ă€ŠTransmigration: Operation Don&#x27;t be a Martyr!ă€‹


 Chapter 1: Blare Hawkins

    It was just another day for Blare as she woke up at 4 am.

    Yes, she always wakes up so early in order to avoid the excruciating traffic that might bring her perfect attendance into ruin.

    Since she''s so slow in the morning, she had made it a habit to wake up so early and prepare her breakfast. Then took a bath and pretty herself up.

    It was 6 am when she strode outside her home.

    She always rode a bus in order to get to school. It would always take 1 and a half hour until it reaches the University.

    The path on the way to her school was always a sight to behold. The vast sea and the green nature always illuminates her sight as she looks through the window.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    Blare rests her chin on her palm as she looks outside. Although it''s still dark and the sun was just starting to arise, the beauty of the landscape is still a blessing in her eyes.

    However, her sightseeing was cut off when the bus made a sharp brake.

    "AAAHH!!"

    All of the passengers screamed when they felt the impact of the sudden brake of the bus.

    Blare kept a hold on the front handler and look around, and then to the window.

    The bus was on the verge of falling.

    Since Blare was seated on the front seat, she doesn''t dare move a muscle. But the other passengers on the front was overtaken over with panic and all of them hurried to go in the other end of the bus.

    Because of the sudden movement, the bus completely fell off the cliff.

    Blare could only stare blankly as her brain stop functioning. ''Am I going to die?'' was the last question in her mind as darkness was the last thing she saw when the bus crashed the ground.

 Chapter 2: System

    [Download complete, successfully entered in the host consciousness.....]

    Blare woke up after hearing the computerized voice. Her vision was met with white color the moment her eyes opened. She sat up and observe her surroundings.

    Everything was white except her jet black hair, light tan skin and pastel outfit.

    "H-Hello!?" her panicked voice echoed in the vast white area. Her mind didn''t fully register the statement of the computerized voice.

    [Scanning the host... Finding a compatible system for the host]

    "Wha... What?" Blare''s mind was in shambles. ''Wasn''t I dead?'' she thought.

    Blare closed her eyes and breathe evenly. Trying to understand the situation she was in. ''What''s happening? Is this the afterlife?'' many questions were floating her mind but she was sure on one thing.

    She was already dead.

    When she opened her eyes again, a female computerize voice spoke, [Welcome host! I''m system 127.]

    Blare look everywhere around her but found no figure.

    [Host, I have no physical figure. Only a voice for now]

    Blare breathe deeply and asked, "Who are you? Why am I here? Aren''t I dead?"

    A beep was made and the voice spoke again,If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    [To answer the host question chronologically. I am System 127 designed to assist you in your mission. You are here to accomplish those missions and no host, you are in a state of coma.]

    Blare disregarded the rest of the information when she heard she was in a coma. She thought about her parents who are working to support her in college.

    "How can I go back?" Blare asked in a hurry as her palms started getting sweaty from nervousness.

    [Host has to do missions in order to wake up in her world.]

    "What missions?" She asked calmly but her breathing was uneven.

    [''Operation: Don''t be a Martyr!'' Host has to complete 10 missions with only one main goal. The goal is to let the character you will reside in, love themselves. But it is also important to make their wishes come true in order to fully achieve the main goal.]

    "10 missions?! Wouldn''t that take too much time before I can get back?!" Blare angrily shot a glare on the white area in front.

    She wants to get home as soon as possible. Tuition for college is expensive, especially the hospital expenses. What if she became disabled when she gets back? That would put her parents in a difficult financial situation.

    As if the system read her mind, it said,

    [Host do not need to worry. If you successfully completed all your mission without failure. You will wake up within a week after your accident. We will assure you that you won''t become disabled in the future as well. That is if you pass with flying colors]

    Blare calmed when she heard the conditions. If she could go back without complications in her body, they would not suffer financially. She can also go to school at ease.

    "Fine. I''ll do the missions."

    [Excellent! Host, a reminder when you are to transmigrate. The level of missions will get harder as the level goes up. If you need to ask any questions, ask away. I won''t be with you once I''ve downloaded the character''s information in your soul.]

    Blare hold her chin with her knuckle as she thought about the system''s reminder. Her eyes widened when she thought of a question,

    "Can I die in a mission? Will it affect my soul or only the mission?"

    [You can certainly die may it be from murder or accident. It would not affect your soul while it would affect the mission. However, if you already completed the mission then suddenly die. Then it is considered a mission success.]

    ''Even through accidents?'' Blare bit her lower lip. She died in an accident and she may die in an unforeseen accident in the mission as well.

    [Host needs to treat the mission as a real-world, so accidents are normal in your world.]

    Sensing that the System heard her thoughts, she furrowed her eyebrows.

    "How can you read my thoughts... System 1... something" Blare asked as she crossed her arms. She had forgotten what the number of the system was.

    [Host''s soul and I, System 127 are now one in mind.]

    "Okay... Call me Blare, please. If you''ll allow me, I would name you to stop the formalities."

    [I''ll be delighted Blare!] The system automatically shifts her name and call her naturally. But Blare did not hear any delight from the computerized voice.

    "Then I''ll call you Reyna. Can you change your voice? Like in a human tone?"

    [Certainly, Blare!] Reyna said as she spoke in a girly delighted voice.

    Satisfied, Blare stood up and breathe out, "Then I''ll do the first mission!"

    [This may hurt a little.]

    It was the last thing Blare heard when she passed out and fell on the white marble floor.

 Chapter 3: Fang Chunhua

    Blare opened her eyes and saw the wooden floor.

    She was kneeling in front of someone.

    She cannot lookup. The body she''s residing in instinctively prevented her.

    "Fang Chunhua! Even if you were to become an Empress, you can never own my heart!" A manly voice shouted in anger while Blare flinched at the last words that he shouted.

    As soon as the man left the room in anger, fragments of memories of the body she''s residing to were delivered in her soul.

    Fang Chunhua. A beauty with brains and the talented daughter of General Fang Lei. She was engaged when she was a child with the man that just angrily left. That man was Wang Jianyi, the Crown Prince of the Yang Empire.

    Wang Jianyi has never love or felt anything for Fang Chunhua. He was in love with Qiao Langfeng, a merchant''s daughter in the Yin Empire.

    Fang Chunhua dedicated her life to a man that never looked her way. She had excelled in literature, music, and arts but Wang Jianyi had never bothered knowing her achievements. Even when they got married and became his Empress, the man remained indifferent. But even after all this, Fang Chunhua remained close to the man and supported him as an Empress. But what did Fang Chunhua got in the end?

    She was schemed by her own husband. Got dragged by him in the pit of fire as he watched her burn in an abandoned house. While her Fang family was executed for the treason that they never committed.

    After all of Fang Chunhua''s memories came into Blare''s soul, a sweet, soft voice of a woman spoke,

    "I have several wishes. First, do not marry Wang Jianyi. Second, save my Fang family and third... I want you to explore the world in my stead. Please show me what I''ve missed in my past life..."

    Blare''s body suddenly felt light. But her heart was still throbbing, she took a deep breath and stood up straight.

    As she scanned the room. What she saw was an unfamiliar structure of the place. Blare was certain she was in China, after all, she recognized the yellow |ˇÁ|cheongsam dress that she was wearing.

    ''Wow..'' she thought as her eyes roamed the area.

    "Young miss"

    Blare look at the person who was bowing in the doorway.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    "Young miss, General Fang wants to see you"

    "Hm" she responded as she walks towards the male servant.

    The servant bowed and lead her in the main hall. There, her father was seated alone and when he saw her, he gestured her to sit.

    Blare sat like the literal young miss of the Fang family. ''Fang Chunhua''s qualities that are still residing in this body are helpful at times like these'' she thought as she elegantly poured a cup of tea for her father.

    After all, Blare does not know the proper etiquette in Chinese culture. So she was thankful that the qualities of Fang Chunhua stayed.

    "Do you still want to marry the Crown Prince?" General Fang gritted his teeth, he was aware that his daughter was not loved by Wang Jianyi.

    "No father. Please... help me out of this excruciating engagement"

    The moment Blare uttered those words, her heart felt so heavy and the next thing she knew, she was already bawling.

    Her father hurriedly sat by her side and pat her back. His face was full of worry and pity for her daughter.

    "I will, I will... Father won''t let you be unhappy. |ˇÁ|Hua''er, my child, stop crying" Her father embraces her daughter as the woman kept crying.

    For General Fang, this is the first time that Fang Chunhua cried so much in front of him.

    He knows that his daughter was rational but is blind when it comes to love. She never cried because he thought she didn''t care if the man does not love her.

    Now, seeing his daughter cry, he can only feel sad and angry. Angry for the man who disregarded his daughter. But General Fang knew that he can never go against the imperial family. He can only grit his teeth in anger.

    Blare was shocked by her own reaction. Rather, she was alarmed that all of Fang Chunhua''s sadness will reach to this extent. Blare never felt this sadness all her life.

    It took 10 minutes before Blare can calm herself.

    As Blare fixed herself and dried her tears with the long loose sleeves of her cheongsam dress, her hoarse voice said, "Father, what do we do? How can I avoid the imperial edict of the Emperor?"

    The imperial edict was her marriage with Wang Jianyi when she was 4 years old and the man was 9 years old.

    At such a young age, Fang Chunhua''s fate was already written. Blare can only furrow her eyebrows in annoyance. She knows that disobeying the imperial edict of the royal family will endanger her and the Fang family.

    "Hua''er, there is a way" Her father reassured,

    "How?"

    "We have to find another spouse for you. Hua''er, you were so young so you didn''t understand all of His Majesty''s decree. The imperial edict says that, if you or His Highness have found your true love, your engagement will be void."

    Blare was genuinely shocked when she heard the imperial edict. Fang Chunhua did not know that the engagement can be void. Does this mean that Wang Jianyi also did not know the whole imperial edict?

    Because if he knows, then he could easily dissolve the engagement, but he didn''t.

    Blare concluded that Wang Jianyi was totally unaware of the whole statement in the imperial decree. She just felt hopeless because the General never told his daughter that there was a way out.

    To escape the marriage to Wang Jianyi, Blare is reluctant to marry another. In this era, it is impossible to find a man that will let her roam free in the future.

    "|ˇÁ|Chunhua understands father. Please let me choose my potential husband," Blare lied.

    General Fang did not expect her daughter to be so brazen and would actually choose her own husband!

    The middle-aged man just sighed and let her daughter be.

    General Fang lowered his voice. "You need to find someone in a month. A suitable man Hua''er, do not take in any random low man."

    ''Damn it,'' Blare thought.

    She was actually planning to take a random low man if she needed to marry. So she can also be unrestricted in the future.

    Blare only nodded in response to her father''s stern voice.

 Chapter 3.1: Fang Chunhua

    Blare woke up early in the morning out of habit. She didn''t expect that her body''s habit is onto her soul as well.

    Fang Chunhua usually woke up when the sun had already risen. In Blare''s case, the dark sky is always the one who she greets.

    Blare took the liberty of admiring the dark sky with its full moon and many stars. She was in no hurry in this world, so she leisurely felt the cold air and looked up in the dark sky.

    Since she woke up early, she fell asleep again.

    The sun was already out. She woke up, hearing a knock on her wooden door.

    "Y-Young miss" a trembling female voice called her,

    "Enter," Blare said as she sat,

    The female servant opened the sliding door and bowed. Then a figure of a man appeared behind the servant.

    It was Wang Jianyi.

    When Blare saw the man, she was suddenly feeling hateful. She hated the man to the core, but she did not let her face show it. Instead, her two small hands gripped onto the bedsheets.

    Blare stood up with no hurry. She bowed properly in front of the man and greeted, "Prosperity be with the Empire"

    Blare stayed like that, bowing, never looking up. She doesn''t want to look at him. Fang Chunhua''s emotions stirred into her soul too much that she needed to separate her soul and Fang Chunhua''s body into her mind and heart.

    Wang Jianyi found this situation peculiar. Fang Chunhua, the woman he''s engaged with always looked at him bashfully. A typical reaction he would always get to any woman.

    But this time, Fang Chunhua never lifted her head.

    "Why are you not looking up?" Wang Jianyi sneered at her action,

    "This subject doesn''t dare to look up without permission" was the only excuse Blare could say.

    Wang Jianyi felt amused. As he was walking towards her, Blare instinctively walked back, causing Wang Jianyi to look at her with mocking eyes.

    With her head bowed low, Blare felt her neck getting tired. She refused the man to get too close to her, Fang Chunhua''s emotions might come out.

    "Fang Chunhua, (sneer) are you trying to attract my attention through this method?" Wang Jianyi deeply hated her at this moment as he thought she was pretending.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ''This narcissist.. tsk'' thanks to the remark of the Crown Prince, Blare''s emotions took over the body.

    "This subject doesn''t dare to pretend Your Highness. Chunhua will gladly step back and not block Your Highness way" Blare said with a normal tone. Although deep inside she wanted to laugh and smack his head for being so narcissistic.

    The normal tone that Blare uttered cause the cold Prince to flinch. He angrily strode towards her and hold her chin in one hand to force her look up.

    Wang Jianyi was expecting a flushed face, but Blare''s soul felt differently for the man. Instead, she wasn''t able to hide the annoyance on her face.

    She almost slapped his hand away. But controlled it by gripping on the hems of her sleeping gown.

    Wang Jianyi was stunned at the woman''s reaction, after all, he knows that the woman loves him deeply. But what''s this irritation in her face? Was she angry at him? The prince can only take guesses for the reasons of her reactions.

    "Your Highness. I am an unmarried woman. This interaction is improper." Blare, with clear irritation in her voice, maintained respectful towards her words.

    This awakened the Prince thought. He went back to his cold facade and hold her chin tighter, causing Blare to slap the man''s hand away from her.

    Wang Jianyi smiled mockingly, "Unmarried woman... We''ll be married soon anyway. Why bother pretending?"

    Blare shuts her eyes and took a deep breath. A habit she always does when she''s trying to control her dangerous emotions.

    Wang Jianyi looks at her weirdly, but Blare doesn''t care what he thinks. After all, this man does not know how the real Fang Chunhua acts.

    "Your Highness, Chunhua is not pretending to get anyone''s attention. I ask for forgiveness for causing you to misunderstand!" Blare dramatically bowed. Her knees and forehead are touching the wooden floor. She really wanted to reap the Prince''s face in irritation, she had never bowed to anyone to this extent.

    This scene cause Wang Jianyi''s eyes to darken. He firmly believed that Fang Chunhua was only pretending. To lure her out of her act, Wang Jianyi decided to play with her feelings.

    "Hua''er" he called,

    "(snort)" was Blare''s response to his alluring voice. She bit her bottom lip to stop herself from laughing. Blare found it all laughable that the Prince would take her for a fool.

    "What was that?" was the Prince innocent question because he sincerely didn''t know what could cause such noise.

    Blare slightly look around, "I do not know Your Highness" she lied.

    Wang Jianyi just brushed it off and look at Blare''s bowing figure.

    "Stand," he said in a soft tone.

    Blare obediently stood up and met his gaze. Wang Jianyi''s whole being was stirred when Blare looked at him without any apparent emotions on her face.

    Wang Jianyi, once again, took a step forward. Which made Blare take a step backward.

    "This is getting ridiculous Fang Chunhua. We''re engaged through the imperial decree of my father, the Emperor. Are you trying to disobey His Majesty''s decree?" Wang Jianyi''s held a ridiculing tone.

    "Your Highness. Have you read the whole imperial decree of our engagement? My father reminded me what was specifically written because I last heard it when I was four years old." Blare said as she slightly bowed her head in respect.

    "Enlighten me" Wang Jianyi glared at the woman. He didn''t bother reading it because it keeps ruining his mood.

    "Your Highness, the imperial decree states that we are to be married IF both of us did not found our true love. In other words, when one of us found our true love, the engagement will be void" Blare said as she smiled sweetly, her eyes turning crescent. The woman was clearly beaming happily.

    This news should bring happiness to Wang Jianyi. But when he saw her enchanting smile while saying that their engagement will be void. His happy thoughts shattered.

    ''Was this woman so happy that our engagement will be dissolve?'' Wang Jianyi thought as he felt his heart ache.

 Chapter 3.2: Fang Chunhua

    After hearing the whole imperial decree through Fang Chunhua and seeing her being so delighted. Wang Jianyi left without saying anything. He felt nothing on the newly found information.

    While Blare stood up properly and stretched her body and neck when the man left.

    All the while she can''t stop smiling. Because this means that she does not need to marry! Blare figured that the Prince was in a daze because he doesn''t believe her. ''But who cares? He''ll confirm it in the end and will marry the other girl!'' she thought as she started exercising.

    ____________

    Wang Jianyi had confirmed that the imperial decree truly stated that her engagement with Fang Chunhua will be void if one of them found another lover. It came from the very decree in front of him that the Emperor presented.

    "Jianyi, why are you asking for that decree?" The Emperor questioned while looking at his daze son that''s holding the decree.

    "... I just wanted to confirm it father" He said as he stood up slowly and prepare to leave. Leaving the decree in the |ˇÁ|eunuch''s hands.

    "Hm," the Emperor only nodded and didn''t pry his son for answers. He wanted the man to decide on his life.

    Before Wang Jianyi could leave, the Emperor suddenly asked, "How is your visit to the Fang Estate? Are you getting along with your betrothed?"

    Wang Jianyi flinched in guilt. He goes there every time because of the Emperor''s order. At this time, Wang Jianyi wanted to say that Fang Chunhua already has another lover and him as well.

    But the words got stuck in his throat. Moreover, Fang Chunhua having a lover was not confirmed.

    Wang Jianyi lied by telling the Emperor that he and Fang Chunhua were getting along.

    This lie was noticed by the Emperor. He knows that his son always reprimanded Fang Chunhua. The Emperor was in no way a control freak towards his loyal subjects, that includes General Fang who supported him to get to the throne.

    That is why he issued a decree that wouldn''t complicate General Fang''s daughter in case his own son do not treasure the woman. The Emperor sighed in dismay at his son''s action towards Fang Chunhua.

    He was sure that no wedding will be happening between the two.

    Wang Jianyi maintained his cold demeanor as he walked towards his room in the palace.

    He needed to think. Why was he anxious? Is it because of Fang Chunhua?

    Wang Jianyi was used to Fang Chunhua''s presence. They grew up after all. She would always accompany him whenever she can. But somehow, he remembered nothing good from the girl. So why did he hated Fang Chunhua to a great extent?

