I smirked at my reflection as I slipped it on, pairing it with diamond earrings and heels sharp enough to pierce through the lies surrounding me.
By the time I was done with my makeup—a perfect blend of allure and confidence—I no longer looked like the Lisa they had once trampled on.
A knock on my door interrupted my thoughts.
"Miss Lisa, the car is ready," a voice informed me.
"Good," I replied, grabbing my clutch.
As I descended the stairs, I caught sight of Ava and my stepmother sitting in the grand living room. Their conversation stopped as they turned to look at me.
Ava's eyes widened slightly before she quickly masked her reaction with a fake smile. "Sister, you look… different tonight."
I returned her smile, though mine held a sharper edge. "Do I?"
My stepmother, ever the schemer, narrowed her eyes as if trying to read my intentions. "Are you heading somewhere, dear?"
I tilted my head, pretending to think. "Oh, didn't you hear? The Dark Prince is hosting a party tonight. Of course, I wouldn't miss it."
Ava's fingers clenched around the teacup she was holding. "That's strange," she said, feigning innocence. "I don't remember you receiving an invitation."
I chuckled, stepping closer until I was looking down at her. "That's because I don't need one."
Without another word, I turned on my heel and walked out, leaving them in stunned silence.
As I settled into the backseat of my car, I exhaled slowly.
Tonight marks the beginning of my revenge.
And my first move?
Claiming Damon Carven Zichen as mine.
As I stepped out of the house, the cool night air brushed against my skin. But just as I reached the car, I vaguely heard the hushed conversation inside.
"Mother, did you see that?" Ava's voice was sharp with disbelief. "She's acting strange. This isn't the same Lisa."
There was a pause, then my stepmother's voice, lower and filled with suspicion. "I noticed. She's changed… Something feels off."
Ava scoffed. "She must be trying to get attention. Maybe she found out about Gary and me, and this is her way of rebelling."
"Hmph," my stepmother muttered. "Even if she did, it doesn't matter. She's still just a little girl playing pretend. Let her act strong—she'll break soon enough."
I clenched my jaw, gripping the fabric of my dress as a cold, amused smile crept onto my lips.
Little girl playing pretend?
If only they knew.
They still thought I was the same Lisa—the one who used to adore them, who used to cry over betrayal. But they would soon realize just how wrong they were.
Straightening my posture, I stepped into the car, the driver closing the door behind me.
"To the Zichen Estate," I ordered.
As the car pulled away, I leaned back against the seat, my fingers tapping against my thigh.
Let them underestimate me. It'll only make their fall that much sweeter.
Tonight, my new life truly begins.