The novel "Protagonist Is A Villain" was the last book I read, and it also made me absolutely furious. The story revolves around Zoya, a commoner obsessed with a nobleman, Duke Cedric Orion. However, Duke Cedric already had a wife, Cathleen. This didn't deter Zoya from pursuing her infatuation.
Zoya decided to work as a maid at Duke Cedric's residence and earned the trust to become Cathleen's personal servant. Cedric and Cathleen's marriage started quite smoothly. Although arranged, they tried to build a good relationship as husband and wife. Slowly, they learned to love each other.
But Zoya's presence as a servant ruined everything. She attempted several times to kill Cathleen and manipulated the couple into constant misunderstandings. The climax came during Zoya's fourth murder attempt. She poisoned Cathleen, intending to make her sleep forever. No one suspected Zoya because she had played the role of a trusted confidant so well.
However, the poison's effect didn't work as intended. A few days later, Cathleen woke up, much to everyone's relief. Not giving up, Zoya claimed that the poison's side effects would render Cathleen unable to bear children. This meant no heir could be born to Cedric, leaving Cathleen devastated and irritable.
Meanwhile, Cedric thought Cathleen's life was in danger because of his enemies. Misled by Zoya, he decided to distance himself from his wife, believing it was the only way to keep her safe. This particular trait of Cedric infuriated me—protecting someone by pushing them away. What nonsense.
Their relationship eventually broke down, leading Cathleen to demand a divorce relentlessly. They did divorce, but Cathleen's suffering didn't end there. I was heartbroken while reading this novel.
Perhaps those who enjoy stories with wicked protagonists would love it, but I couldn't accept it. I was used to stories with kind protagonists. The heartbreak I felt pierced deeply. I even cried for Cathleen.
By the end of the story, Cathleen had to lose her life because Zoya framed her for an attempted murder of the crown prince. A tragic ending for Cathleen. And for Cedric, too, as he realized he could never forget his ex-wife. Cedric even knelt before the king to plead for Cathleen's release, offering to take her place in facing the death penalty.
I wasn't suited for angst novels like this. I kept cursing Zoya whenever she appeared and wishing she'd face karma for her actions.
Sure enough, Zoya met misfortune by the end. Cedric chose to die alongside his ex-wife, ensuring Zoya would never win his love. That was all Zoya got, but honestly, I had hoped all her crimes would be exposed. Zoya still got to live, while the innocent Cathleen had to die. Frustrated—I was utterly frustrated at the author for giving Zoya so many advantages just because she was the main character.
As a whole, I gave this novel a rating of 4/10. I also wrote a lengthy explanation of why I despised Zoya and Cedric, who trusted Zoya far too easily.
My detailed review gained a lot of attention in the forum, and I felt like I had found people who truly understood my feelings.
Many agreed with my opinions, though some disagreed.
Encouraged by the attention my post received, I wrote another detailed argument about why Cathleen deserved happiness. I hoped the author would read my piece and consider writing something to fulfill this one reader's wish.
I didn't hope for much—I just wanted the author to write a single page about Cathleen being happy. That's all. Nothing more.
BUT
WHY
AM
I
THE
ONE
BECOMING
CATHLEEN?!?!?!?!?!
ARE YOU HOLDING A GRUDGE AGAINST ME, AUTHOR???