    He then remembered when he, a 15-year-old met the 14-year-old Qiao Langfeng.Stolen novel; please report.

    Qiao Langfeng was a beauty. The true epitome of a lady and a literal angel. Her gentle temperament and elegant demeanor quickly caught Wang Jianyi''s attention.

    Fang Chunhua may be beautiful, but a 10-year-old child haven''t bloomed yet. So Wang Jianyi saw Qiao Langfeng as a woman. He was not sure if it''s love but he was sure that he wants the beauty.

    His hate grew because his father would force him to visit the woman every week. While Fang Chunhua would always bashfully look at him. He thought she was just another woman that wishes to climb his bed and achieve power.

    Wang Jianyi was currently thinking, ''Why am I wavering?''

    Indeed, as Wang Jianyi thought about Qiao Langfeng, he was starting to feel nothing. This feeling disturbs him so much that he decided to travel to the Yin Empire to see Qiao Langfeng.

    It was no secret to the Emperor that he''s pursuing Qiao Langfeng. The Emperor planned to announce that the engagement between his son and Fang Chunhua was no longer valid because his son has found his true love. He also planned to announce it once Wang Jianyi left the Yang Empire.

    As much as he was displeased to see his son fancy another and not his betrothed, he does not want him to be judged harshly for not following the decree.

    In turn, Fang Chunhua may be sneered at by the rich madams. But Blare doesn''t care about it. While the Emperor can only wish for the best outcome.

    The moment Wang Jianyi left the Yang Empire, the Emperor publicly announced that Fang Chunhua and Wang Jianyi are no longer engaged. As his son already fancy another.

    Blare received some women''s pity while the rich young ladies and madams ridiculed her fate.

    Again, Blare doesn''t give a single fuck. The same with the body. It seems like Fang Chunhua never really cared about the people who treated her with enmity.

    In fact, she badly wanted to jump in joy when she heard that she and the Prince were no longer promised together. She even thanked the eunuch with a pleased smile.

    This reaction reached the Emperor''s ears. Needless to say, he was relieved that the woman held no ill intent towards the royal family after the announcement.

    Her father, the General, was both pleased and displeased. Her daughter was being labeled as "ugly" because the prince chose another maiden. While he was happy that his daughter was no longer tied to the Crown Prince.

    Being labeled as "ugly" made Blare laugh. The body she''s residing in was nowhere near that word.

    Blare even describe Fang Chunhua as the Goddess of the Night.

    Fang Chunhua''s alluring straight jet black hair and jade-like skin screams ''otherworldly!'' The body''s pouty pink lips, straight-edge nose and round eyes were a perfect combination.

    Blare even admired Fang Chunhua''s body. Her thin waist and plump breast and bum were the sexiest. She admired the woman''s genes as well as hard work to reach such beauty.

    ____________

    The next day, Blare decided to tour the Yang Empire. The body wanted to explore so she chose to explore her homeland first.

    This was approved by General Fang and it took Blare several excuses to go outside. Until his father gave in and assigned 3 guards and 2 maids to accompany her.

    Upon arriving in the city, Blare leisurely explored every store that sells accessories, clothing, and even books.

    But what caught Blare''s attention was the Phoenix engraved in a silver hairpin.

    "Wow.." Blare mouthed as she touched the hairpin.

    "Young Miss, that is personally crafted by this lowly one." The old man said as he cupped his hands and lowered his back.

    "You made this? How talented!" Blare praised,

    The old man blushed in response as he never receives any praise for his handicrafts.

    "How much mister?" Blare held the hairpin and touched the exquisite handicraft of the Phoenix.

    "Only 1 silver |ˇÁ|tael young miss," the old man said in delight.

    "It''s so cheap, hand made crafts should have been priced higher. The detail of this red Phoenix is so eye-catching" Blare said as she admired the details on the hairpin.

    While Blare said it so nonchalantly, her servants, the people nearby, as well as the old man was shocked at her phrase.

    The old man was a peasant. Needless to say, his store was not known because of his background. Naturally, high-class people would not even glance at his store, but this young miss did. Moreover, she even said that his handicraft was eye-catching!

    The old man was shock and speechless.

    "Lao" Blare called and her maid, Lao, stood by her side,

    "Pay the artisan 1 gold tael," Blare said as she smiled gratefully to the old man and walk away with the Phoenix hairpin in her hand. Her servants and guards following her.

    The man woke up from his daze and hastily thank the young miss.

 Chapter 3.3: Fang Chunhua

    Blare''s appearance in the public market was spread in the Capital of Yang Empire.

    Men praised her beautiful demeanor and alluring temperament.

    While the young ladies and madams of the rich families became silent. Fellow women who admired Fang Chunhua sneered at their silence. The envious young ladies and madams have clearly eaten their own words.

    Soon, rumors about Fang Chunhua being ugly was debunked. Instead, she was described by the people as a beautiful, kind-hearted miss who fancies things that were made by artisans.

    They further described her as a young woman who knows the value of hand made crafts. A woman who has an eye for valuable things!

    Many young men, whether they are noble or from low families have wanted to ask the woman for marriage. Of course, young men from low families didn''t take the chance because they can never compete with the nobilities. But General Fang refused all of this because Fang Chunhua just got her engagement broken.

    Blare was unaware of the rumors that are circulating outside. The servants of the Fang Estate never uttered a word about the good rumors to the young miss. Instead, they were delighted and proud inside. ''Finally, the young miss has proven them wrong!'' the head maid thought as she nodded her head approvingly.

    While her servants were feeling delighted inside. Blare was admiring the pink, red and lavender silks that she purchased in the market. The pink silk have an embroidered plum blossoms, the red silk has embroidered flowers that were sewn in gold. While the lavender dress has embroidered flowers as well and was also sewn in gold.

    The hairpins also have the same color as the silks. The Phoenix hairpin made in silver, a plum blossom hairpin made in strong wood and a small violet flowers that were handcrafted and were made in gold.

    The Fang family''s seamstress gladly sewed the silks into cheongsam dresses.

    Blare was beaming at the cheongsam dresses. This can count as an experience for the body, specifically Fang Chunhua. The original owner of the body wanted to experience all kinds of things. Just like a teenager, Fang Chunhua wanted to shop her own clothes and accessories. She wanted to explore the Capital of Yang City. She wants to communicate with the town folks, and so on.

    Blare wore the red cheongsam dress that has flowers embroidered in gold, paired with the red Phoenix hairpin that was made in silver.

    She smiled in satisfaction. Then Blare put the half top of her hair in a bun and slid the red hairpin in it.

    Her waist-length hair that was not tied in the bun flowed freely. Added with her baby bangs, her beauty literally leveled up.

    _____________

    3 months have passed and Blare continued going outside and exploring the Yang Empire. She made two female friends while exploring in the Capital, both came from a rich merchant family. The two was older for a year, Fang Chunhua is already 18 years old while the two were 19 years old. Both females have a free spirit and desire to explore.

    "Hua''er, my father already permitted me from going on tour in the Wanshu Empire. You have to come!" Li Ruohan said as she fisted her two hands and shake them up and down in excitement.

    Blare giggled at her friend''s excited reaction.

    "Han |ˇÁ|jiejie, you can trust me on that. I''ll definitely convince father that I''ll go!" Blare said as she clasped her hand together.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Guang Fan Ai elegantly drink a cup of jasmine tea and look expectantly at the two.

    "Ai jiejie, when are we departing? What are the fun activities?" Blare''s eyes lit up towards Guang Fan Ai.

    Guang Fan Ai sighed hopelessly at the two women who are acting like children.

    "Hua''er, your father hasn''t said yes yet. And please you two women... act according to your age" Guang Fan Ai massage her temples.

    Blare and Li Ruohan was used to Guang Fan Ai''s nagging about etiquette and stuff that they already know.

    "Ai |ˇÁ|ji, we''re the only ones here" Li Ruohan pouted,

    "|ˇÁ|Aiyah! Ai jiejie, you need to loosen up too." Blare pouted as well and crossed her arms.

    Guang Fan Ai sighed in defeat.

    When the sun started to hide, Li Ruohan and Guang Fan Ai bid goodbye to Blare.

    Noticing that the sky is darkening, Blare decided that asking permission to her father is best to be asked tomorrow.

    When the sky was already dark, Blare took a bath in lavender flowers and slept after.

    _________

    Blare woke up when the sun was starting to rise. The servants have long changed their habits of waking up because of their young miss.

    Early in the morning, Blare would always walk around the Fang Estate and interact with the servants. At first, the servants were nervous around her and are afraid to make mistakes. But whenever they made a mistake out of nervousness, Blare would not shout or scold them, their young miss will even gladly help them.

    Her change 3 months ago was shocking but slowly, everyone in the Fang Estate is getting used to their young miss''s behavior. As for General Fang, he didn''t expect his daughter to be more outgoing when her and the Crown Prince, Wang Jianyi, got their engagement annulled.

    He concluded that the engagement might have suffocated her daughter in the first place.

    Blare''s shocking change on the body did not go unnoticed by the original Fang Chunhua''s elder twin sibling. Her elder sister, Fang Chuntao, visited 2 months ago after hearing her disengagement. Same with her elder brother, Fang Chuanli, who also came 3 days after Fang Chuntao''s arrival.

    Both of them are already married and both hurriedly made their way to visit their little sister. In the end, they have calmed down after hearing that Fang Chunhua was delighted to her disengagement.

    Fang Chuntao and Fang Chuanli departed from the Fang Estate with their anger and worry subsided.

    Back in the present time, servants would always greet and let Blare watch them work.

    "Young miss. General Fang calls for you." a servant appeared behind her.

    "Whose in the main hall besides my father?" Blare faced the bowing figure of the servant that flinched in her question.

    "His Highness and Zhao Kang are also present in the main hall." the servant answered,

    "Zhao Kang? (sigh) is father bullying him again?" Blare mumbled and signaled the servant to lead her to the main hall.

    Zhao Kang is the son of the old man in the public market. The old man who sold the Phoenix hairpin made in silver.

    Now, why would Zhao Kang enter the Fang Estate?

    To work. Blare generously offered work to the 21-year-old Zhao Kang because his mother got ill. The old man can only thank Blare repeatedly.

    The moment Zhao Kang entered the Fang Estate. Her father, General Fang would always make him do difficult things. It was nothing to Zhao Kang, but letting the man work non-stop from morning to night... every day is wrong.

    Blare suggested that his pay will be raised because he was always working. But General Fang turned deaf to her suggestions.

    So Blare fought with General Fang and gave him the silent treatment for a week. Until his father gave up, confessing that he was against Zhao Kang as her future husband.

    Blare facepalmed at this. Then she explained that the man only need work for the treatment of his mother. Only then General Fang calmed down and Zhao Kang''s life became easier.

    Presently, Blare was thinking ''Why did Zhao Kang be present in the main hall as well? To... watch?'' Blare shrugged at the thought.

    As Blare entered the main hall, she saw his father sitting at the center with Zhao Kang sitting at his side. While Wang Jianyi sat on the opposite side of the table.

    Blare shivered from the awkwardness. ''Wang Jianyi was so out of the place.''

    "Young miss has arrived!" the servant announced and the three men looked in her direction.

    "Chunhua greets father and his highness!" Blare said as she cupped her hands and bowed.

    "Hua''er! Come and sit!" Her father delight voice called her.

    Blare obediently sat beside General Fang.

    The room was silent. No one was willing to talk.

    Blare look at his father and look at him with furrowed eyebrows that are saying ''What is happening?!''

    The General smiled, then turned his eyes towards Wang Jianyi.

    "Your Highness, Hua''er is already here just as you requested." General Fang smiled, but Blare sensed a hidden contempt behind it.

    Wang Jianyi raised a brow at General Feng and Zhao Kang. Indicating them to leave.

    Sensing his gaze and intention, General Fang said, "My daughter just annulled her engagement to Your Highness. It is improper if she accompany you alone."

    "I understand General Fang, but what is this peasant doing here?" Wang Jianyi looked at Zhao Kang in disdain.

    Zhao Kang''s eyebrows twitch, but it wasn''t seen since he was bowing his head.

    "Zhao Kang is my daughter''s betrothed, Your Highness" General Fang answered nonchalantly.

 Chapter 3.4: Fang Chunhua

    Blare''s eyes darted towards his father and then to Zhao Kang. Her father gave her a glance, indicating her to not be so surprised.

    Blare flinched and composed herself. She kept her head low and avoided anyone''s look. Her palms started getting sweaty from nervousness.

    Blare felt it, the body was nervous for the Prince reaction to her engagement with another man.

    ''Fool'' Blare thought. Because her soul felt that Fang Chunhua is still in love with Wang Jianyi.

    ''You fool. Why are you so expectant? You''ll hurt yourself even more!'' Blare gritted her teeth in anger, mixed with nervousness and sadness of the body.

    Blare wanted to cry. Feeling so many emotions at once is tiring her emotionally.

    She forced herself to be poker face outside. Then sat up straight, her head was no longer low.

    Blare met Wang Jianyi''s gaze. The body''s heart stirred. Again, she felt extreme anger, sadness, and pain.

    "I am not engaged to anyone," Blare said with a straight face.

    "Father was only joking Your Highness. He must have wanted Chunhua to be married so Chunhua can have a family of her own." Blare added while she smiled uncomfortably.

    General Fang laughed awkwardly, he didn''t expect his daughter would be against on his plan at this very moment.

    "That''s right! That''s right! This old man was worried about you Hua''er. I am already old, it would be better if I saw my future grandchildren faster" General Fang laugh.

    Blare only smiled in relief, while Zhao Kang sat beside the General awkwardly. Blare would definitely apologize to him after.

    "Then why cancel the engagement?" Wang Jianyi asked, his eyes turning solemn.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    At this very moment, Blare saw his reaction. Tears were threatening to fall. The body wanted to rage at Wang Jianyi. Shout at him and maybe punch his pretty face as well.

    Fang Chunhua wanted to shout all her grievances to Wang Jianyi. He does not deserve to be sad when he clearly felt nothing for her.

    Her eyes unknowingly looked to Zhao Kang, who also saw her teary eyes.

    Somehow, Zhao Kang knew, ''The young miss truly love His Highness so much''

    Fortunately, the tears in her eyes did not fall. She exhaled softly and look at Wang Jianyi with a slight smile.

    "Your Highness. The Emperor already said the reason why our engagement was annulled. Should I enlighten you?" Blare smiled with closed eyes. Her tone was sarcastic and hostile.

    Wang Jianyi was struck with guilt. But since he is a Prince who values respect out of all, Blare''s sarcastic and hostile tone made him upset.

    "I already know what His Majesty said" Wang Jianyi voice was cold.

    Blare did not respond, nor did the two men.

    "But what if that reason was a lie?" He added as his lips curved up.

    That was the final blow. Because Blare can no longer hold all of the surging emotions inside her.

    "LIAR!!!"

    Blare slammed the table and stood up. She shouted as tears streamed down her face. It was continuously flowing.

    "YOU LIAR!! JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!"

    Blare stormed off the main hall as she cries her heart out.

    This reaction startled the three men. General Fang instinctively followed his crying daughter.

    While Zhao Kang and Wang Jianyi were left in the main hall.

    Wang Jianyi stood up and tried to follow the crying woman as well, but he was stopped by Zhao Kang.

    "Your Highness, this lowly one apologize for overstepping his bounds. But the young miss is extremely emotional right now" Zhao Kang bowed in front of Wang Jianyi.

    "Scram" Wang Jianyi commanded, his cold aura emerging. He wanted to see her. He wanted to know why her eyes looked at him with contempt. At the same time, it looked at him with deep sadness.

    Zhao Kang did not move.

    "Your Highness... Please give young miss time to calm down. The way she is right now is because..." Zhao Kang did not dare to say that her young miss does not want to see the Prince.

    But Zhao Kang indirectly said that the reason why Blare was crying was because of the Prince himself.

    This, of course, was understood by the Prince. He knows that the reason for her outburst is him.

    ''But why? Other than loving another woman, what did I do to receive such a scornful gaze?!'' Wang Jianyi can only guess, but he was going to get the answer in another day. One way or another.

    Wang Jianyi looks outside the main hall where Blare run off. Then he silently left the Fang Estate.

    Zhao Kang sighed in relief as the Prince left. He was glad that His Highness did not force his way in. Also, he did not issue a punishment to the young miss for raising her voice to the future Emperor.

 Chapter 3.5: Fang Chunhua

    Blare''s eyes were puffy from crying so much. She''s currently alone in her room while looking at the dark sky.

    Blare assured her father that she was okay as long as she doesn''t see Wang Jianyi''s face.

    Yes, that''s exactly what she said.

    Blare also used that moment to convince his father to travel with her friends to the Wanshu Empire.

    General Fang agreed and did not ask any more questions.

    He was aware that his daughter still loves Wang Jianyi. That made him pity his own daughter who was traveling far away just to ignore the Prince. As a father, he decided that it would be the best for her to travel so her love would fade away.

    Blare rested a cold cloth on her puffy eyelids to minimize the swelling.

    Blare was in deep thought as she constantly thinks about her goal. Based on the events that happened, it looked like she''s deviating from the first wish of Fang Chunhua.

    ''Wang Jianyi... Based on his solemn expression at that time, why do I think that he actually felt something from Fang Chunhua? Is it an act?... Is it because his ego is crushed since I made it clear that I was happy with the disengagement?''

    Blare frowned at the thought, she can''t help but step on the Prince''s ego because of what he did to Fang Chunhua. It was just a little revenge and Blare was sure that the Prince had long met the woman he loves.

    '' So, he wouldn''t be that petty... right?''

    Blare exhaled and damp the cloth in the bucket of cold water. Then squeezed the water out and put it back on her eyelids.

    ''Operation don''t be a martyr huh... This body is resisting to be a martyr since she wanted to separate herself from the Prince. But I feel like that will be crush once Wang Jianyi... say those three words.''

    "I love you" Blare mumbled,

    Blare felt the body''s heart throb... she felt her face heating up.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    The body, Fang Chunhua, was blushing!!

    Blare removed the cold cloth and slap her forehead as she let out a low disgruntled voice.

    "Argh! You idiot! I would have slapped you hard in another body because of your stupidity!" Blare tried to keep her voice low as she scolds the body.

