Lady. He said he had matters to attend to —the maid replied, trembling slightly.
—Well, then prepare me some tea. I don't have time to wait.
The maid nodded quickly, and Jiyeon dismissed her with a wave of her hand. She knew she had to maintain her image as a villain at all times, and in this world, that meant being dominant and controlling.
As the maid walked away, Jiyeon couldn't help but think about Zayne. He was a complicated man, someone who seemed to hide much more than he showed. His cold and distant attitude was merely a facade, and she intended to discover what lay behind that mask.
*"If I want to manipulate him, I must play my cards carefully,"* she reflected. *"I must attract his interest but also make him believe he has control."*
She returned to her room and began planning her strategy. Sitting on the edge of the bed, her mind raced. The system still resonated in her head, warning her to be careful. Every move counted, and any mistake could cost her life.
*"It's time to show this world what I'm made of,"* she thought, feeling a palpable excitement in her chest. *"First, I must establish my dominance, and then... destabilize Vivienne."*
It was then that the system projected a new alert:
**[NEW MISSION: ESTABLISH AN ALLIANCE WITH ZAYNE]
[OBJECTIVE: GAIN HIS TRUST AND LOYALTY]
[REWARD: ACCESS TO CRUCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT VIVIENNE BLACKTHORN]**
The mission resonated in her mind, and a sly smile crept across her lips. *"Perfect."* If she managed to get close to Zayne, she could obtain not only his trust but also the information she needed to destroy Vivienne.
*"I must do it before he returns,"* she thought, rising quickly. *"The maid will take some time to bring the tea. This is my moment."*
Determined, she began searching the mansion for any clues about Zayne and his past. As she wandered through the hallways, the feeling of being watched lingered over her. Still, she couldn't allow that to distract her. She was the villain; she couldn't let fear dominate her.
Finally, she arrived at a study room. The shelves were filled with ancient books, and a large dark wood desk occupied the center. Her eyes lit up when she saw a diary on the table, almost as if it were calling out to her.
She approached it and opened it. The pages were filled with Zayne's elegant handwriting. She began reading, discovering his darkest thoughts, his internal struggles, and his fears. He was not just a cold and distant man; there were more layers beneath that surface.
*"What do you have in mind, Zayne?"* she mused to herself, feeling that she was getting closer to the truth. Each word wrapped her further into his story but also revealed weaknesses she could exploit. She knew that by manipulating those details, she could make him turn towards her like a moth drawn to a flame.
It was then that she heard the sound of the door opening behind her. She quickly turned around and found herself face-to-face with Zayne. His expression was impassive, but his eyes revealed a spark of curiosity.
—What are you doing here, Rosaline? —he asked, his deep voice resonating in the room.
Jiyeon smiled, knowing she had to seize that moment. She approached him with calculated confidence, recalling the system's rules as her thoughts overtook her.
—I was just looking for something that would help me understand my husband —she replied, her voice soft and seductive—. I want to know the man I'm married to.
Zayne looked at her with a mix of disdain and surprise, but Jiyeon could feel there was something more. It was evident that there was a spark of interest in his eyes, even though he tried to hide it.
—You don't need to know me. It's unnecessary —he replied coolly.
—But that's what's needed in a marriage, Zayne —she said, leaning slightly towards him as if closing the distance between them—. Trust. Don't you think?
Zayne crossed his arms, his gaze fixed on her. *"Play your cards right, Rosaline,"* he thought as he felt the tension between them grow palpable. *"I want to see how far you're willing to go."*
—I can't allow the image of my wife that everyone fears to define me completely. There's more to me than you think —he added, challenging her gaze.
Zayne raised an eyebrow, and for a moment he forgot about his cold demeanor. There was something intriguing about how she spoke; it was that same audacity that had awakened something in him—something he preferred to keep hidden.
—And what is it about you that I don't know? —he asked in a challenging tone.
She smiled, feeling that the conversation was taking a positive turn. *"Alright, Zayne. I'll show you what I'm capable of."*
She stepped closer again, her presence dominating the space between them. The energy between them vibrated—a tug-of-war neither could ignore.
—I'm not just your wife —she whispered—. I can also be your ally if you give me the chance.
Zayne studied her closely as he evaluated every word and gesture. In his mind he thought this wasn't just a game for her; there was something deeper in her proposal. But for now, he would play along with whatever game she wanted.
—I'm not sure that's a good idea —he replied though his tone sounded more inquisitive than challenging.
—Sometimes what seems dangerous is the most exciting —Jiyeon said again challenging him as she stepped away from him leaving behind a seductive hint.
In that instant, she felt like she had captured his attention; with that, her plan began taking shape. *"You're in my game now, Zayne; whether you like it or not."*
Zayne's gaze intensified; although he tried to maintain composure Jiyeon could feel growing interest within him. It was clear he wouldn't give up easily—but this only made the game more interesting.
—Don't expect me to give in —Zayne said with eyes reflecting defiance.
