The soft pecking sound of birds outside the tall glass windows was the first thing Olivia noticed as she struggled to be awake. She blinked, her mind was swimming in a cloud, the unfamiliar feelings of warmth and comfort wrapping around her like a blanket. The very large canopy bed she lay in was unlike anything she remembered, its lovely silk sheets and fluffy pillows were a comfort and a serious difference from the cold, hard surfaces she had often found herself waking up on.
Her heart seized as pieces of memories rushed back at once to her, memories of death. Over and over, she had met her end in countless ways: poison at a party, a blade to the heart, drowning in cold waters. Each life ended suddenly, cruelly, and without mercy. The bitterness of betrayal was fresh, as though it had just happened yesterday.
But this? This felt...different.
She pushed herself upright, her hands kept shaking as they held a golden metal to comfort herself. The room was luxurious, decorated in designs of gold and cream. A massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, displaying a soft, warm shine. The smell of fresh flowers coming in from a vase near the window. It was beautiful. Too beautiful.
Her chest tightened as fear came in. This wasn't right. She was Olivia Fairmont, the despised one, condemned to die in every timeline she existed in. Why did this place feel so safe? So perfect?
A knock at the door shocked her and brought her thought to her present, and she quickly wiped her wet palms on the sheets. The door opened with a creaking sound, and a familiar face appeared, Paul, her older brother. His tall stature and sharp looks were unmistakable, but there was something different in his expression. She saw Concern and Warmth in his looks.
"You're awake," Paul said, stepping into the room. "You fainted yesterday, remember? We were all worried about you."
Olivia blinked, her mind racing. Fainted? She didn't remember that. She had no memory of this timeline at all.
Paul moved closer, placing a hand on her forehead. "No fever. That's good. But you should rest more."
Before she could respond, another voice called from the hallway. "Is she up?"
Tom, her younger brother, came into the room, his boyish smile lighting up the place. He carried a tray filled with tea and pastries. "I brought breakfast! Don't worry, I didn't burn anything this time."
Olivia stared at him, her mouth slightly open. Tom had never looked at her like that before. In every life she could remember, her brothers had either been uncaring about her or very wicked to her. But here, they were caring for her like she was the most precious thing in the world.
"Thank you," she replied with her voice shaky. "I—I appreciate it."
Tom placed the tray on the bedside table and ruffled her hair. "Don't scare us like that again, Livvy. You had us worried sick."
Livvy? it felt strange to her, she hadn't heard anyone call her that in a long time.
Before she could think too much about it, another figure came out from the door. Austin. Her fiancé. looking at him alone made her heart seize.
He was as dominant as ever, with his dark hair and captivating blue eyes. But there was no coldness in his looks, no disrespect or quarrel. Instead, he looked relieved and happy to see her present condition.
"Olivia," he said softly, stepping into the room. "How are you feeling?"
She swallowed her saliva hard at the surprises she was experiencing. "I'm fine. Just...a little disorganized."
Austin approached her bedside, his expression was pure care. He moved closer to her and took her hand, his thumb was gently rubbing against her own palm. "You gave us quite the scare. Please, let us know if you need anything. Your well-being is my top priority."
Olivia's head turned in amusement. This wasn't the Austin she remembered. The Austin she knew had once ordered her execution in cold blood. What was happening?
"Thank you," she said, forcing a smile. "I'll be fine."
Austin nodded, his lips curving into a small smile. "Good. I'll let you rest, but I'll check on you later."
As he left the room, Paul and Tom followed, promising to return soon. Olivia was left alone, her mind was a storm and a mixture of both confusion and unease.
She moved her legs over the side of the bed and stood, the cool marble floor sending a cold chill into her body. She kept moving up and down in the room, trying to put together what was going on. Why was everyone treating her so kindly? Why did this timeline feel so...perfect?
Her gaze fell on a desk near the window. On it sat a jewelry box, a notebook, and a beautiful golden key. The key caught her attention immediately. It seemed to shine faintly, a soft golden light vibrating from its surface.
Curiosity increased in her, and Olivia reached out and picked it up. The moment her fingers became close to it, a strange warmth spread through her hand. She felt a pull, as though the key was calling to her, guiding her somewhere.
Her breathing increased. What was this? Why did it feel so familiar?
A knock at the door suddenly sounded which made her jump, and she quickly kept the key in her pocket. "Come in," she answered, her voice became more steadier than she felt.
Lila stepped inside, her delicate looks covered by soft curls. Her adopted sister's smile was warm, but Olivia couldn't shake the unease growing within her.
"I thought you might like some company," Lila said, sitting on the edge of the bed. "You seemed...troubled earlier. Is everything alright?"
Olivia hesitated. Could she trust Lila? In past timelines, Lila had often been a wildcard—sometimes a friend, sometimes a betrayer.
"I'm fine," Olivia said carefully. "Just tired."
Lila's gaze softened. "If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm always here for you. We all are indeed."
The sincerity in her voice caught Olivia off guard. She nodded, offering a small smile. "Thank you, Lila."
As Lila left, Olivia's hand instinctively went to the key in her pocket. Whatever this timeline was, it held secrets. And she was determined to uncover them.
She looked at the hidden passage she had noticed earlier in the room. The key in her hand seemed to vibrate again, almost pushing her toward it. Taking a deep breath, Olivia walked toward the passage, her heart continued pounding.
Whatever was inside and beyond, she was ready to face it. This timeline might be perfect, but perfection always comes at a cost. And Olivia Fairmont was no stranger to paying the price.
As she pushed open the hidden door, a burst of cold air rushed out, and the air came out with a small sound of whispers. The golden key in her hand shone brighter, displaying a dark, spiraling staircase that seemed to go down endlessly into the unknown.