    Blare wanted to scream in annoyance which she did but she buried her face on the pillow and screamed. She was still aware of where she was, so she avoided other people''s suspicion about her behavior.

    Again, Blare sighed deeply to control her annoyance.

    "How do I stop you from loving the bastard?" She mumbled as she places her knuckle on her chin.

    ''Wait... Reyna said that the body I will transmigrate in have to love themselves and that would be completed when I finished Fang Chunhua''s wishes... As for the wishes, it would take me years to fulfill the third one. Tsk! I''m even deviating from the first wish because she still loves that Prince!!''Blare mentally thought as she forces herself not to scream.

    In order to calm down and solve the problem, Blare stood up and paced back and forth while mumbling, "Love yourself... Love yourself..."

    Blare was thinking about how can she make the body realize her worth. Because Fang Chunhua never deserves that horrific ending.

    "Know your worth... You deserve better.." Blare said as she stopped pacing around.

    "Fang Chunhua, you deserve better" Blare said as her hand formed into fists.

    She needed to convince her and delivering it through words may do something, anything.

    As if on cue, Blare felt that the body was struck with a realization. It was filled with pain and gratefulness.

    Then, the sweet soft voice she had heard when she transmigrate here, spoke again,

    "Thank you... I truly do deserve better"

    Blare''s eyes turned teary.

    "I have another wish..--"

    ''There''s more?!'' Blare cut off the sweet voice.

    The voice only giggled and continued, "Please let me experience the feeling of being love.. by a man who I will wholeheartedly love as well... This is my last wish."

    The voice vanished and Blare felt her body lighter.

    She gaped and turned speechless. Then nodded in understanding.

    She felt that Fang Chunhua''s last wish is what she wanted the most.

    Now Blare though, ''... Uh... How do people found love?!''

    After all, Blare Hawkins have boys she liked back in junior high school. But she never liked anyone again when she became a senior high school student up until she reached college.

    She admired men, but never actually fell in love. Blare was satisfied watching from afar.

    She never wanted any in the first place. She was in college and her first priority is to find a decent job and climb up in higher positions until she got rich enough. Then she will spoil her two sisters, older cousins and the kids of her cousins.

    Blare wanted her whole family to live easily. She was especially thankful to her older cousins who always helped her whenever.

    So, falling in love was never in her line of sight.

    Blare massage her forehead and gave up thinking.

    ''Well... It will come.'' Blare exhaled and slept after.

 Chapter 3.6: Fang Chunhua

    Blare informed Guang Fan Ai and Li Ruohan that she was coming.

    She prepared all her stuff and was ready to depart after 3 days.

    "Hua''er, bring Zhao Kang with you." General Fang said as he and his daughter ate breakfast together.

    Blare was suspicious at her father and asked, "Why bring Zhao Kang, father? Are you stirring up something again?"

    General Fang looked at Blare with guilt.

    "You needed to marry. The prince didn''t bring his lover back in the Empire... Do you know what that means?"

    Blare furrowed her eyebrows then sneered. ''So his love was faltering, pathetic''

    Blare suddenly felt her heart aching, but it wasn''t her heart. It was Fang Chunhua''s. Blare can only feel sad for Fang Chunhua.

    But what the body (Fang Chunhua) felt was only natural, since love can never be easily erased. However, Blare is determined to help her move on and to make it happen, she needed the body to genuinely fall in love with another man.

    "I know father. But you said that you don''t want a lowly man as my spouse." Blare said and resumed eating, but stopped when her father said,

    "... Do you want another Wang Jianyi?"

    Blare eyes shot up to her father, "What do you mean, father?"

    "Noblemen, my child... They can have other concubines because of their riches. They are the hardest man your free self could have.. You--"

    "I can never go outside and explore... (smiles) I know father" Blare gave his father a grateful smile.

    General Fang can only smile helplessly. Ever since his wife died, the last words that she said to him were to never let their children marry out of convenience.

    He had never forgotten it. But the decree of the Emperor left him with no choice. He can only be glad that it was already voided.

    "But if you don''t like Zhao Kang... you just do you Hua''er" General Fang smiled and drank his tea.

    A harmonious breakfast between the father-daughter pair delighted Fang Chunhua.

    Blare felt that Fang Chunhua really wanted to get closer to her father. Because the last thing Fang Chunhua saw was his father''s severed head on the ground.

    Blare teared up at the sight. She can clearly see Fang Chunhua''s memory. At this moment, Blare could only pity the woman who had lost everything.

    Blare took the initiative to thank General Fang for Fang Chunhua.

    She stood up and hug General Fang who was sitting, "Thank you for everything, Father... For all the sadness and pain you carried for our sake."

    General Fang flinched, then pat his daughter''s back. He felt his heart tightening to his daughter''s words. Being thanked for the natural things that he''s doing for his children made his eyes teary.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    "You, Tao''er and Li''er are my precious children. I''ve promised |ˇÁ|furen to never complicate your futures."

    Blare broke the hug and smiled at his father with teary eyes.

    __________

    On the day of Blare''s departure to the Wanshu Empire, she asked Zhao Kang if he wanted to come and the man did come willingly. He treated it as another work to help his ill mother.

    Blare was contemplating if the man was oblivious or aware but just didn''t care.

    After all, Zhao Kang is the only one who she allowed coming with her in the Wanshu Empire. He will also serve as her maid, but that was just an excuse because Blare felt uncomfortable having female servants stick around her.

    General Fang did not object to this because he wanted Zhao Kang to get closer to his daughter. Even so, he still assigned guards to protect his daughter.

    Blare was also planning to matchmake Zhao Kang and Fang Chunhua throughout their journey. Her lips are curving up from excitement. Even though she was the one who''s operating the body, she can''t help but ship Fang Chunhua and Zhao Kang in her head.

    There''s something about Zhao Kang''s temperament that Blare really likes. The man was soft-spoken but his tone was deep. He was silent most of the time, making him more mysterious. Blare wanted to know what was hidden under those indifferent and calm exteriors.

    Moreover, Zhao Kang, despite coming from a low family, is really handsome. His strong jaw and fierce eyes are really admirable. But his aura is low, which was to be expected because he was not a noble. He lacks confidence.

    The man was an artisan just like his father, his built was also magnificent. Blare assumed that he has muscles underneath those robes.

    Blare felt that the body was becoming shy.

    Why?

    Because Blare was shameless. Aside from admiring Zhao Kang''s features, Blare was talking to the man. While the man would reply with a few words.

    Moreover, the body, Fang Chunhua, never talked leisurely with any other men except her brother, her father, and Wang Jianyi. The original (Fang Chunhua) is getting shy because of Blare''s advances.

    Currently, Blare is in the carriage. While Li Rouhan and Guang Fan Ai were in a different carriage.

    A month has passed and Blare is still striking up a conversation to Zhao Kang, who is sitting in front of her. The man wanted to sit outside with the coachman, but Blare insisted that he stay inside the carriage.

    "Zhao Kang, what do you think about the Wanshu Empire?" Blare asked, her face flushed with embarrassment. The body was feeling shy but Blare wanted to befriend the man.

    Two souls contradict each other, but Blare got the upper hand.

    Zhao Kang was so dense, he didn''t notice the shyness on her face. He just thought that his young miss was too excited to travel.

    "To answer the young miss''s question, this lowly one does not know, as I have never been there before" Zhao Kang bowed a little low and was feeling apologetic for not knowing much.

    Blare gaped and realized, ''He''s so dense! Haha!'' she covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing.

    Blare purposely showed her emotions like an open book, but the man was still unaware of it!

    "Zhao Kang, stop bowing..(soft giggle)." This time, she used her two hands to cover her mouth.

    Zhao Kang looked up and realize that Blare was stopping herself from laughing.

    "Um... Young miss... Did I do something that pleases you so much?"

    Blare lost it and laughed. Her shyness dispersed and was replaced with amusement. Blare had never met a man this innocent.

    While Zhao Kang forced himself to not look weirdly at her.

    Blare slowly stopped laughing and smiled delightedly to Zhao Kang.

    Zhao Kang flinched and lowered his head. He was a peasant, after all, falling in love with the General''s daughter was asking for death.

    Blare noticed Zhao Kang''s uncomfortable state. She felt a little guilty for teasing him.

    "Zhao Kang, about the matter a month ago... I apologize if my father suggested something which you are unaware of." Blare said, her eyes looking apologetic.

    "Young miss needed not to worry. This servant understands" Zhao Kang replied, not clearly bothered that he was used as an excuse to shoo the Prince.

    Blare''s eyes glint and said,

    "Then... Zhao Kang, once we reach the Wanshu Capital. You have to do me a favor."

    Zhao Kang looked seriously at her young miss eyes. Ready to take any order.

    Blare smiled pleasantly,

    "Act as my betrothed!" she said as her eyes lit up.

 Chapter 3.7: Fang Chunhua

    Zhao Kang was horrified at her favor but later calmed down when Blare explained that she needed someone to shield her from other men.

    Li Rouhan and Guang Fan Ai also have their fake partners.

    From all of the three women''s traveling, men would always flirt and asked them to marry. So Blare suggested that they get someone to act as their spouses.

    Which was a perfect excuse for Blare, because that means she and Zhao Kang can act like a couple.

    "Zhao Kang, from now on I''ll call you |ˇÁ|Kang''gege. You have to call me Hua''er, okay?" Blare said, looking at Zhao Kang for agreement.

    "Young miss... but--"

    "No buts! We need to act!" Blare playfully said and crossed her arms.

    ''Acting then making it real! Haha!!'' Blare thought as she smiled wryly to herself.

    So shameless. The body was criticizing Blare at this moment.

    Zhao Kang only nodded, his young miss never gave him a chance to escape.

    __________

    Wang Jianyi visited the Fang Estate a week after Blare left.

    He wanted to wait until she cooled her head, but he had never thought the woman would leave the Yang Empire.

    Moreover, General Fang informed him that he wanted Zhao Kang to marry Fang Chunhua. And that they had already been promised together!

    It was true, General Fang and Zhao Guzheng, the old man who crafted the Phoenix hairpin, already made an agreement that their children will be married.

    Zhao Kang did not know this, nor Fang Chunhua.

    "What''s the meaning of this, General Fang?" Wang Jianyi''s jaw clenched in irritation.

    "There''s no meaning behind it, Your Highness. My daughter also wanted to marry Zhao Kang. What my daughter wants is also what her father wants." General Fang said as he calmly drank his tea and looked at Wang Jianyi with a straight face.

    Which is a lie. Because Blare never agreed to General Fang''s suggestion. But she did plan to matchmake Zhao Kang to her.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    The father-daughter pair have the same purpose but never talked about it together.

    "She wanted a lowly man as her spouse? I doubt that" Wang Jianyi sneered.

    "Hua''er loves Zhao Kang" General Fang quickly replied.

    Again, that was a lie.

    Wang Jiayin''s heart pained. He tightly clutches the cloth in his chest.

    "That peasant---"

    "My future son-in-law has already proven himself to me, Your Highness. Whether he is a peasant or not, I already accepted him." General Fang cut off Wang Jianyi''s insults.

    Wang Jianyi''s smirked, "What has he proven to you, General? I can surpass all of the things that he can offer."

    "Zhao Kang love my daughter. For better or for worse."

    Another lie! But the Prince believed it.

    "I love her as well!" Wang Jianyi unknowingly shouted.

    General Fang''s eyebrows twitch in anger, but he composed himself, "Your Highness, it seems like you have forgotten the last words you had shouted at my daughter 3 months ago"

    Wang Jianyi hands formed into fists. He is overwhelmed with guilt.

    "I have matters to attend, Your Highness. It is unfortunate that I cannot accompany you" General Fang cupped his hands together and bowed. Then he left the speechless Wang Jianyi in the main hall.

    __________

    Wang Jianyi left the Fang Estate, never uttering a single word.

    He stood in the plum blossom garden and thought about what happened when he visited his lover in the Yin Empire.

    Qiao Langfeng, the woman he fell in love with when he was 15 years old.

    As he visited her in the Capital of Yin Empire. The woman always greeted him with her angelic smile. At that time, he was still thinking about Fang Chunhua.

    Seeing Qiao Langfeng smile, he felt nothing.

    The love that he thought he felt for Qiao Langfeng was just a temporary desire for beautiful women.

    Wang Jianyi was cruel. He told her straight to the point that he was breaking whatever relationship they had.

    Surprisingly, Qiao Langfeng was calm as she accepted the break-up.

    However, this was not a surprise to Wang Jianyi. He was aware that the woman never fell in love with him for the past 8 years of courting her.

    Moreover, he was also aware that Qiao Langfeng only accepted to be his secret lover because he was a Prince. Besides, the Prince practically pressured Qiao Langfeng to be with him. So the woman didn''t have a choice.

    However, he overlooked the fact that for the past 8 years that he was courting her, Qiao Langfeng had really fallen for him. So to maintain her dignity, she calmly accepted their separation. She can only cry in pain as she watched him leave the Yin Empire after only a day of visiting her.

    "Jian''gege!" a bashful voice cut Wang Jianyi''s thought.

    He looked over his cousin who her mother, the Empress, always paired him up with.

    Tang Meixiang. Wang Jianyi''s cousin from his paternal side.

    Wang Jianyi was tired so he can only stride towards his room. Ignoring his cousin.

    But he stopped when the woman pulled his arm. Wang Jianyi glared at Tang Meixiang and shove her off, causing her to fall.

    "You!!! If you weren''t favored by the Empress, I would have already killed you!"

    Tang Meixiang shivered with fright, she thought that she came at the wrong time.

    "What is going on here?!" a middle-aged woman appeared and helped Tang Meixiang up.

    It was Yao Lijuan, the Empress of the Yang Empire.

    "Wang Jianyi! How can you treat your cousin like this?!" The Empress shouted and shot a glare at Wang Jianyi.

    Wang Jianyi gave a mocking gaze, "Whatever your plan is mother, I would never allow it"

    As he said that, he glared at Tang Meixiang with killing intent. The woman can only hide behind the Empress.

    The Empress also felt his son''s killing intent, so she stood in her place without saying anything.

    Wang Jianyi left the two, one was shivering and the other was speechless.

 Chapter 3.8: Fang Chunhua

    Wang Jianyi was aware of what his mother had planned for him.

    Marrying Tang Meixiang and making her his |ˇÁ|Imperial Noble Consort. But now that his engagement with Fang Chunhua was annulled, he assumed that his mother already planned to make Tang Meixiang as his Empress.

    Other than that, the very reason why he hated Fang Chunhua was because of the Empress manipulation.

    He realized it. He hated Fang Chunhua not because she looked at him bashfully and assumed that she wanted to climb his bed. He realized how foolish he was.

    He hated her because the Empress kept telling him lies about Fang Chunhua.

    How Fang Chunhua wanted the throne and ruin his family. How Fang Chunhua was a two-faced woman who acted shy when he''s around and then would show her disgusting colors when he''s not around.

    Ever since he turned 9 years old, her mother started feeding him information about Fang Chunhua''s dark nature, along with Fang Chunhua''s deceased mother. Who he believed was a seductress because the General and the Emperor both love her.

    And ever since then, he treated Fang Chunhua coldly. It got worse when he met Qiao Langfeng.

    Thinking that he loves Qiao Langfeng and hated Fang Chunhua to the core.

    It dawned to him when he was traveling back to the Yang Empire. How his own mother brainwashed him.

    After realizing that he had fallen to his mother''s trick, he wanted to make up to Fang Chunhua. Only to come back in the Yang Empire having their engagement dissolve and her... getting betrothed to another.

    Wang Jianyi grunted in frustration. He doesn''t know what to do, he can only think, ''Ah... I was too late...''

    __________

    "Kang''gege! Come! Look at this masterpiece!!" Blare squealed and pulled Zhao Kang, locking his arm onto hers.

    "Young Mi-- argh!" Zhao Kang held his stomach where Blare smacked her hand on.

    Blare smiled innocently at the storekeeper.

    "How much is this |ˇÁ|ayi?" Blare asked while pointing at the |ˇÁ|circular fan.

    "Only 2 silver taels young miss" the storekeeper smiled as she presented the circular fan to Blare.

    It was truly a masterpiece, a detailed |ˇÁ|red azalea flowers were sewn in the circular fan. She also noticed that it wasn''t a paper fan, but was made in white silk and then the red azaleas were sewn on it.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.

    "You made this?" Blare asked, her eyes touched and scanned the circular fan.

    "My esteemed husband did, young miss" The storekeeper replied.

    "My! You''re so lucky ayi! An artisan is truly a blessing to women!" Blare said while nodding. The old woman blushed at her remark. While Zhao Kang heart stirred.

    "Young miss is also lucky. Your husband even accompany you to shop!" the storekeeper returned the compliment.

    Blare blushed at this, so did Zhao Kang.

    Sensing that Zhao Kang was about to refute, Blare tightened her hold in the man''s arm.

    "T-Thank you ayi... Aiyah! Here is the payment! The rest are tips for the great service." Blare said as she handed 1 gold tael to the old woman.

    Before the old woman could refuse, Blare already walked away with Zhao Kang.

    Zhao Kang and Blare arrived at a restaurant and picked a reserved private room to eat. In the private room was Li Rouhan and Guang Fan Ai, along with their fake partners.

    Li Rouhan was seated beside Guang Fan Ai. While the two fake partners, Ou Liwei and Ji Dongxin sat on the opposite side of the two women.

    Naturally, Zhao Kang sat in the two men''s side, while Blare sat opposite to him.

    Over the last 4 months of traveling, Blare regretted it. She did not take into account that traveling in this era will bring her bad experiences. Especially, when planes, cars and technology are non-existent.

    Also, it took 4 months of traveling! She felt so pitiful.

    Blare slept on the tent most of the time, always lying on the hard mattress and not so soft pillow. Couldn''t sleep while hearing the slightest rustling sound and whatnot at night. Only taking a bath once in 3 days or even a week!

    But the travel was worth it because she had known Zhao Kang demeanor, temperament, and even his likes and dislikes.

    All those times Blare shamelessly pursued the man for his preferences like she was courting him. This, of course, did not escape her friends teasing gazes. But Blare did not utter a word to them.

    Months of traveling goes by as she continually asked Zhao Kang, and the man would answer her. At first, he was reluctant, but seeing her getting so interested made him answered in defeat.

    Eventually, Zhao Kang got used to her young miss''s ''friendly'' approach. Blare, on the other hand, got used to the man''s presence and simple answers to her question.