*"That's what I hope for,"* Jiyeon thought feeling more motivated than ever before. She had to play her cards well and maintain her position as villain while being strategic at the same time. The connection they were starting to forge could be her greatest advantage.
*"The game has just begun,"* she reflected smiling at herself while tension between them thickened. Zayne might be a formidable enemy but could also become her greatest ally if she maneuvered circumstances in her favor.
As their conversation continued Jiyeon felt increasingly confident that she was on the right track. The system might try to manipulate her but she was determined to take control of her own destiny.
Zayne took a step back marking distance between them yet fire remained in his eyes—a constant reminder that she had ignited something within him; something even he couldn't fully understand yet.
*"This isn't over yet Zayne,"* Jiyeon thought,
Zayne took another step towards her; his gaze fixed and challenging as if analyzing every movement Jiyeon made. Though he kept his composure Jiyeon noticed something in his expression didn't quite fit with his usual coldness—the air between them charged with growing tension.
—Don't get me wrong Rosaline —Zayne said in his usual tone but something about it felt different; more calculating— I'm not someone you can easily get to know.
Jiyeon narrowed her eyes measuring out each word carefully.* "This man is more complicated than I expected."* But there was no turning back now; she had to continue playing along with this game.
—I'm also not someone who gets intimidated easily —she retorted crossing arms while watching him with barely perceptible smile— It doesn't matter how distant you are Zayne; what I want is simple: To understand better who you are. If we have to share a marriage we shouldn't be complete strangers after all.
The room fell into complete silence only interrupted by light wind hitting against windows.Zayne stared at her; thoughts clearly working but words remained controlled.
*"You think you can manipulate me,"* Zayne thought knowing full well he wasn't easy prey.Having been Agent San-min he had been trained as master of shadows working undercover missions unmasking lies.His system also remained there silently like guardian rules were meant to be followed one being not revealing anything about past life.
—Interesting... —he murmured stepping closer barely inches apart from Jiyeon— So you want to know me better? What makes you think you deserve such right?
Jiyeon looked at him intensely words sharp as blades.—Because we're married Zayne.And because I want ensure this marriage isn't just facade.
Suddenly hurried footsteps echoed down hallway breaking moment.A maid appeared at door carrying tray of tea.In haste couldn't stop on time tripping just past Zayne.
Impact caught both off guard before either could react Zayne lost balance falling forward landing right on top of Jiyeon.In an instant they found themselves on floor him holding himself above while their faces barely inches apart.
Jiyeon's heart raced.The proximity of Zayne his dark eyes and sensation of body over hers left breathless.For one second both remained still trapped within confusion moment.
The maid who had dropped tray froze upon seeing compromising position their bodies occupied.Eyes widened immediately.
—I apologize my Lady! My Lord! —she exclaimed voice trembling while retreating quickly.
—Wait! —Jiyeon called trying get up but maid already fled down hallway clearly having wrong idea.
Zayne pushed himself up eyes still fixed on Jiyeon.Although face maintained composure slight smirk danced on lips.Slowly rising offered hand for help getting up.
—Looks like they're weaving their own stories about us —Zayne said voice laced with irony— Poor girl probably thinks worst.
Jiyeon ignored him standing up by herself brushing off hand offered.She wouldn't let Zayne think he held any control over her not even in situations like this one.
—I don't care what others think —she replied coldly shaking out dress— What matters is what's happening here.If you want avoid misunderstandings maybe you should start acting like proper husband.
Zayne raised an eyebrow clearly amused by reaction.—A proper husband? —he repeated almost laughing— And how should that be Rosaline? Someone who tells you everything want hear? Who surrenders your wishes? Don't make me laugh.
Jiyeon shot him an icy glare.* "This man is playing games with me but I won't fall into trap."* It was evident he wasn't someone easy manageable but same could be said about herself.
—I don't need someone who tells me what I want hear —she countered voice low yet firm— Just want someone honest with me.
Zayne observed for moment eyes evaluating each word spoken.Knew she dangerous just like himself.Both played game neither knew actually enemies past lives.
*"She's sharper than I thought,"* Zayne reflected.But like Agent San-min accustomed playing long game.* "Don't underestimate me Rosaline.Because I'm not only one holding secrets."*
Silence stretched between them few seconds longer.Finally Zayne stepped back expression returning calm usual.
—Seems we've made quite impression —he commented sarcastically referring incident maid— Perhaps we should be more careful moving forward.
—Perhaps —Jiyeon replied maintaining composure— Or maybe you should learn keep your balance.
Zayne chuckled softly low dangerous sound.—We'll see who loses balance first.
As he walked away from room Jiyeon watched intently.Knew this man would pose greatest challenge yet could also become largest ally if played cards right.
*"Don't underestimate me Zayne,"* she thought watching disappear down hallway.* "The game has just begun."*
What Jiyeon didn't know was that Zayne or rather San-min thought exactly same thing.Both trapped within dangerous game neither fully aware rules entirely.
