chapter 2 and chapter 3

Chapter 2 — The Perfect Mask

The next morning, the mansion buzzed with activity.

Servants rushed through hallways while preparations for the upcoming engagement party filled every corner.

Just like before.

Only this time, Seraphina knew the truth.

She sat quietly at the breakfast table while her brother read the newspaper across from her.

Lucien looked up and smiled warmly.

“You seem different today.”

Different.

If only he knew.

Seraphina smiled sweetly.

“Do I?”

For a second, guilt flickered in his eyes.

The same guilt she remembered before he betrayed her.

Interesting.

So even in this timeline… he already planned everything.

Her nails dug into her palm beneath the table.

But her face remained calm.

That was the first thing she learned after dying.

Never reveal your pain.

Predators attack wounded hearts.

She would become untouchable.

A servant suddenly approached.

“Miss Vale, Mr. Damian Ashford has arrived.”

Her chest tightened.

Damian entered moments later looking devastatingly handsome in a black suit.

Exactly like the man she once loved.

Exactly like the monster who killed her.

He walked toward her and kissed her hand gently.

“My love.”

Seraphina almost laughed.

How disgusting.

Still, she tilted her head shyly.

“You came early.”

His eyes softened.

“I missed you.”

Lie.

Everything was a lie.

But now she knew how to play the game too.

And she would play it better.

Chapter 3 — A New Ally

Revenge required patience.

And power.

Seraphina knew she couldn’t fight alone.

So she searched for someone unexpected.

Someone dangerous.

Cassian Blackwood.

The youngest billionaire in Valoria.

A man feared by politicians, businessmen, and criminals alike.

In her previous life, he remained distant from her world.

Cold.

Untouchable.

But there was one thing people didn’t know.

Before Seraphina died, Cassian secretly tried to warn her.

She ignored him.

And paid the price.

Now she stood inside Blackwood Tower staring at the man sitting behind the massive desk.

Cassian looked up slowly.

Sharp gray eyes locked onto hers.

Dangerous eyes.

“You requested a private meeting,” he said.

His voice was calm but intimidating.

Seraphina took a slow breath.

“I need your help.”

Cassian leaned back.

“Why would I help you?”

Because I died.

Because I know the future.

Because your enemies will eventually target you too.

But she couldn’t say any of that.

Instead, she smiled faintly.

“Because I can help you destroy Damian Ashford.”

Silence filled the room.

For the first time, Cassian looked interested.

“What exactly are you planning, Miss Vale?”

Seraphina’s eyes darkened.

“Revenge.”

A slow smile appeared on Cassian’s lips.

Not warm.

Not kind.

But terrifying.

And somehow… beautiful.

“Then,” he said quietly, “we’ll get along perfectly.”

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