    She also felt that the body was already familiar and comfortable with him. But it held no romantic affection, so she can only frown in her unsuccessful matchmaking.

    At the present, for the first time, Blare felt the body''s heart flutter with shyness and hidden joy when she heard the old woman''s praise awhile ago. It was the same feeling she had when she had a crush back in 6th grade.

    Blare realized that Fang Chunhua was already in the first stage, which is ''liking the man''... But she needed more!

    And she would not be so stupid as to ignore him at this moment, just like what she did in the past.

    After feeling her heartbeat, Blare was starting to not know how to act around Zhao Kang.

    Six figures of men and women dine in the private room of the restaurant. The women were chatting happily while the men eat silently.

    "Wei''gege... Are the food not to your liking?" Li Rouhan asked, the man flinched and shook his head.

    "Young miss--" before Ou Liwei could respond, Li Rouhan cut him off.

    "Hmp! I told you to call me Han''er!"

    Blare and Guang Fan Ai giggled.

    Both Ji Dongxin and Ou Liwei came from humble birth too. The only difference to Blare is that the two men grew up together with the two women.

    While Blare only met Zhao Kang months ago.

    Dinner ended with the women all smiles while the men sighed.

    They were, after all, servants of these rich young ladies. Acting as their spouse is like asking for death to their families.

    As much as they wanted to refute, they were only met by their angry young misses rant about the matter of protecting their future marriage.

    Besides, when a month had passed after they left the Yang Empire, the young ladies then told them that they have to act as their spouses. If they have known what the women were planning, they would run as soon as possible.

    The six people stayed in their inn separately. While heading to their individual rooms, Blare sneaked a peek at Zhao Kang.

    Feeling a gaze looking at him, Zhao Kang turned to look towards Blare. Only to see the woman looking away with red-tinted cheeks.

 Chapter 3.9: Fang Chunhua

    To some men, seeing a blushing woman looking towards them will definitely move their hearts.

    Zhao Kang belonged to that kind of men. But he can only smile bitterly. ''I don''t deserve her.'' he thought as he headed towards his room.

    Blare did not see his bitter smile. But she knows that the man did not respond to her affection because of their status.

    One was the honorable General Fang Lei''s youngest daughter and the other one was the son of a peasant.

    Blare understood this fact. Status, even in the modern era, is definitely an issue between couples. Moreover, ancient China ruled by the Imperial family is a big wall that Blare have to climb.

    But she wouldn''t climb, she would break that wall.

    Fang Chunhua needed a sincere man to love her, and now she can feel that Fang Chunhua is liking Zhao Kang. The man was honest to the bone and would surely treat Fang Chunhua with love.

    Moreover, Blare needed to win these missions in order to wake up in a coma without getting disfigured.

    Her actions may not fit the ancient era, but so what? It was never good to hold back when the solutions are in front of you.

    Marrying a man from a humble birth will definitely stir the royals and rich families. They would be so brazen as to give a scornful and mocking gaze to the Fang family.

    ''Hmp! So what?!'' Blare mentally huff as she looked out in the window.

    Fang Chunhua never really cared for the people who gave her scornful gazes. Her family''s social standing may be questioned, but due to the success of General Fang Lei as a warrior and even supporting the current Emperor, who could reprimand her? Moreover, her father insisted that she marry Zhao Kang or another man from a humble birth.

    Her family would even be a less threat to the imperial family because she married a humble man. Wouldn''t that fulfill the second wish of Fang Chunhua? She was almost fulfilling the three wishes!Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Blare pat herself in the back, she was almost at the end of the game! Right now, she plans to make Zhao Kang break his shackles and fall for her without feeling restricted.

    Blare fell asleep after, feeling tired from today''s shopping and planning.

    ____________

    Meanwhile, at the Imperial Palace, General Fang kneeled while the Empress is seated on her throne.

    No one else was present, only the two.

    "General Fang, this Empress is worried for Hua''er. How is she faring?" The Empress soothing voice echoed in the spacious main hall.

    "Hua''er is doing great, Your Majesty. This subordinate is thankful for checking on his daughter" General Fang replied in a calm tone.

    "That''s strange. This Empress thought that the annulment greatly devastated Hua''er. It looks like I have mistaken" The Empress tone turned cold.

    General Fang did not even flinch and only said, "This subordinate''s daughter is very good at adapting."

    "Hm. I heard Hua''er had also found her true love? The man even accompanied her to the Wanshu Empire."

    It did not surprise General Fang that the Empress already knew where his daughter went. After all, the walls of every noble under the imperial family have ears and eyes in them.

    "Replying to Her Majesty... Hua''er and my future son-in-law, Zhao Kang have fallen in love with each other. It is this subordinate''s duty to support his daughter''s wish." General Fang replied, his head bowed low.

    "Zhao Kang... Which family is he?" the Empress turned curious,

    "Replying to Her Majesty... Zhao Kang came from humble birth, thus, his family is not known"

    "You let your daughter marry a commoner?!" the Empress did not expect Fang Chunhua would willing to marry a commoner to replace his son.

    The Empress had long thought that Fang Chunhua''s love was a facade to make his son jealous. But even after Wang Jianyi visited the Fang Estate, the two never become betrothed again. Then, the Empress thought that Fang Chunhua was trying to escape the imperial family by marrying into a powerful nobility. However, her spies within the Fang Estate was unaware of Zhao Kang''s status, thus, it did not confirm her assumption. The General has hidden his background well.

    The Empress had even assumed that Fang Chunhua was scheming something and she will use that to eliminate Fang Chunhua. But who would have thought that it was a commoner? It was so harmless! The Empress can only hide the bitterness in her heart.

    She had no excuse to eliminate Fang Chunhua because she married a commoner. But she will make the girl suffer, one way or another.

    "To answer Her Majesty, this subordinate has fully supported the relationship between the two. It did not matter to this subordinate whether future son-in-law is from a humble birth or not" General Fang gave the same answer he said to Wang Jianyi.

    The Empress studied the General before she dismissed him. Through the wave of her hand, General Fang left without any strong emotions plastered on his face.

    As General Fang turned around to leave, the Empress gaze softened. A feeling of longing can be seen in her eyes.

    After all, General Fang Lei was the Empress''s first and only love.

 Chapter 3.10: Fang Chunhua

    As the Empress watched the departing back of the General, she recalled the past.

    Yao Qianqian, her younger sister from a |ˇÁ|concubine''s mother, was able to capture General Fang Lei''s heart.

    Perhaps it was because her younger sister was always quiet, that''s why Fang Lei noticed her. What she couldn''t understand is why? Why would Fang Lei choose a concubine''s child over her, the sole daughter of the legal wife?

    Was it because Yao Qianqian was more gentle? But she was more beautiful than her! She received more education!

    No matter what Yao Lijuan, the Empress did, General Fang never looked at her way. All his attention was on Yao Qianqian, his only woman and wife.

    Her bitterness grew when she was betrothed to another man, the current Emperor. She wholeheartedly accepted the arrangement but swore vengeance on her own half-sister and her children.

    Yao Lijuan made Yao Qianqian''s children suffer. But the twins, Fang Chuntao and Fang Chuanli successfully crushed her plans. Two bright children protected their mother from the Empress schemes. That includes Fang Lei who became aware that his beloved was being targeted.

    Unfortunately, Yao Qianqian died weeks after she gave birth to the youngest, Fang Chunhua. Since the Empress schemes never reached Yao Qianqian, she vented all her anger on Fang Chunhua, who resembled her mother''s features.

    Yao Lijuan is the one who suggested that Fang Chunhua will be married to his son, Wang Jianyi. Making Fang Chunhua as an Empress then make her suffer inside the Imperial Palace.

    To Yao Lijuan, Tang Meixiang is a pawn that she needed to make Fang Chunhua''s life harder.

    In the original fate of Fang Chunhua, Tang Meixiang never became an Imperial Noble Consort nor a Concubine. She was tossed aside when the then |ˇÁ|Empress Dowager, Yao Lijuan, learned that his son fell in love with Qiao Langfeng. The Empress Dowager doted on the Imperial Noble Consort Qiao Langfeng while disregarding Fang Chunhua and embarrassing her whenever she can.

    Thus, Fang Chunhua lives full of embarrassment. Her pride and dignity were trampled inside the Imperial Palace. Still, the woman endured. For the sake of her one-sided love to the then Emperor, Wang Jianyi.

    All of Fang Chunhua''s misery was caused by the Empress in the present, Yao Lijuan. Fang Chunhua''s death is also planned by the Empress. The only thing that the Empress didn''t plan is killing her beloved as well, which was General Fang Lei.

    When the then Empress Dowager tried to plead for General Fang Lei''s life, she had been hated and eventually died by her son''s own hand. After that, she realized that she had gone too far and wasn''t able to control his son''s rage to the Fang family. The result of brainwashing turned his son into a monster that killed her in the end.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    But Blare and the body, Fang Chunhua, was unaware of the internal dispute between the Empress and Fang Chunhua''s deceased mother, Yao Qianqian.

    A great storm will disturb Fang Chunhua once she gets back at the Yang Empire.

    Right now, the Empress showed a sinister glint in her eyes. Her sweet smile is not reaching her eyes.

    _____________

    Blare felt the light wind while strolling outside the |ˇÁ|chrysanthemum garden.

    Several couples were also in the garden. Holding hands between these couples seemed so natural like no one else was around but them.

    Blare felt a tinge of envy. But it was definitely Fang Chunhua''s feelings. Blare almost started questioning if she was the one who''s jealous or the body she''s residing in.

    While truthfully, Blare actually does felt a little jealous. She admired the interactions of these sweet couples.

    Zhao Kang, who''s standing at her side, saw Blare''s eyes with a hint of joy and envy. Once again, his heart beat loudly.

    He wanted to hold her hand as well.

    ''What'' Zhao Kang shook his head, trying to erase his previous thoughts. How dare he think that he can hold the young miss''s hand?

    "Kang''gege, let''s sit over there and eat!" Blare locked her arms to his arm naturally. She was used on dragging him whenever.

    This time, Zhao Kang let Blare drag him towards the table and sat beside each other. He looked at her carefree expression.

    Her jade skin and jet black hair made Zhao Kang gape in admiration. His heart beat furiously while looking at her.

    Blare felt his gaze and tilted her head, "What''s wrong?" she asked as she opened the boxes that are packed with cuisines that she cooked. Because she''s a noble, Blare had a hard time convincing their family chef to let her cook. Eventually, they gave up when General Fang ordered that Fang Chunhua must learn how to cook.

    Zhao Kang never left his gaze on the woman. Feeling his gaze, Blare felt her cheeks heating up. Before she could look away, Zhao Kang spoke, "Young---... Hua''er... Why are your cheeks.. red?"

    Zhao Kang couldn''t help but ask. He knows that she''s blushing, but why? He couldn''t possibly be the reason? Zhao Kang can only guess at this point.

    Blare become even redder, ''Argh!! This is so embarrassing!!''

    "I... (sigh) it''s because of you" Blare, with her head down and cheeks flushed, mumbled the last word.

    They were only inches apart from each other. So Zhao Kang heard everything that she said. At this moment, this big man blushed and a smile escaped his lips.

    Zhao Kang hid his smile with his hand and looked away, then returned his gaze at the woman beside him. He saw her ears reddened. She was looking down and eating slowly.

    He chuckled at the sight. Blare looked up as she heard the man laugh. Her eyes lit up and her mouth gaped, it was the first time she saw the man laugh with pure delight.

    Seeing his laugh, Blare''s heart beat loudly. Her lips cannot stop smiling. She used her free hand to cover her smiling mouth.

    The two looked at each other''s eyes, both covering their smiles. But their hearts beat the same rhythm.

    "Hmmm~ what is this~" Li Rouhan teased as she arrived with Guang Fan Ai, Ou Liwei and Ji Dongxin.

    Zhao Kang and Blare broke their gaze. Zhao Kang focused on the scenery while Blare turned her attention to the food that she was eating.

    Li Rouhan and Guang Fan Ai giggled at the sight. Blare thought that these two are almost like her friends back in her world who like to cheer and tease her. Her own fangirls in the ancient era.

 Chapter 3.11: Fang Chunhua

    Li Rouhan and Guang Fan Ai never pried into Blare and Zhao Kang''s relationship. What''s the point? The two were like an open book!

    Especially Blare, who was shamelessly touching the man and dragging him.

    The two women were amused but were also worried that her actions will be reported back in the Yang Empire. Only when Blare explained that her father allowed her to choose Zhao Kang as a spouse, their worries dispersed.

    It seemed natural to the two women when they heard Blare was marrying a commoner. Coincidentally, Li Rouhan and Guang Fan Ai''s mothers were commoners as well.

    Blare did not know this until the two mentioned. The only thing that Blare knows through Fang Chunhua''s memory is that the Li and Guang family were the richest merchants in the Yang Empire. They had been sneered at for unknown reasons in the past but soon took their dignity back in line by successfully proving their usefulness to the imperial family in the Yang Empire, as well as the other neighboring Empires.

    Currently, the sky was slowly turning dark. The three women went on their separate ways with their ''fake spouses''.

    Zhao Kang and Blare stayed in the chrysanthemum garden. Both sat on the grass and watched the lake.

    Blare''s heart was beating fast, but having the man sitting beside her, she felt contented and admired the clear lake instead.

    Zhao Kang, on the other hand, kept glancing secretly at Blare. He felt the same thing - content.

    "You know.. If you ignore what''s currently in front of you, it''ll disappear without a trace the next time you look at it." Blare was playing with her words. She decided to take the initiative! Her entire being turned red from her shamelessness.

    Zhao Kang was not an idiot. He understood this.

    "Young Miss... You mean?" Zhao Kang eyes lit up and his heart beat furiously.

    This time, Blare did not correct him. Instead, she looked at him meaningfully.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "But why?" Zhao Kang turned his head low, his mood is slowly turning solemn. He did not fully believe that her young miss would like a commoner.

    "Kang''gege"

    Zhao Kang looked up and was greeted by Blare''s smile that turned her eyes into crescents.

    "Status is only temporary. This young miss (referring to herself) heart is very fragile, but is willing to love one person forever, not temporarily."

    Her phrase indicated that she did not care about the man''s status, but being loved forever and having a loyal man is enough to make her heart content.

    Maybe it was because of the romantic mood between the two, that for the first time, Zhao Kang bravely held Blare''s hand.

    With his trembling hands holding onto her, he said, "This lowly one''s heart is weak, but it can also love one person forever, not temporarily"

    Zhao Kang replied to her meaningful phrase. Indicating his weak resolve because of their status, but he would be willing to care for her heart forever, and only she will be love.

    He felt his hand sweating from nervousness, so he pulled away from his hold. But Blare caught back his hands.

    Her hands were cold from extreme nervousness. It was like she was afraid he would change his mind.

    Her brazen actions made herself blush, but she was not going to pull away.

    "T-Then.. this young miss will wait for Kang''gege. Please care for this young miss fragile heart." Her words stuttered as her heart beats the same rhythm as Zhao Kang.

    Zhao Kang''s eyes softened at her sight. Her round eyes almost tearing up, her lips parted, and her cheeks tinted red.

    Zhao Kang couldn''t stop himself. He had fallen for Fang Chunhua. Her kind nature, initiative, and free personality, as well as her enchanting smiles, made him soften. The young miss is different from the other women he met.

    Her notable quality is that she treated him, a peasant, as an equal. He was never treated as a servant for the past months of traveling, much to his dismay. As a peasant, Zhao Kang believes that it is inappropriate to be treated as an equal. So the man was both scared and thankful to Blare''s actions.

    With his hands being held by the woman, he places her one hand to his mouth and kissed it.

    Blare lost it and goes full ripe tomato. She was so embarrassed that she bowed her head so low. Her whole body was almost kneeling on the ground.

    "Young miss?!" Zhao Kang supported Blare up, only to be met by her flushed face.

    "Shameless..." she said as she looked a bit down. Her hand still being held by Zhao Kang.

    Zhao Kang smiled and chuckled, "Compared to young miss, this lowly one''s shamelessness does not reach young miss''s level" he teased,

    Blare looked at him with shock apparent in her face. Then looked away from embarrassment.

    Instead of scolding him, Blare also finds her shamelessness funny.

    "Hmp! Of course! My shamelessness cannot be surpassed by a newbie!" She proudly said as he looked at his eyes.

    ''Enchanting'' Blare thought as her heart beat slow but loud.

    "Then this lowly one will surpass you in time" Zhao Kang smirked playfully. Blare flinched, her heart beating loud, ''Did I just wake up something I shouldn''t have?!''

 Chapter 3.12: Fang Chunhua

    The two people created a mutual understanding of each other''s feelings.

    One''s initiative made the other respond.

    After that nerve-wracking and sweet confession, both retreated to their own rooms with flushed faces.

    When Blare arrived in her room, she laid down in bed and smiled.

    ''Success!!'' she screamed inside her mind, celebrating.

    Although it was only the first stage of being in love, Blare thought differently. The first stage should not have physical contact! Yet they held hands and the man even kissed her hand!!

    Okay, Blare held the man''s arm, but she refuted that it was only locking arms!

    An unreasonable excuse.

    Blare was squealing like a 13-year-old who saw her crush smiling at her. But the truth is, she was rooting for Fang Chunhua, who finally have a man that will love her.

    Still, Blare was cautious. Although the man confessed, she cannot guarantee that Fang Chunhua will be the only woman in his eyes.

    Men, after all, would always sway once they saw someone more beautiful.

    ''Except my dad, Fang Chunhua''s father, my uncles, and my married male cousins.'' Blare thought and nodded.

    The woman was biased.

    However, Blare also thought that Zhao Kang''s silent temperament is trustworthy by comparing it to her own father.

    Blare''s father is a silent man too, and would only show his gentle side to them. She was assuming that Zhao Kang must be the same, and would definitely show his other soft sides to his beloved.

    Because throughout their journey, the man stayed silent and somehow.. indifferent to others. Even to her, but it was more mild and respectful. It was only natural because she''s the young miss.

    Now that they have a mutual understanding, Blare saw the man smiled, smirked, chuckled and laughed in a span of a week.

    Blare felt that the body she''s residing in is feeling so cheerful. Heart beating loud and rhythmic.

    ''So this is what it feels like liking someone. It''s more emotional than what I''ve felt before.'' Blare closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of the body''s beating heart.