Jiyeon stood before mirror new room daylight filtering through curtains illuminating face.As observed reflection mad laughter escaped lips echoing dark twisted thoughts.
**"Rosaline Hawthorne—the villain of tale.You have world within your hands and no one knows,"** she murmured letting laughter resonate throughout room.Felt powerful able crush heroine Vivienne Blackthorn mere snap fingers **"I'll be reason for downfall.She has no idea what's coming."**
Her mind filled images past life betrayals revenge meticulously planned.Idea destroying Vivienne filled euphoria unlike any other **"Finally have second chance.This time won't fail."** Laughed again enjoying madness situation.
Suddenly door opened maid entered surprised see Jiyeon laughing alone before mirror.Woman stopped dead tracks face reflecting mixture confusion concern.
—My Lady are you well? —the maid asked eyes examining Jiyeon uneasily.
Jiyeon turned around expression shifting from joy cold determination instant.Maid had no idea whom stood before her.
—What do you want? —Jiyeon asked slowly approaching maid voice filled disdain— Are you going help prepare for day?
Maid nodded nervously.—Yes My Lady.I can help prepare bath if wish.
Jiyeon tilted head sinister smile appearing on face.—Don't touch me.—She stepped closer eyes fixed on maid— Don't want anyone seeing me vulnerable.Understand this well: If ever dare say anything about what've seen or think can talk about me others...you'll wish hadn't done so.
Maid swallowed hard feeling small under intense gaze Jiyeon.—I understand My Lady.I won't say anything.I just wanted help you.
Jiyeon crossed arms observing terrified expression maid's face.Liked having control feeling could crush anyone stood way.Serve seemed panicked state exactly wanted.
—I don't want help nor company.Get out.—She ordered without breaking icy expression— If return without permission promise will regret it.
Maid nodded quickly face pale filled fear.—Yes My Lady.I'm so sorry.
Without waiting response maid ran out room closing door behind.Jiyeon looked back at mirror satisfied by intimidation caused.
*"That's how power is handled,"* she thought smiling at herself.* "No one will stop me.I'm destined be villain—and will do it my way."*
Image reflection faded momentarily lost thoughts increasingly determined destroy heroine threatened new life.
**"No one can stop me,"** she whispered letting low dark laugh escape preparing next move.
Night had fallen and Jiyeon felt perfect moment retreat separate room.Idea sleeping next Zayne unsettled while mind schemed how manipulate situation favorably.Rose from bed prepared leave but before doing so decided glance last time mirror.
*"Today I've taken first step,"* she thought adjusting hair arrogantly smiling.* "I won't stay here merely as simple wife.I am villain."*
When opened door leave found Zayne emerging shower only towel wrapped around waist.His hair dripped skin still glistening under dim light room.Jiyeon's heart raced—not from attraction husband but surprise encounter.
—Where do think you're going? —Zayne asked frowning crossing arms challenging look face.
—I'm going rest another room.—Jiyeon replied trying maintain firm voice noting tone softened slightly.
Zayne took step towards pushing gently against bed surprising enough freeze unable react astuteness swiftness wife displayed during encounter earlier
—You're my wife.You can simply leave another room.—Said Zayne leaning toward barely inches apart their faces dark intense eyes night— Why do want distance yourself from me?
Jiyeon blushed unable form coherent response closeness Zayne disarmed
—I-it's not… —she murmured trying avert gaze yet situation put defensive mode
In an instant assassin instinct awakened.Moved swiftly executing hold learned days training combat.Zayne surprised caught off guard moment unable react speed agility wife displayed
—What the hell...? —murmured Zayne stunned Jiyeon kept grip leaving expression amusement face
—I'm not just some novel villain,Zayne.I know how fight.—Whispered Jiyeon smiling defiantly— Don't underestimate your wife
Zayne still position left by hold realized something deeper within.Jealousy admiration grew respect strength cunning displayed by wife
—How can fight like this? —he asked admiration confusion voice
Jiyeon released him stepping back laughter lightheartedly
—Maybe I'm more than appear.But don't forget being your wife means I'm weak implies hold secrets too.—Said leaving air mystery while moving away from bed
Zayne watched mixture surprise curiosity eyes admiration skill began grow yet mystery nature left perplexed
—Are going leave like this? —asked Zayne feeling strange pushed conversation where role husband seemed complicated imagined
—Yes.It's better for both us.—replied Jiyeon decisively—I need time alone think
With calculating glance Jiyeon exited room leaving Zayne questions unanswered.Once safety other room couldn't help smile herself.* "This is getting interesting."*
Zayne however settled bed still shocked occurred.* "What was that?"* He pondered speaking system learned ignore past life.* "She changed attitude quickly Why?"*
—System why don't tell what's happening? —asked Zayne softly sensing something deeper play something couldn't fully comprehend
But system remained silent offering no answers leaving uneasy feeling there more wife showed
*"Who are really Rosaline?"* wondered as night descended upon both trapped secrets story barely beginning unfold
let me know!.