    The beating heart is mixed with nervousness and excitement. There is a lot of anticipation for future interactions with Zhao Kang.

    ____________

    Morning came, but the sky is still dark. Blare wore the pink cheongsam dress patterned with plum blossoms. Since the inn was owned by Guang Fan Ai''s family, the servants always attended to them diligently.

    Blare''s habit back in the Fang Estate was brought in the Capital of Wanshu Empire.

    As always, she would wake up early and would take a hot bath. After that, she would head to the garden filled with tall bamboos. |ˇÁ|Chinese lanterns were hanged on the end of the roof, supported by a rope made of thin metal.

    It gives her a calm feeling and Blare would always seat on the wooden chair, her elbow rested on the wooden table and the palm of her hand supporting her chin.

    With closed eyes, Blare could hear the cicadas and bamboos touching, accompanied by the sound of leaves rustling because of the sudden arrival of wind.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Then she heard incoming footsteps that are getting louder. Blare turned around and saw Zhao Kang.

    The man always accompanied her at this place, every morning without fail. So she was curious about why he was a bit late and got there before him.

    Zhao Kang understands Blare''s curious gaze and said, "This lowly one apologize for being late"

    Blare only sighed to the man''s respectful words. She felt uncomfortable that Zhao Kang would always refer to himself as a lowly one.

    Blare tap the chair beside her, indicating Zhao Kang to sit. Zhao Kang obediently sat down and stare at her.

    Blare put her arm on the wooden table and sat her head on it. She was looking at the bamboos. Blare felt the man''s gaze on her. She can only smile sweetly, but her arms hid her smile.

    She then closed her eyes, and unknowingly doze off.

    Zhao Kang watched her with a loving gaze. He rested his elbow on the table and his palm supported his head, looking directly at the sleeping woman.

    Zhao Kang had seen beautiful women all his life, whether they are commoners or rich ladies. Some of those women would stick to him like glue. However, because he was poor, he would reject those women. Besides, the thought of having a wife never crossed his mind. Especially when his mother got sick.

    Out of the blue, this young miss offered her work to cure his ill mother. His father''s favorable opinion towards the woman made him curious until the news got out that her father''s craftsmanship was praised by the beauty.

    He was moved. They were peasants, and getting praised for their hard work was never uttered by others, much less nobility.

    Serving her for months in the Fang Estate, the woman would always watch the servants work, and that includes him. It was hard working on the first month until he heard the woman fought with his father for unknown reasons. But he knew that he was hated by the General. Still, he endured for his mother.

    Until a week came by and he received the same amount of break and food that the other servants received. Only then did he know that the General''s anger on him subsided.

    But months after, the General had used him as a pawn to deviate the Prince from his daughter. In the end, he was thankful that his young miss told the truth and saved him from possible execution.

    Thinking about that time, Zhao Kang remembered Blare''s teary eyes and painful cries. His eyebrows furrowed. Remembering her pain back then made his heart uncomfortable. He wanted to avenge her, but what can he do? He is a peasant who has a mother to cure. If he got a wife, she''ll surely suffer with him.

    With that kind of life, how can she live comfortably?

    With his own power, how can he protect her?

    Zhao Kang looks sadly at the distance. He didn''t notice that Blare woke up from her nap.

    While Blare looked at him and saw his troubled expression. He didn''t know what the man was thinking, but she assumed it was something about status again.

    "You wouldn''t leave me, right?" Blare said, and the man quickly looked at her. Then his eyes turning solemn.

    "You have promised to care for my fragile heart, so take responsibility." Blare said with her eyebrows furrowed. She also felt her eyes getting teary.

    When Zhao Kang saw this, he was filled with guilt. He hasn''t thought to leave her but thinking about his status, how can he even protect the woman he loves?

    "Young Miss--"

    "Chunhua, this shameless young miss of yours is ordering you to call her Chunhua" Blare cut him off and shot him a hateful and solemn look.

    "I cannot protect you," Zhao Kang said, straight to the point. His expression the same.

    Blare''s lips parted in surprise. ''He was worried about Fang Chunhua''s safety'' she thought as she clenched her chest, it was aching.

    "Why give up if you haven''t tried it in the first place? Why give up on me if you know you could lose me forever? Why give up without knowing how I feel?"

    Blare was not the one who''s talking. Right now, Fang Chunhua resides in the body.

    Blare''s soul gladly stepped back and watched the two.

    Fang Chunhua cried, her eyes pleading to the man.

    ''Aahh.. this kind of woman is a keeper. Still, loving only one person wholeheartedly in two timelines is admirable.. and pitiful.'' Blare thought as she watched the two. Her soul stands beside Fang Chunhua.

    Zhao Kang comforts Fang Chunhua and his face looking troubled.

    ''If this man failed, I''ll definitely smack him and quickly find another guy'' Blare soul shot a glare at the man.

    ".. Chunhua, this lowly--"

    "Kang! Do not lower yourself!" Fang Chunhua stood up and shouted at Zhao Kang.

    ''Ahh... So that''s why I''m feeling uncomfortable when he called himself lowly one... I have to ask Reyna how to identify if the emotions throughout the mission are my own or the original owner of the body.'' Blare thought to herself.

    Blare''s thought was cut off when he saw the man kissed Fang Chunhua.

    ''OHHHHH!!!'' Blare shout in excitement but no voice came out.

    Fang Chunhua was stunned, the man''s lips stayed on hers. Then slowly, she closed her eyes and responded to his kiss. Zhao Kang titled his head, while Fang Chunhua opened her mouth to allow his tongue access.

    It was intense.

    ''KYAAAAA!!'' Blare covered her eyes but parted her index finger to see the whole show.

    ''Thank God I''m not the one who''s residing in that body!'' Blare felt shy watching so she turned her attention to the tree branches that are swaying.

 Chapter 3.13: Fang Chunhua

    Minutes have passed, two lips parted and both softly panted for air.

    But Blare felt like it would never end, as much as she wanted to block the noise of passion by going far, the body is somehow, still tied to her.

    So she can only sit on the nearby ground and watch the cicadas.

    Both faces turned red. The man''s gaze was full of love while the other was full of joy and love.

    "I cannot give you a lavish life, but I promise to protect you.. even if it costs my life" Zhao Kang said as he embraced Fang Chunhua.

    Fang Chunhua smiled in satisfaction, but her reply held sadness at his last words, "Kang... I never asked for your life"

    "It is only your right... As I am right now, it is the least that I can offer for your dowry" Zhao Kang joked as he held Fang Chunhua''s waist.

    Fang Chunhua giggled and said, "Then for your dowry, I will offer my life as well.."

    Noticing his furrowed brows, she added, "Kang, a husband and wife should offer the same amount of sacrifices. If both are unbalanced, how can they live harmoniously? That''s why I am offering the same sacrifice."

    ".... Then, rely on me Chunhua. Rely on me more.." he said as she kissed the palm of her hand.

    Relying on a guy will boost their ego.

    Relying on a man will make them powerful.

    But relying on your love, future husband-to-be or husband will make them feel secured.

    After all, they do not want their woman and future wife to be burdened. They want them safe and to live without worries.

    ''You two are not even married yet''Blare watched the romance between the two. She was fangirling a while ago but felt that it was too fast.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Then Fang Chunhua giggled,

    Blare shot her a look, then saw Fang Chunhua eyes darted on her. Then turned her attention back to Zhao Kang.

    ''Oh wow.. Now I feel like a pervert''Blare mouthed as she shrinks into the corner.

    "Hm. In turn, I will serve you well" Fang Chunhua''s eyes turned into crescents as she smiled.

    Slowly, the sun started to rise. The servants started appearing and the two kept a proper distance.

    But this time, both held each other''s hand.

    _______________

    A month had passed since their stay in the Wanshu Empire. They decided to go back to the Yang Empire and traveled 4 months back home.

    In those 4 months, Fang Chunhua did not keep her relationship with Zhao Kang a secret to her friends.

    Both girls squealed in delight at the two. While the two men clapped at Zhao Kang for being so brave.

    They also paid respects in advance in case he got whooped by General Fang Lei.

    Which Zhao Kang only shrugged in response. He was ready to take General Fang''s wrath.

    Little did he know, there was no wrath waiting back home.

    Fang Chunhua and Zhao Kang would always act like a married couple, but not overstepping.

    After all, they were not married yet. So doing what a husband and wife do is out of their thoughts.

    They would also sleep separately. At most, all they''ve done for the past 4 months of traveling is holding hands.

    Blare, who was watching all of this, nodded in satisfaction. She''s a little conservative about how couples should interact but ironically enjoyed seeing passionate interactions.

    However, after knowing that Fang Chunhua can see her, she would not dare to look the second time.

    Only if she can still be in this world.

    ''I already completed the three wishes, especially the last wish... Besides, I''m sure the Fang family''s safety is guaranteed since she didn''t marry Wang Jianyi. So.. aren''t I done? Why am I still here?''Blare''s soul watched the night sky as she sat outside Fang Chunhua''s tent.

    "Blare.." the sweet soft voice of Fang Chunhua called her. Blare''s soul passed through the tent. There, she saw Fang Chunhua sitting.

    Blare only looked at Fang Chunhua, trying to find answers from her.

    "You can go back, I''m sure system 127 will get you later," She said as she smiled, full of gratitude.

    Blare''s eyes lit up and she mouthed ''thank you'' to Fang Chunhua.

    "Blare... It is me who have to thank you. Thank you for fulfilling my wishes and thank you.. for finding my love for me... May you find yours as well"

    Blare''s eyes widened in surprise. She wanted to say that she doesn''t plan to find love, but she also didn''t want to spoil the woman''s good intentions.

    So Blare can only smile in response.

    ''May you live long and happily together with your love, Fang Chunhua. Along with your family and future generations.''Blare said, although no voice came out. Fang Chunhua understood this.

    Their conversation was cut off when a girly voice said, [Blare! Mission Accomplished! It is time to go back!]

    When Blare''s soul started disappearing, she immediately waved goodbye to Fang Chunhua while the woman bowed her head and looked at Blare, giving her iconic smile that turned her eyes into crescents.

 Chapter 4: System - Accumulated Points

    Blare opened her eyes and saw the vast white space. She was back in the void.

    [First mission, complete! Blare Hawkins had successfully fulfilled Fang Chunhua''s three wishes and her hidden wish!] Reyna cheered.

    Blare blinked a few times to process the system''s words. Then relaxed as she sat on the white marble floor.

    "Hm. So her hidden wish was the last one. Will it appear on other missions? or will I do something that can trigger it?"

    [Your words of encouragement back then triggered it. It can also unlock when a certain situation affects the original owner. Hidden wishes are great to complete your missions faster, but it is risky! I will explain the bad side later. Right now, here are your current points for completing the first mission.]

    "Points?" Blare was confused, then a hologram in front of Blare appeared and it read,

    |Accumulated points: 1000/10000

    ||Love meter: 0/10

    After seeing her points, she couldn''t help but say, "I thought unlocking hidden wishes.. Will also make the points higher.." Blare face and tone held disappointment.

    "Also, love meter? What is this Reyna? Are these missions a game?" She added, her eyebrow raised in disbelief.

    [Your points will signify if you can go back in your own world without any major injuries. Moreover, your points are high! Perfect points would be 1000. As a matter of fact, you didn''t actually accomplish her third wish. However, completing her hidden wish can gain you perfect points, which you just did!] Reyna replied.

    [As for the love meter, it is a warning and you can never treat these missions as a game, Blare.] Reyna added as she replied to her questions chronologically.

    "Hm... Her third wish which is about traveling the world is impossible... Fine, I guess I lacked at that. I was actually planning to travel to Europe. But thinking about the excruciating months of traveling is.. not really to my liking." Blare crossed her arms and sighed in defeat. She did not reply to Reyna''s last sentence because she''s not planning to fall for a man that the system created.

    Reyna read her mind and said, [Blare, all the characters in those worlds are real. The only difference is your worlds. You can be with the man, but you have to sacrifice all you have.]

    "Well, thank you for that. I won''t really fall in love if I have to sacrifice everything." Blare quickly replied.

    [... Anyway, you have to see what happened when Fang Chunhua got back in Yang Empire. There was some drama that you missed.]Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    The hologram changed into a big screen in front of her. Blare watched it while sitting on the white marble floor.

    Fang Chunhua arrived in the Fang Estate together with Zhao Kang. General Fang Lei and Zhao Kang''s parents greeted them outside the Fang Estate.

    The couple was shocked that their families had gathered. Going inside the Fang Estate and having a dinner, General Fang didn''t idle and told Fang Chunhua that he wants Zhao Kang as her betrothed and no other man will do.

    The woman gaped, then laugh heartily. While Zhao Kang let out a chuckle.

    Then the couple told them that they were actually planning to woo each other''s family to be together. This delighted the two fathers, while Zhao Kang''s mother, who was slowly healing, gave out her biggest smile.

    The two families ate with their stomachs and hearts fulfilled.

    The Fang twins, Fang Chuntao and Fang Chuanli visited with their spouse and children when they heard Fang Chunhua''s new engagement. The twins did not let Zhao Kang have it easy, they made him do labor work for the sudden renovation of Fang Chunhua''s room. Then always stared at him menacingly during dinner time.

    Zhao Kang, of course, did not give up on this challenge. He pleased her father and her older siblings. Did all they ordered and act as a filial son-in-law.

    The twins hesitantly accepted him but gave up in the end when Fang Chunhua was set on loving the man. Zhao Kang was the same, he swore on his ancestors grave that Fang Chunhua is the only woman he loves.

    General Fang also accepted Zhao Kang wholeheartedly. Status did not matter to the Fang family. That is why Fang Chunhua grew up with a clear understanding of the people. She was the perfect Empress who knew her people but was killed in her past life. Now in the present, Fang Chunhua is alive and kicking.

    But the drama happened after half a year. The Empress was arrested with treason. She was caught making an alliance on their enemy, the Gao Empire.

    Who caught her?

    It was her only son, Wang Jianyi.

    "Ha!" Blare couldn''t help but comment. She smiled mockingly on the screen.

    Wang Jianyi discovered that the Empress had planned to marry Fang Chunhua to the Emperor of Gao who have a thousand concubines. She would offer Fang Chunhua as a concubine to the Emperor of Gao with the excuse of making a peace treaty with the Gao Empire.

    But the Empress had turned deaf to his son''s warning. Wang Jianyi started investigating his own mother back when he warned her. He also discovered that her mother really hated Fang Chunhua to the core because of her birth mother, Yao Qianqian.

    Struck with guilt and pain for his misbehavior in the past, Wang Jianyi revealed her mother''s scheme to the Emperor and General Fang.

    Naturally, the General was enraged at this. While the Emperor could not hide his disdain on the Empress.

    The Emperor and General Fang grew up together after all. The Emperor did not even love the Empress, it was a marriage of convenience.

    It was only natural that the Emperor would side with his longtime friend, General Fang.

    When the Empress was going to be hanged as a punishment. Her past crimes and schemes suddenly came into light, these turned the Empress'' punishment in the form of torture.

    Through Fang Chuntao and Fang Chuanli''s evidence. They revealed that the Empress had wanted their mother and them dead.

    Being poisoned and kidnapped were the heartless things that the 5-year-old twins experienced from the Empress. When they knew that their mother was also being targeted. The twins did everything they can to prevent anyone from harming their mother. At such a young age of 10, the two became strong mentally and physically.

    The twins excelled in every aspect. Martial arts, medicine and literature were the subjects they mastered for 20 years.

    After their mother''s death, the Empress scheming stopped. They were fortunate to be informed that she was starting to move again. This time, her target was their little sister, Fang Chunhua.

    Because of the protection of her family, Fang Chunhua and Zhao Kang were never harmed in any way.

    The Empress was dethroned and was tied in a prison. Her whole body was full of bruises, old and new. She suffered for a year before her body finally gave up.

    Dying at the age of 35, the dethroned Empress, Yao Lijuan, was remembered as the worst reigning royal in their Empire.

    Wang Jianyi still became the Emperor of Yang Empire after his father retired. In the end, the woman he broke up with confessed to him. It took two years before Wang Jianyi accepted Qiao Langfeng''s heart and to move on from his first love, Fang Chunhua.

    Eventually, Fang Chunhua forgave him from his insults. But what he did in the past will never be forgotten. Instead, she treated it as a lesson in her life.

    Qiao Langfeng became the Empress of Yang Empire. Both happily married and ruled the Empire accordingly.

    Fang Chunhua and Zhao Kang lived normally. Through Zhao Kang''s efforts, he became known as the greatest artisan in the whole continent. Even though he came from humble birth, his creations made the nobility admire the man.

    At his side, Fang Chunhua was the designer of the hair ornaments that the nobilities fancied. The peasants on the other hand also admired the simple hair ornaments that the couple created at an affordable price.

    For the past 10 years, Fang Chunhua was blessed with 5 children. Who all grew up humble and proud.

    Then years passed, Fang Chunhua at the age of 90, and Zhao Kang at the age of 93. Died in their spacious bed, their face contented, holding each other''s hand tightly. Until both of them slept eternally.

 Chapter 4.1: System - Accumulated Points

    Blare''s heart pained but was happy for the married couple.

    Although she only saw the important events of Fang Chunhua''s life, she was glad that the woman reached her happy ending.

    A gentle smile formed on her face.

    "It was a nice journey... I''m glad the drama didn''t make their life harder." Blare said in relief.

    [This is an easy level Blare. Don''t relax yet (giggle)]

    Blare gaped, her eyebrows furrowed, "You... You''re a bad system."

    Reyna did not reply and only made a beep sound.

    Blare sighed softly until she remembered what she was supposed to ask the system. How can she identify if the emotions throughout the mission are hers or the original owner of the body?

    Before she could speak, Reyna already knew what she wanted to know,

    [Blare, in Fang Chunhua body, all the things you normally won''t do, are not made by you. Especially flirting with Zhao Kang, you suggested flirting in your thoughts and Fang Chunhua took your advice.]

    Blare listened attentively,

    [Your soul lost control of the body the moment you snapped at Wang Jianyi. So, after that, the rest of the body''s actions followed your line of thought. In short, you''re controlling the brain and Fang Chunhua is controlling her body.]

    [Since your soul is inside the body, it was natural that you felt that you''re in control. Considering the fact that Fang Chunhua is following your advice/thoughts.] Reyna added,This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

    Blare waited, hearing no voice, she said, "So.. The moment I''ll snap is the moment that the original owner would take over?"

    [Possible, unless.. it was YOU who really snapped.]

    "You mean... Argh! I felt like I was the one who''s irritated that time!" Blare massage her head and tried to think.

    [Why are you the one who''s irritated?]

    Blare wanted to explain, but the more she thought about her outburst to Wang Jianyi, the more confused she was.

    Why would I be so angry with the man?

    Blare hated Wang Jianyi for being so heartless to Fang Chunhua. But at that time, why did she felt like a woman who just caught her husband lying?

    "It wasn''t me who was irritated... It was Fang Chunhua" Blare mumbled, but the system heard her loud and clear.

    [That is why it''s important to control THEIR emotions... Fang Chunhua is a kind soul, it was only right that she got reincarnated again. However... there are some souls who should not be reborn.]

    Blare''s gaze turned serious.

    [Blare, a martyred woman will realize her mistakes in the end. But what if after reincarnation, she wanted to hurt others? What if she wanted to ruin the life of the woman who stole her love? What if she repeated the same mistake again?]

    "So I have to block every emotion of the original owner of the body..."

    [Correct. Fang Chunhua''s level is easy, it was also a test on how you would handle the original owner''s emotions... mixed with yours.]

    "(exhales) This is hard.."

    Blare closed her eyes, thinking. Then after contemplating, she sighed deeply and opened her eyes. There was a glint of uneasiness.

    [Now, I''ll explain hidden wishes. Once you trigger it, the original owner will still follow your line of thought. The downside is their and your own emotions will get mixed up. Other than that, once you fulfill their hidden wish, it will be a risk. Hidden wishes can fully awaken the soul of the original owner, which will put you in a disadvantage. Because they can fully reincarnate again.]

    [Well, even though it''s a risk, the higher-ups are actually impressed. For your first mission, Fang Chunhua was able to attain happiness.] Reyna added.

    Blare only smiled lightly and said, "Thanks for the important information.. I''m assuming those who should not be reborn, wouldn''t have a hidden wish?"

    [They have, but it will be your choice if you wanted to fulfill it. If you do, that means you trust them from handling their life and would live differently. The results of their fate will be your results as well. They die miserably, you fail.] Reyna replied, the tone of her voice carried a warning.

    Blare lost her smile and lie down her whole body on the white marble floor. After a deep breath, she said, "I''ll remember that."

    The white space was filled with silence for a minute until the system made a beep sound.

    [Are you ready for the next mission?] Reyna asked,

    "... Don''t I get a day off?"

    [You have so many day-offs back in Fang Chunhua''s body.]

    "Huhu fine... But don''t you get a body or something? I feel like I''m crazy for talking to this empty space." Blare whimpered,

    [After your second mission is done. I guarantee you that I''ll have a body.] Reyna replied and ignored her whimper.

    "Then I''ll do the second mission" Blare lied down completely because she passed out last time and her body hit the white marble floor hard.

    Reyna giggled.

    After hearing that, the sudden sharp pain in her head made her lose consciousness.

 Chapter 5: Lilith Winterburn

    Before Blare could open her eyes, a big hand slapped her hard on her left cheek, causing her to fall hard on the floor.

    It took Blare 5 seconds to react. ''Did someone.. just SLAPPED ME?!''

    Blare shot a glare on the person who slapped her. Her gaze landed at the 6 feet tall British man who was damping a cloth on his hand. The hand that he used to slap Blare. Beside the man is an Asian woman, around 5 feet and 5 inches tall, with her short light brown hair and shocked expression.

    The man glared at Blare as well and mockingly said, "Your masochist self like it when you''re being touched by me. Isn''t that what you wanted? To be beaten by my own hands?!" the man shouted but Blare did not flinch.

    Before she could stand up and slap him back, fragments of memories entered her soul.

    Lilith Winternburn. A 5 feet and 8 inches tall woman who possessed a long blonde hair and crystal blue eyes. A bastard child who was born from a mistress. A daughter that became unwanted in the end.

    Lilith grew up with her mother, the mistress. But out of nowhere, she was taken by his father when she was a mere 5 years old. Her mother lost the custody in court and the last thing Lilith saw was her mother''s crying figure. As a young child, Blare was unaware of what''s happening. So Lilith can only cry and struggle when she was taken.

    Harold Winternburn. His father who forcibly took her in the Winternburn mansion. The man genuinely wanted to take care of Lilith but never considered supporting her while being with her mother.

    Growing up in the Winternburn mansion, she suffered all mental abuse from her step-mother and step-brother.

    When she was 7, she fell down the stairs, ten steps to reach the ground floor. When the butler immediately assisted her, she saw her step-brother''s conflicted emotions. He had clearly pushed her.

    When asked by his father about the fall, she told him the truth.

    But he didn''t believe her. He even believed that she was putting up an act.

    Many verbal abuses followed, and her father never believed her once. Lilith understood why, after all, her step-mother and step-brother was two-faced.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Moreover, those two people were the one who her father spends his time the most. Her father thought that he fully knows his two-faced wife and son.

    The more Lilith say her side, the more her father hated her. Because he believed that she was acting and trying to gain attention. So Lilith, at the age of 15, never again uttered a word about the abuse or talk to Harold or even anyone.

    Lilith grew up dull. She had long forgotten how to smile and laugh. Blocking all her emotions, she never revealed any.

    Not until she met Aiken Charleston when she became a college freshman. It was the man who slapped her just now.

    Meeting Aiken spurred something on Lilith. The man was kind to her during university days. Receiving kindness made her feel wanted. It made her feel loved. She craved for that love.

    Aiken actually loved Lilith. The two dated and were intimate as lovers. But at their college graduation, he discovered that Lilith was an unwanted child through the Charleston couple. His parents do not want her in the family. After knowing this fact, the man broke up with her. Since then, he had avoided Lilith.

    The girl was aware that her upbringing is a big scandal, so she accepted that Aiken will never be hers. However, when she saw Aiken fancy another girl, she felt threatened and scared of losing him completely.

    Thus, Lilith became possessive.

    That girl, Clara Maiko, is the Asian girl with short light brown hair. Moreover, she is Aiken''s current lover.

    Lilith did every evil thing to Clara and when Aiken had enough, he slapped her out of anger. But Lilith had already become emotionally unstable. She was okay being hit, as long as it was Aiken.

    Aiken had slapped Lilith two times in her lifetime. In the third time that he had hurt her, Lilith was raped by countless men. Aiken had planned it.

    Why?

    Lilith pushed Clara down the long stairs. As a result, Clara died as her head fell first. The marbled staircase and ground made Clara vulnerable. Unfortunately, she died when her head hit the marble nosing of the staircase.

    She was also pregnant at that time. Her 2-month-old unborn child never got to grow and see the world.

    Lilith was then woken out of her madness. She did not want to kill an unborn child or anyone for the matter. She just wants to scare Clara so she will leave Aiken.

    Lilith did not fight when she was arrested. After being jailed, the Winterburn family disowned her. Then Aiken ordered men in prison to raped her until she dies.

    Currently, Blare knows that Lilith was slapped two times. She felt the blood inside her mouth and the sting in her left cheek. She started feeling scared at Lilith''s ending. Blare only had a glimpse of Lilith''s end, but it was clear that Lilith was molested and been taken over and over by different men.

    She wanted to run away.

    As that thought run in her mind, Blare stood up and left the couple. Never glancing or even looking behind.

    While Aiken and Clara watched her stood up with fear in her eyes, they were stunned. ''Did she finally gave up?'' the couple thought. But Aiken felt disappointed on seeing her leave.

    Usually, Lilith would beg Aiken to leave Clara and be with her. But this time, they thought that she had finally given up.

    "Are you okay Clara?" Aiken asked, his face worried.

    Fortunately, Aiken came before Lilith could pull Clara''s hair. So the woman was unharmed.

    "Hm. Thank you, Aiken." Clara said as she smiled to reassure him.

 Chapter 5.1: Lilith Winterburn

    Blare walked out of the parking garage in a hurry. Although she was wearing a 5 inches heels, she strode without tripping.

    Lilith''s |ˇÁ|Mercedes-Maybach Exelero car that her father gave her on her 18th birthday was parked outside. When Blare entered the car, a sad voice of a woman spoke.

    "I want to change my life and avoid all of my mistakes. Please, make my wishes come true. First, cut off my ties with the Winterburn family. Second, find my mother and live with her peacefully. Whether she has a new family or not. Third, build a business Empire and contribute to charities."

    As soon as Blare heard the third wish, her mouth gaped, "Wait! I''m a college freshman! That''s not my forte!"

    The sad voice of the woman never replied. Blare could only make a crying sound without actual tears coming out.

    "This is hard! Reyna!!" Blare covered her face with both of her arms in frustration.

    "Ah!" As she shouted, the pain on her left cheek increased.

    "Owww.." Blare touched her left cheek and rub it gently. Her eyebrows furrowed and anger was seen in her eyes.

    "Fuck everyone in this world" She mumbled angrily. Being slapped frustrated her, not even her own family or anyone for the matter did that to her. But what angered her the most is the fact that she doesn''t have the right to fight back.

    The fact that Lilith doesn''t have the right to fight back.

    Blare start up the car and drove towards her luxurious house. Currently, Lilith was receiving ˇę300,000 (British pounds) a month from her father, so she can live in the expensive hotel lavishly.

    Although Harold Winterburn was fed up with her daughter''s ''lies'', he still supported her financially after she moved out of the mansion. Blare really thought this behaviour was odd, nevertheless, she was thankful for all the money.

    Blare''s lips curved up mischievously as she thought about the third wish.

    ''First and second wishes can sit back for now. It''s better to solve the hard problem first, then the easy problem next.'' Blare thought as her mood became lighter.

    Blare arrived in the Seaside subdivision where her house was located. She parked the Exelero car in her garage. Staying in the villa of the Seaside subdivision for a month cost her ˇę55,000. Because several villas were close to the sea, the residents of the seaside always had the privilege to enjoy the sight of the sea.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    However, Blare did not care about these privileges. As she calculated Lilith''s daily expenses by memory, ˇę55,000 for the rent, ˇę15,000 for dinner on high-class restaurants - to follow Aiken - and her home-made food. As well as seductive outfits for ˇę200,000.

    ''ˇę270,000 in total... Every month YOU (Lilith) SPEND 270 THOUSAND BRITISH Pounds and gosh! For these outfits?!'' Blare internally screamed. She observed herself and saw that she was wearing a tight red dress that shows off her cleavage and long legs. Her long legs wouldn''t be seen if she stood still but because of the two parted slit, once she walks, it would really be seen.

    "Yeah. I''m moving out after a month. Goodbye luxurious life, it was nice taking a peak for once." Blare said as she looked around the spacious house. She wanted to cry in regret, the villa is her dream luxurious home.

    _____________

    The month ended after a week. Blare already finished packing the seductive dresses that she planned to sell online and other stuff that she bought for 3 years. To be specific, she bought those after graduating from college at the age of 21.

    The furniture of the house was owned by Harold, Lilith''s father. So she left it and texted Harold to pick it up since she''s moving out. Blare waited for a few hours and only got ''ok'' as a reply.

    She shrugged it off in response.

    Currently, Lilith is 24 years old. After she met Aiken Charleston at the age of 18, she finally moved out of the Winterburn mansion and live in the villa. Her father didn''t refute. According to Lilith''s memory, they only had a few interactions. But the man still send her money.

    Blare prayed that Harold Winterburn would still send her money after moving out. She will be shameless in this mission too.

    Moving out of the Seaside subdivision was smooth since she was already prepared. The owner of Seaside was sad to see Blare out because she had stayed there for almost seven years. The owner tried to negotiate with Blare for staying but the woman just said that she wanted a different scenery.

    That was her excuse to maintain Lilith''s pride. After all, Blare will be staying in a simple place from now on. It was nothing compared to the villa in Seaside subdivision.

    Other than that, the body was already humiliated from the very beginning. So, at least in this lifetime, she won''t suffer again.

    Lilith was not a prideful person since she lowered herself to her family. Especially to Aiken. But Blare would change that, she does not want the woman to ever bow her head to shame herself.

    Blare, for some reason, do not feel any emotions from Lilith ever since she entered the body. So Blare can only guess that Lilith had long given up and decided to block her emotions again after her death. But it was just a guess.

    Blare drive her Exelero car with a moving out truck that''s following behind her. She did not look back at the Seaside subdivision and she left with a satisfied smile.

    It took an hour before Blare could arrive at the apartment that cost ˇę1,800 monthly for rent. It had a decent structure and Blare felt a sense of deja vu. It had the same ambience to her apartment back in her world.

    52.48 squared meters flat on the sixth floor. The reception room and kitchen were in the same room. Blare scanned the bedroom and the living room, both were in a separate room. While the bathroom was just in front of her bedroom. Moreover, there was a terrace in the flat, so she can see the bustling city lights at night.

 Chapter 5.2: Lilith Winterburn

    Blare finished moving her things in a span of a week. She exhaled with satisfaction while looking at her new place. The white walls were decorated with paintings that Lilith had created. Yes, the woman was talented in architectural painting and even dancing.

    Blare recalled in Lilith''s memory that she stopped painting 2 years ago. Right where she found out that Aiken had a new lover. As for dancing, the woman was fond of ballroom dancing. Though it was never put into action because she never joined a competition and just didn''t feel like dancing again.

    "With all these talents, why in the world would she choose to build a Business Empire?! Wait... Donate to charities as well" When Blare mentioned charities, she saw the image of Clara falling to her death. Under Clara''s pencil skirt was a pool of blood.

    Miscarriage.

    Blare understood what Lilith wanted.

    "... Charities for women who miscarry... and mothers who fell into madness after losing their child..." As she said that, a new memory of Lilith was sent in her soul.

    When Lilith was being raped in prison, she became pregnant. After she was brought to the hospital, two doctors came and made her abort the child forcefully. Lilith was aware that Aiken ordered the doctors. She was physically weak and couldn''t fight back. Then she was sent into prison again, got pregnant repeatedly. Until her womb can no longer carry a child.

    Tears flowed into Lilith''s dull eyes when she received the news that multiple forced abortions made her infertile. She died, not because she was raped repeatedly. She died from extreme sadness, pain, and regret falling in love with Aiken Charleston.

    Blare put her two hands on her parted lips. Tears flowed from her eyes as she weeps painfully.

    Blare remembered the detailed suffering of Lilith Winterburn. Since she was remembering from Lilith''s perspective, Blare herself, felt like it happened to her. But she was not crying because of that, she was crying because she pitied and feared Lilith''s state.

    But Blare understood Aiken''s hatred. At this point, she can only understand why the man made Lilith suffer. Blare cannot pick a side. Both suffered, but the other was cruelly tortured.

    Blare tried to feel Lilith''s emotions through the body. She really felt nothing to Aiken and Clara. No anger, pain, and sadness. Blare was sure that the reason why she felt nothing in Lilith''s body was that she understood the extent of Aiken''s revenge on her.

    Lilith thought that she deserved it. But Blare thought the opposite, Lilith did not deserve to suffer like that. She understood the man''s hatred, but she''s against torture.

    Blare was a person who believed that a vengeful person can never have a happy life. Killing someone emotionally and physically can have two effects, it can either be satisfying or it won''t be.

    For normal people like Blare, she believed that it can never satisfy the person. Instead, it would prolong the unpleasantness of the original offence.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    Blare would rather fight in court to get the justice she deserves. And after successfully gaining justice, she would surely be satisfied and would never carry any unpleasant feelings in her heart. Still, she would not forgive nor forget.

    Thinking about Lilith''s actions, she had really gone too far when she pushed Clara in the stairs. Blare can only frown in regret.

    ''... Then, Lilith, from now on we''re going to curve your path and avoid your mistakes. (deep breath) Avoid falling in love as well, you''re dangerous when you fall in love.'' Blare shakes her head in regret.

    Blare''s face turned sour and her satisfied mood a while ago deteriorated. She sat on the sofa comfortably with her right palm on her chin.

    "Good men are scarce, tsk. I''m not expecting great things in this world." Blare frowned. After several minutes, she stood up and took a bath.

    ______________

    Aiken sat in his office while reviewing a pile of documents.

    Aiken Charleston is the CEO of the Emerald Corporation that is under the Sapphire Conglomerate. Basically, he is one of the most powerful businessmen in the city of London ever since he handled one of the business corporations of the Sapphire Conglomerate at the age of 21.

    A light knock was heard and his secretary, Travis Scott entered,

    "Sir, a woman is here to see you. She said that you already know who she is" Travis informed,

    Aiken looked up and twitched one of his eyebrows in annoyance, "Tell Lilith to go away and never bother me." he said, irritation was clear on his voice.

    ''I thought that her being silent for two weeks was going to be forever.'' he thought as he turned his attention on the documents.

    "Sir... It''s not Miss Lilith.." Travis worriedly looked at his angry boss.

    "What?" Aiken shot his attention to his secretary. He was baffled to know that it was not Lilith. Who could blame him? Lilith was actually coming to his company almost every day and would seduce him with her skin tight dresses. Even though Aiken would block her entrance, Lilith would then wait for him in the parking lot in the Emerald Company.

    Now, how could Lilith enter the parking lot of the Emerald Company?

    The woman has her ways. Either through bribery or stealthily sneaking in.

    Two weeks ago, Maiko arrived in the parking lot and before Lilith could attack her, Aiken came and slapped the woman.

    Aiken immediately fake a cough and awkwardly asked, "Who is it?"

    "She did not identify herself sir" Travis answered instinctively.

    "Ugh! You''re so cruel brother!" a woman in her early 20s barged in the office and Travis widened his eyes in shock.

    Travis was not informed that this girl was his boss''s sister. He can only lower his head and shrink in the corner.

    Aiken saw his sister and massage the bridge of his nose. He dismissed his secretary and once the secretary left, he looked at his sister.

    "What? I just came to visit!" His sister, Flora Charleston sat on the sofa in his office.

    "What do you want?" Aiken sighed and mindlessly scanned the documents.

    Flora noticed her brother''s tired expression, "Did Lilith bother you again?"

    Aiken flinched but quickly regained composure, "No, she stopped harassing Clara and me two weeks ago"

    Flora nodded and hummed. Flora did not know anything much about Lilith, but she knows that the woman was kind. During her senior high school, Lilith had helped her to hide a big dot of period blood on her skirt by tying an oversized jacket over her waist.

    During those times, she did not know the identity of Lilith. But Flora discovered that it was her when she saw Lilith and her brother together at the University.

    Flora had actually never witnessed Lilith crazed state, so she was neutral about his brother''s perspective on the woman.

    "Flora, I need to work. Can you just play around with your friends?" Aiken was feeling irritated.

    "Jeez, fine. I just wanted to familiarize myself with the corporate world! You''re so moody, hmp!" Flora stomps her foot and walks out of his office.

    After Flora left, Aiken exhaled and slouch a little on his chair.

    He was in a daze. Then he remembered the image of Lilith''s smiling face back when they''re in University.

    Aiken closed his eyes and straightened his sitting position. He fully knows that he still loves Lilith. And knowing that she had given up on him pained his heart.

    Aiken Charleston loves Lilith Winterburn the first time he saw her and even until now.

 Chapter 5.3: Lilith Winterburn

    Blare leisurely live in her small apartment. As she expected, Harold Winterburn still gave her three-hundred pounds as her monthly allowance.

    She was satisfied but she''s not going to use the monthly allowance to complete the third wish.

    ''Okay, the car was a birthday gift and technically it was his money. But I can do whatever with it.. right?'' Blare talked to herself while contemplating whether to sell the car or not.

    "I''ll sell it. It''s Lilith''s and for the sake of her third wish... I''m shameless huhu" Blare fake cried as she put the Mercedes-Maybach Exelero for sale online. It was still in great condition so she decided to sell it for ˇę3 million. The car was ˇę6 million originally and it was a fair price since it was used for almost 7 years.

    In total, she has over 30 seductive dresses for sale that sell for ˇę100,000 and above. The dresses were all branded and originally cost individually for ˇę200,000 and above.

    Blare wanted to wear oversized jackets every day but felt that it would be a shame.

    Lilith Winterburn''s figure is the same as Fang Chunhua. The only difference is their face. While Fang Chunhua''s look was cute and sexy. Lilith Winterburn was maxed out sexy!

    Her sharp eyes and thick golden blonde eyebrows along with her crystal blue eyes are commanding. If Fang Chunhua is a fairy, Lilith Winterburn is a Greek Goddess!

    Lilith''s heart-shaped lips and perfectly shaped nose complements her overall appearance.

    Blare felt that Lilith doesn''t have any preferences on clothes and only wore provocative ones because of Aiken. But Blare does not want to waste the beauty by wearing lazy clothes.

    ''Okay, maybe I''ll wear oversized jackets at home. Then beautiful outfits when.. when shopping? Or other important matters in the future.'' Blare was actually planning to laze around because she hasn''t found a job yet.

    In actuality, Blare Hawkins is an ambivert. But she prefers to rest at home most of the time. Moreover, she doesn''t have any money to spend. So shopping and going outside is scarce in her life.

    Blare sighed and decided to find a job that does not involve the Charleston, Winterburn and Maiko families. These three families are known in the business world, especially in the United Kingdom. Charleston is one of the most powerful business family in London while Winterburn is under these powerful families. Meanwhile, Maiko family is known in Japan and just came to London to do business 5 years ago.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Until Maiko reached out to the Charleston family. Then they became known in the UK and slowly gained power.

    Blare doesn''t have a choice but to rely on the enemy of these families. Even though she''s a Winterburn herself.

    The LeCoultre family is Charleston''s enemy. There was no bad blood between the Winterburn family and LeCoultre family. However, they considered each other as enemies because Winterburn allied with the Charleston.

    LeCoultre family holds the Rosenthal Conglomerate. Blare will take the risk of applying to one of its business entities. She clasps her hands and exhaled.

    ''It''s now or never!'' she thought as her hand turned into a fist.

    ______________

    Blare was an accounting freshman student in her life. So going to work as an accountant or being an auditor is normal. But Lilith graduated in Business Administration, Major in Marketing.

    Blare chose to work in the Marketing department because she still lacks so much experience in accountancy. Besides, Lilith''s qualities are still in the body. Although she had no experience in the job, her talent in arts may blow them away... right?

    Wrong!

    After 5 months of going around in London in hopes of entering one of the business entities of Rosenthal Conglomerate, even as far as presenting her designs. She received no call back from the |ˇÁ|HR department. Blare even applied in other companies that had no relations with the Charlestons, but she was rejected because she had no experience.

    She helplessly lay down on her apartment floor.

    "Fudgeeeeee" Blare spreads her arms on the marble floor.

    "Was it because I''m a Winterburn?... No, it''s because I have no experience despite being a 24-year-old" Blare whimpered.

    "It sucks being an adult... I miss my mom and dad." Blare thought about her parents. She would usually see them yearly during the holidays.

    She fixated her gaze on the white ceiling. Feeling the sudden loneliness, Blare stood up and smacked her cheeks with her two hands.

    "Ouch. (breaths) It''s fine.. at least I''ll come back without surgeries and money to waste. I''ll wait." Blare told herself.

    As Blare was thinking about her next plan, her phone suddenly rang. It was from an unknown number. Still, Blare accepted the unknown call.

    "Hello?"

    "Is this Miss Lilith Winterburn?" a voice of a man spoke.

    Blare''s eyes widened and she stood up slowly, "Yes, this is Lilith speaking." Blare''s heart pound excitedly, mixed with nervousness.

    "You''re hired Miss Winterburn, we apologize if it took us months to call you. Please come to the Rosenthal Conglomerate tomorrow to start your training."

    "O-Of course... Thank you, Sir."

    "You''re welcome Miss Winterburn" then the man cut off the call.

    Blare screamed internally.

    ''Rosenthal Conglomerate! Ha! It was just a moment of desperation, I did not expect they would hire me in their main Empire!'' Blare force herself to not squeal by biting her lower lip.

    She felt so happy and so put her hands up and made a party dance. A dance that no one would want to see.

    ______________

    "I''ve already called her, Sir. She would start her training tomorrow." the secretary respectfully said. He looked at his boss who was gazing at the humongous glass wall.

    The man was gazing at the city lights of London.

    "Good. Train her properly. It looks like she was so desperate in entering my Empire." the man smirked mischievously as his gaze stayed on the view outside.

    "Yes Sir" the secretary bowed and left the office.

    "Lilith Winterburn... Let''s see what game are you playing." the man gaze darkened as he turned around and looked at Lilith''s resume.

 Chapter 5.4: Lilith Winterburn

    Blare wore a sand summer business suit. Like the name suggests, her suit is the same colour as the white sand, as well as her slim-fit trousers that end just right at her ankle. Blare also wore a three inches heels that had the same colour as her outfit.

    Blare drove her Pilmico blue |ˇÁ|MG ZS SUV that she bought 3 months ago for ˇę12,000. Her Maybach Exelero car and 2 of the seductive dresses was successfully sold online so she bought the cheapest car after. Moreover, Blare currently has ˇę450,000 on her personal bank account. While she invested ˇę3,000,000 on an internet cafe that is currently being built. It was inspired by the Japanese Internet Cafe that Blare has in her world.

    She already researched the internet Cafe in this world, particularly in Japan. It does exist but it''s just a simple place for gamers and |ˇÁ|otakus.

    Blare copied the innovative Internet Cafe in her world that offers manga and unlimited free drinks. However, Blare will place books in the cafe that is for academics. Those free drinks are either juice, wine or beer.

    Of course, those students will need to present their ID''s to drink the other two.

    It basically became a library but with unlimited free drinks and private rooms. There are a total of 20 small rooms, each can be occupied by a single person and 10 big rooms that can occupy 15 people in one room. Naturally, the internet cafe will have computers and internet connection.

    It was located close to a few universities. Blare targeted the students who needed to study or make themselves comfortable, alone or by a group.

    ''Credits to the creator'' Blare clasp her hand together to show her gratitude. She decided to put her faith in this internet cafe to complete the third wish.

    Blare arrived 5 minutes early on purpose. Arriving too early will make her beautiful face too desperate. Also, somehow, Blare''s gut is telling her that the Rosenthal Conglomerate is getting suspicious.

    ''Is it because I''ve been targeting their company? Tsk. Then my gut feeling may be correct.'' Blare has been feeling like this ever since she dressed up. Why would it take months? Why hire her in the main building considering that she has no job experience? Those thoughts run in her mind.

    Her happy thoughts last night is embarrassing her at the moment.

    Now that she''s inside the company, she started watching her own actions to avoid suspicion.

    Blare walked up on the front desk counter. The woman on the counter sensed her and asked, "How may I help you, Ma''am?"

    "I''ll be starting my training in the marketing department." Blare smiled slightly.

    The woman looked at her weirdly. Blare saw this and thought, ''Of course, who would hire a newbie in a conglomerate? This is definitely fishy.'' Blare only smiled in response to her look.

    "May I.. have your name please?" the woman reluctantly said. They are still trained to act professionally and not act rashly. Moreover, Blare''s whole aura was confident. They have even thought she was a boss in another company. Who would have thought that she was here for training?The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    "Lilith Winterburn." Blare said, a smile never leaving her mouth.

    The woman flinched at her last name. Winterburn may not be powerful but they are known in the business world. Even if they''re not in Charleston and LeCoultre''s level of power and influence.

    The woman hurriedly called the HR for confirmation. Sure enough, it was confirmed that Lilith was going to be trained. As the woman informed Blare, a handsome man in his early 30s appeared and offer assistance to guide her.

    That man was the current CEO of Rosenthal Conglomerate and the one who accepted Blare in the company, Ace Jaeger LeCoultre. Before the woman in the counter could greet him, Ace eyes squint at her for a second, which made the woman stood in her place and turned to Blare.

    Blare was staring at the man and his squinted eyes that lasted a second did not escape her eyes. Blare only smiled innocently and turned her attention to the woman.

    "Ms. Winterburn, please follow him. He''ll guide you to your training." The woman said and smiled back at Blare respectfully.

    Blare thanked the woman and followed Ace.

    Both did not talk on the way. Ace led her in an elevator that is clearly used by higher-ups only.

    "Sir... I don''t think I have the privilege to use this" Blare''s expression remained the same. A small smile in her lips.

    Ace stiffened for a moment. He thought that the woman would be more arrogant since she was allowed to use the elevator for the CEO. Now, who could blame him? According to his sources, Lilith was a brainless and arrogant woman.

    Why?

    Because she kept chasing Aiken Charleston like an abandoned pet. Moreover, the woman would always act like an aunt in the market, without an ounce of dignity.

    Ace quickly regained composure and smiled. His smile not reaching his eyes.

    "I apologize, Ms. Winterburn. Looks like I made a mistake." Ace eyes glint and led Blare in another elevator.

    Blare snickered inside, ''Mistake? I doubt it. If this whole "you''re hired" situation is fake... I might get a little revenge by being successful.'' Blare''s facade never faltered.

    Ace and Blare entered the elevator. None of them uttered a word to each other. Not until they got out of the elevator.

    "Before your training Ms. Winterburn, you have to meet the CEO first." Ace said with seriousness in his tone. Since he was walking forward, Blare did not see the mockery on his eyes.

    Blare pretended to be shocked, "I see... I understand" Blare said reluctantly. It was an act to show that she really needed a job. Because in Blare''s perspective, what''s happening right now was a trap. Moreover, she''s starting to get suspicious of him.

    From the moment that he assisted her, the employees shocked expression did not escape Blare''s eyes. Also, the moment that they left the elevator, the people nearby also gazed at the man and would quickly look away.

    ''I''m certain he''s not just an employee.'' Blare''s warily looked at the man''s back.

    The two entered the CEO''s office. The spacious place is almost the same size as her apartment.

    ''Wow,'' Blare can''t help but admire the office as she looked around. The room''s hue is black, grey and white. A very soothing colour fitting for a strict CEO.

    Blare really wanted to work in a building like this. Maybe if she worked hard, she might even become a CEO in her own company.

    "Ms. Winterburn?" Ace noticed the admiration in Blare''s eyes as she scanned his office.

    Blare''s daydreaming was cut off, "I''m sorry, did you say something?" she looked apologetically at the man.

    "Not yet... I can see that you like the room. Please take a seat first." Ace hid his amused smile.

    "Thank you" Blare sat,

    "The office is just very soothing and it definitely suits the CEO. Speaking of the CEO... please don''t mind me asking but, where is he or she?" Blare looked curiously at Ace.

    Ace smiled innocently. He still thinks that Blare was clueless of what''s happening. In truth, he was really planning to make her wait for hours and watch her go on a rampage.

    Before Ace could do that, Blare spoke,

    "Unless he''s in front of me" Blare smiled, but this time, it was sweet but would make one uncomfortable.

    Ace flinched and quickly shot Blare a surprised look.

    Blare giggle and mockingly said, "You must think I''m an idiot."

 Chapter 5.5: Lilith Winterburn

    Blare had guessed from his surprise look that she was right. Moreover, he''s really planning to humiliate her.

    Her smile faltered and she didn''t hide the annoyance in her tone, "How disappointing. I''ll leave Mr. LeCoultre. I apologize if I can''t give you a good show"

    Blare force a smile that lasted for a second. Then she stood up and turned to leave.

    "Lilith Winterburn." Ace called her name with authority which made Blare shivered involuntarily.

    Admitting defeat, Blare turned to face the big boss. Of course, a frown is still plastered on her face.

    Ace looked at her indifferently. Making it seem like the surprised expression before was an act. However, he smirked, clearly enjoying Blare''s frown.

    Blare stiffened but forced herself to remain calm. Offending this big boss would get her in big trouble.

    "Now that''s a more suitable expression that a mere subordinate should have." Ace said with a mocking tone.

    Blare''s lips twitch in irritation. She suppressed her annoyance and calmly met Ace''s gaze.

    ''Tyrant! Dictator! Motherf****!!'' Blare kept cursing Ace inside her head in order to stop herself from scratching his handsome and offensive mocking face.

    "..."

    Silence engulfs the room. Blare can''t take it anymore and ask, "What is it? Sir?"

    She addressed him with clear dislike.

    "You''re hired" Ace simply said and waved dismissively.

    "What--"

    Before she could understand what''s happening, a male employee walked inside and eyed in her.

    "Ms. Winterburn, this way please" the male employee gestured Blare.

    Blare stood frozen, then landed her attention to the indifferent Ace.

    "What? You don''t want the job?" Ace raised one of his brows.

    "No.. I mean yes! I want the job! Thank you sir tyra-- uh, LeCoultre!" Blare pressed her lips and bowed 90ˇă to Ace. Then hurriedly walked over the male employee.

    Blare mindlessly followed the secretary and bit her lip more when she thought how he almost called the big boss a tyrant.

    Nevertheless, she got accepted. She''ll thicken her skin if it means earning money for herself in this world. It was the same for Lilith, although she was blessed with easy money, the woman wanted to actually earn it herself.

    Too bad that she''s too focused on the man who simply throws her away.

    ______________

    "Aiken... Aiken!"

    Aiken woke up in his dazed state and stare at the woman who called him.

    "Are you okay? You''ve been... out of it lately." Clara asked, worry apparent on her face.

    "I''m fine. Sorry Clara, I have a pile of work in the company. I won''t be able to accompany you tomorrow." Aiken continued eating.

    Clara only nodded but was still worried about Aiken''s tired state.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Evening came and Aiken was puffing his third cigarette in his living room. He was thinking about Lilith who hasn''t shown up for five months.

    ''This is what I wanted... but why does it hurt?'' Aiken had been thinking about Lilith ever since she stopped coming to him.

    "I''m a fucking hypocrite" Aiken throw the cigarette in his hand. He ruffled his hair in annoyance.

    He was angry at himself.

    "I''ll see her.. just this once. Then I''ll get over it." Aiken was deeply frustrated. But deep inside that frustration was sadness.

    But when Aiken came the next day at the Seaside Subdivision where Lilith was staying. The woman was no longer staying there. He asked the staffs and even the owner of the subdivision where Lilith was currently saying.

    They can only shake their heads in response. Blare did not inform them of her whereabouts.

    Aiken, for the first time, felt fear in his life. He was always controlling his feelings for Lilith because his family never accepted the woman. Aiken would always abide by the wishes of his parents, even if it costs his happiness.

    For the first time, he does not want to lose that happiness.

    From then on, Aiken searched for Lilith''s whereabouts. It took him a week before he could finally found her.

    Aiken drove towards Lilith''s new apartment. While he was driving, his eyes caught the long blonde hair of a woman. Aiken stopped his car immediately.

    ______________

    Blare was walking back to her apartment when she saw a |ˇÁ|Bugatti La Voiture Noire car that immediately stopped in its tracks.

    She just came from her daily walk around town. Wearing an oversized blue pastel jacket, cotton shorts and slippers. She slowly walked with a candy in her mouth and admired the scenery along the way.

    But her sight-seeing was cut off when the said car suddenly stopped. Since she is the only one who was walking on the tiny street, she got suspicious of why the car stopped.

    When the door of the car opened, Blare took a step back and prepared herself to run. But she froze when she saw that it was Aiken who got out of the car.

    "Lilith" Aiken''s face was full of worry. He was pale and panting softly. Like he just ran a mile.

    Blare raised her eyebrows. She was confused.

    ''Why the hell is he appearing?'' Blare thought that what Aiken did to Lilith in the past was because he hated her a long time ago. Unless that hate did not bloom because she changed the course of the story.

    Either way, Blare thought that this was weird. She quickly regained her stance, "Do you need something, Mr. Charleston?" she asked.

    Aiken was nevertheless, shocked. The Lilith that chased him months ago was no longer there. The Lilith that would sweetly call his first name.. was no longer saying it. Her comfortable clothes and sassy attitude is a side of hers he''d never seen before.

    When Aiken got his breathing even, he took a step in Blare''s direction. Which made Blare back off in response.

    Blare''s eyebrows started furrowing, confusion and annoyance are seen in her face. "What are you doing?" she asked, annoyed.

    Aiken has never received this much hostility to anyone, especially not on Lilith.

    "I just wanted to talk to you--"

    "Then say it and stay where you are. I can hear you, I''m not deaf" Blare glared at the man. She would always refuse to be close to a man that already inflicted the character (body she''s residing in) pain. Even if Lilith does not feel anything, who knows if something spurred again?

    Aiken was confused about why Blare was angry. ''Was it because I kept rejecting her?'' he thought.

    "Why?" is the only word that escaped his mouth.

    "(sneer) Who knows if you''ll slap me again." Blare mockingly looked at him and her tone held disdain.

    Then Aiken was struck with guilt. "I... I only did that so you can stop harassing Clara and I" was his only excuse while he looked away.

    "I did. Thanks for that, I woke up from my deep idiotic state. So I don''t want you near me, ever" Blare emphasize the last word with slight anger in her tone.

    "Speak Mr. Charleston, I''m busy with my life and I would really appreciate it if people from my past never show up again" Blare added as she crossed her arms, looking at the deprived man.

    "Lilith.." Aiken had love Lilith Winterburn the first time he saw her and up until now.

    The man strode towards Blare despite her words from earlier.

    Blare did not expect that the man would not listen to her. Before she could run away, Aiken already held her right hand and waist. Then Aiken leaned and claimed her lips.

    Blare was shocked to the core, her soul trembled at the feeling. It was her first kiss!

    Although Lilith''s lips are experienced. Blare was not. Her single life did not experience being kissed.

    Blare struggled when he felt that Aiken was deepening the kiss. She can''t breathe properly so she accidentally opened her mouth. Blare regretted that action. Because when her mouth opened, Aiken''s tongue ravishes hers. The candy in her mouth was taken by the man''s tongue. But Aiken continued kissing her.

    Blare let out a moan when Aiken tightly pressed her body on his. She felt weak to the sensation. For her, it was bittersweet. Her eyes closed as it started tearing up.

    Feeling like she would faint, Aiken slowly stopped. Their tongues formed a string of saliva after Aiken pulled out his mouth. He saw Blare''s teary up expression and her red face. Her eyes seemed dazed.

    Aiken wanted to take her. He wanted to claim Lilith before she could escape. When Aiken thought that the woman was finally hers again, he was slapped by her.

    Blare quickly regained consciousness. No, Lilith did not wake up, Blare was in full control of the body and she experienced that deep kiss herself. She was so angry with the man that made her feel vulnerable. So he quickly slapped him as hard as she can.

    "Bastard!!" Blare screamed at the man and run towards her apartment.

 Chapter 5.6: Lilith Winterburn

    Aiken watched the woman ran away from him. He can feel the stinging pain in his cheek. Then the taste of the candy in his mouth.

    Although he and Lilith had shared a lot of deep kisses in the past, she was always willing. Today, she was not and that caused ripples in Aiken''s heart.

    ''Has she already... moved on?'' Aiken felt solemn as he thought about it. He held his throbbing head and look at the direction where she ran off.

    Ace was determined on seeing her again. One way or another.

    ___________

    Blare reached her apartment and closed the door immediately. She walked directly towards her bedroom, laid in bed and buried her head in the pillow. Then she screamed out her uneasiness.

    After calming down, she sat up and was in dazed as she stared on an empty wall. As she was contemplating, a bitter feeling aroused in her heart.

    Her lips were tightly shut and her eyes showed confusion and displeasure.

    It was Blare''s first kiss.

    Even though she''s occupying another body, it was undeniable that she - her soul - experience it. It caused her heart to pound rapidly.

    Blare was convinced that her pounding heart does not indicate that she was in love. Rather, it was the feeling of being kissed that made her confused and baffled.

    Either way, Blare was set on ignoring the man for the rest of the mission. After what happened, she can no longer act normal around him.

    For the rest of her stay here, Blare will consider Aiken as a stranger. As a person that she never knew in the first place.

    ____________

    Blare''s training in the Rosenthal Conglomerate took 3 months to complete. However, 3 times a month, Aiken would show up in front of the apartment building she''s staying in. Blare remain unwavering and did not respond to any of his awkward greetings. Other than that, her boss - Ace Jaeger LeCoultre - seemed to be satisfied with her performance.

    Unbeknownst to her, Ace had always keep an eye out on her. The man saw that the rumoured bratty Lilith was nowhere to be found. Blare was diligent and would always show her willingness to learn.

    Both Blare and Lilith had different experience and view of the corporate world. However, Blare was fortunate because what Lilith knows would be embedded into her. She concluded that she''s gaining experience by executing Lilith''s knowledge and continuously honing it.

    ''If I''m gaining what the women - the body I will temporarily reside in - knows, their manners, experience, and talents... That will make me more knowledgeable and be more prepared for the next world!''

    Blare was sitting in the soft office chair for hours. Feeling tired, she placed the mechanical pencil down and clasp her hands together, then stretch her whole arm forward. She felt her back sore so she bent her upper body left and right to stretch.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    After that, she stood up and headed in the canteen, her eyes glistening in anticipation. But frowned when she remembered how nonchalant she was in the first world.

    Fang Chunhua is talented in crafts, but Blare never thought about it and did not put it in action. Thus, she was not able to learn her talent. The only valuable qualities that she gained from Fang Chunhua is her elegant demeanour and how to judge crafted items.

    That is why Blare diligently took notes and studied by heart from her training. She realized how crucial it is to learn everything.

    For months of training, she familiarized herself with the company, remembered all the names of the managers of different departments, her colleagues in the Design department and the important people in the company.

    These months also helped her identify what Lilith wanted.

    In the end, Blare concluded that the Marketing department is not what Lilith wants. Sure she studied it for four years but Blare felt that Lilith wanted something different.

    So Blare chose the Design department. Since then, she felt contented. Surprisingly, Ace did not make any comment about her decision.

    Lilith was talented at painting and that includes designing, as well as drafting structures.

    "Lilith, why didn''t you take architecture back in college?" her female co-worker, Trina asked. They were in the canteen getting their lunch.

    "It was on a whim. I didn''t really know what I wanted back then." Blare said as she walked towards their table.

    "But it''s amazing though, even though you didn''t take the course, it''s like you''re used to it." her another co-worker, Gray spoke.

    "Internet. I kind of learned from there." Blare said reluctantly. She was not lying, Lilith actually learned painting, drawing and designing through the internet. Most of her paintings are structures in different countries. She admired how the structures are built and designed in unique ways.

    But Lilith never considered the course because her step-mother and step-brother always made her feel talentless. They always insulted her work like they were professional painters themselves.

    The more Blare thought about it, the more Lilith''s body was responding. Blare felt extreme insecurity in the body.

    Mixing with the feeling of insecurity was sadness. Blare was feeling sad for Lilith''s reluctance.

    Two emotions seemed to complement each other, this caused her to feel very restless.

    Their short lunch break ended and they quickly continued their work. Blare suppressed her emotions and turn all her attention to work. Currently, the Rosenthal Conglomerate is planning to build a new business in the fast-food industry. Blare was waiting for the report of the Marketing department so they can plan the design and structure of the restaurant.

    Right now, their main job is to brainstorm to make a unique logo, name, structure of the restaurant and so on.

    Her work ended when evening came. Blare walked in the parking garage where her car was parked. Before she can reach her car, a |ˇÁ|Rolls-Royce Sweptail car blocked her way. Inside the car is Ace Jaeger LeCoultre.

    Blare slightly bowed and greeted, "Good evening Sir"

    The man just stared at her, directly in her eyes. Blare felt uncomfortable so she smiled awkwardly.

    "Is there.. something wrong sir?" Blare asked. This time she was worried. She did not know if she failed to do her job that''s why Ace was staring.

    In truth, Ace was just admiring Lilith''s appearance. The woman looked fierce but was actually docile when it comes to her job. Her crystal blue eyes were also captivating and Ace couldn''t help but admire it.

    "Nothing, I was just going to invite you out... to eat." Ace said, not leaving his gaze to the woman.

    Blare sighed in relief in her mind. Blare had already forgiven him from his trickery on their first meeting. Also, this boss of hers is kind to his employees. But not to the point that he''ll be buddies with everyone. Blare was also thankful that he let her proved her worth.

    "Thank you, sir, but no thank you. I have other matters to do" she said apologetically.

    Ace was baffled that a woman actually rejected his invite. Ace Jaeger LeCoultre is a hotty despite being a 30-year-old man. His sharp gaze and dark brown eyes are eye-catching. His strong jaw and seemingly soft lip received passionate gazes as well as envy. So who could refuse this hotty?

    Apparently, it''s Blare Hawkins. Plus Lilith Winterburn since Blare doesn''t feel anything from her.

    "A shame then... maybe a ride home?" Ace persisted. He really wanted to know her better.

    "I have my own car" Blare smiled innocently.

    Ace chuckled at the woman''s reluctance. Blare, on the other hand, was slightly surprised to hear him laughing softly.

    "It seems like I have amused you, Sir. I''ll be going then" Blare ignored the man''s reactions and just slightly bowed and left her amused boss.

    Ace watched the woman walk away with a slight smile escaping his lips.

 Chapter 5.7: Lilith Winterburn

    Blare parked her car in front of the apartment building. As she starts heading inside the building, a certain man blocked her way.

    "Charleston." Blare''s eye twitches in annoyance. She did not bother being polite to him anymore.

    Aiken''s heart pained at her cold voice. He stared sadly at her, combined with longing and affection.

    "Get back with me." the man said with a gentle tone.

    Unfortunately, Blare did not hear any gentleness and had thought that the man was ordering her.

    "I''m not your toy. Leave me alone" she said with gritted teeth.

    Blare was feeling tired after work and Aiken''s appearance made her mood worse.

    She walked past him, only to be embraced from behind. Blare shivered and tried to get out of his grip. But the man tightly held her waist.

    "Aiken! Let go!"

    Despite her angry tone, Aiken rests his head to the side of her shoulder. His eyes reddened and his throat turned dry.

    "L-Lilith," he said with a cracked voice.

    Anyone could tell that his voice indicated that he was on the verge of crying. Blare was no exception.

    All of Blare''s anger and irritation quickly dissipated at his aggrieved call. It was replaced with sadness and disappointment.

    She stiffened at his hold, not uttering any word.

    "Lilith" he called once more, this time, his tone was filled with longing. Which made Blare''s heart stirred.

    Her breathing started getting uneven, so she slowly calms herself down by taking deep, silent breaths. As Blare calmed down, her back felt Aiken''s heart beating rapidly.

    ''Why does he seemed more restless than me? He had clearly abandoned Lilith in the past without batting an eye''

    She cast a glance at her waist, Aiken still tightly held onto her. Aiken sensed that she was relaxed, so he relaxed as well. But both of their hearts were furiously beating.

    However, Blare can only feel Aiken''s heartbeat. The man was unaware of her state.

    "Let go" she tried to push his hand away, but the man didn''t budge.

    "No"Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    ".... I''d hate you more if you keep this up"

    "...."

    Aiken reluctantly let go of her. Blare felt a sting in her heart. She felt disappointed that Aiken had let her go.

    Right now, she was contradicting Lilith''s emotions. Still, Lilith was responding truthfully, which brought her a lot of emotional distress.

    Blare, with distress, turned to look at Aiken. She saw that the man suddenly became expectant and happy. She felt her heart easing up at his reaction but soon realized that she would revere back to her distressed state.

    "We''re done Aiken, why come back and disturb my peace?"

    As those words left her mouth, Blare felt so guilty that she unconsciously clenched her hands tightly.

    The man in front of her frown as the sadness was obvious in his eyes.

    "... Do you really... not want me anymore?" he asked as his face shows reluctance.

    ''It''s you who didn''t want Lilith. Tsk.'' Blare''s inner turmoil started disappearing as she thought about Lilith''s original demise.

    "Yes," she answered. She did not miss his pained expression, but Blare was not affected by it anymore. As she turned her back on him, he spoke again with a determined tone.

    "I won''t give up till I have you again"

    Hearing this, she rolled her eyes at his persistence. She continued walking towards her apartment, not minding his declaration.

    ____________

    "Lilith! The CEO is requiring your presence."

    Blare stopped sketching and look at the man who called her.

    "... May I know why?" Blare asked,

    The man only shakes his head and signalled Blare to follow him. Blare obediently did follow until they reached the front door of the CEO''s office.

    The man did not move and only looked at the door. It seems like Blare needed to enter herself.

    Blare sighed mentally and knocked three times before entering the office. Silently closing the door behind her, she saw the man who was sitting comfortably in his chair, Ace Jaeger LeCoultre.

    "Sir.. is there something--"

    "Sit" Ace cut her off and signalled her to sit down.

    Blare nodded slightly and sat on the sofa. The moment she sat down, Ace stood from his seat and sat on the opposite side of Blare.

    Blare honestly does not know what''s going on. She was starting to feel that she did something wrong with her work and the company is slowly judging her. Blare''s hand started sweating from nervousness. Despite that, she sat up straight and forced herself to look straight in her boss''s eyes.

    "Be my partner for the upcoming gala next week." Ace said as he leaned towards the sofa.

    Blare exhaled softly, ''It''s just that, gosh he kept scaring me'' she thought.

    "It won''t be a problem but... I''m sure there are other women who would match you Sir" Blare said nonchalantly.

    Based on Blare and Lilith''s knowledge, businesspeople attending a gala with their family as partners, even spouses or co-workers is normal. But why her? Blare thought she just got unlucky to be chosen. Neither Blare nor Lilith''s ever attended a gala to meet famous people. So she was feeling unlucky.

    "You''ll do. After your work, come with me"

    Blare blinked a few times and she can''t help but raised one of her eyebrows slightly.

    "Umm... Why?" Blare was starting to get suspicious to the guy. She just doesn''t get his attitude!

    "To get your dress for the gala. My partner has to look her best after all." Ace simply said.

    Blare inhaled and slowly exhaled softly.

    "Okay, Sir" was the only words Blare could reply. Her brain gave up on thinking. She didn''t feel any malice towards the man. Rather, he was unreadable because he looked serious.

    So Blare treated it as another business thingy.

    ''I wanna be an accountant and just stay in the office'' Blare sighed inside as she headed towards her workplace. She really doesn''t want to attend any business gathering.

 Chapter 5.8: Lilith Winterburn

    Blare''s work ended in the evening. The moment she walked out of the company, Ace''s Rolls-Royce Sweptail car is already waiting for her.

    Blare immediately quicken her pace. As a student majoring in business, she was taught how a worker should not make a high-ranking person wait.

    The tinted glass of the car lowered and she saw Ace in the driver''s seat.

    "Good eve--"

    "Get in" Ace cut her off with his usual cold tone.

    Blare flinched and entered the car. She sat on the passenger seat. Blare looked at Ace, trying to read any emotions from the man. Unfortunately, she couldn''t read any expression on his face.

    "I''m sorry Sir. I didn''t notice the time, I apologize for making you wait." Blare said as she lowered her head. She wanted to shrink and hide in a hole.

    "It''s fine," Ace said, Blare looked up and saw the man was already close to her. Too close.

    Blare leaned back but Ace leaned in.

    "Wha--" Blare was cut off when Ace reached for her seat belt and wore it on her. Then Ace leaned back and start up the car. He drove, not uttering a single word.

    Blare felt her breath shorten. She was actually thinking that the man might kiss her.

    ''I''m probably traumatized'' Blare wanted to smack herself for assuming that the big boss would kiss her. But she felt her heartbeat from nervousness.

    ''Men here are so dense'' Blare thought as she disregards the feeling and focused her attention on the road.

    Meanwhile, Ace was stealing a glance at Blare from time to time. The woman was not even paying attention to him. He smiled wryly while driving. He was thinking about Blare''s panicked expression when he leaned in but felt disappointed that all he received was confusion on the woman''s face.

    After 30 minutes of silence, they arrived at a big building. The white marble building has a speck of gold in a closer look. The double exterior mahogany door complements the soothing look of the building. The cursive name of the store, "Maribella" was decorated at the top of the mahogany door. Blare was greeted by an antique style when the door burst open.

    Blare and Ace walked inside and were greeted by a beautiful red-haired woman who looked like she was in her early 40s. Blare gaped at her features, there were some unnoticeable wrinkles on her face but her soft and gentle smile made her look younger.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    "Welcome, Mr. LeCoultre and Ms. Winterburn. This way please." the woman guided them. Blare was not surprised that she was known, she guessed that Ace already made a reservation to this store. But she was still feeling a little conflicted.

    "Sir, isn''t the dresses here cost like.. a hundred pounds?" Blare whispered to the man beside her. Blare was feeling conflicted because she doesn''t want to spend a hundred pounds on a dress.

    "A million" Ace said nonchalantly. Blare stopped walking and tugged his suit, causing the man to stop on his tracks.

    "I don''t have that much money..!" Blare whispered as fear is apparent in her tone and face.

    "It''s fine" Ace held Blare''s hand that was tugging on his suit and lock it in his left arm.

    "I invited you so I''ll be paying," He said as he continued walking, causing Blare to follow helplessly.

    Blare exhaled in relief, "Thank you.."

    Still, guilt is apparent in her tone. Blare doesn''t like owing something from other people. But in this case, it was Ace, a high ranked man with a lot of money. Blare can only accept helplessly to avoid offending the man.

    From what she learned through Lilith''s knowledge, people with money take pride in their wealth. Refusing their "goodwill" will make it seem like you''re stomping on their pride.

    Blare snapped out of her thoughts when she realized she was locking arms with Ace. The action seemed so natural to her. After all, she was used in locking arms with Zhao Kang back in the last world.

    She turned stiff as they walked. Ace sensed this and a small smile escaped his lips.

    They arrived in a private changing room. Inside was a golden chair that was designed like a chair used by royalty back in the Victorian era.

    The room was white but the small gold chandeliers and gold marble floor matched it.

    Blare felt like she was walking on money.

    "This is the changing room Ms. Winterburn." the red-haired woman stared at her gently, which made Blare confused for a second.

    She still followed the woman and escaped Ace''s hold. While Ace sat on the golden chair and waited.

    Blare thought that she will only wear three dresses.

    But no!

    Ace was unsatisfied with the dresses she wore.

    It was her 11th dress and she was set on going home if Ace was still unsatisfied. She walked out of the dressing room with a slight frown on her face.

    "Perfect" Ace said as she eyed Blare.

    "For fuck''s sake," she mumbled and rolled her eyes. But Ace was able to read her lips and understood what she said. His lips curved up in delight as he discovered a new, rough side of her.

    Added to the fact that the woman looks stunning and bewitching. Ace''s full attention landed on her, especially when she gracefully turned around to admire her full outfit.

    Blare was wearing a Mermaid Rose Gold Dress. The dress has spaghetti straps. It exposes her bare shoulder, arms, and back. Her beige skin perfectly matches the rose gold colour, added with her long blonde hair and sharp crystal blue eyes.

    Blare doesn''t like the dress. Her cleavage and back were out in the open and it was required that she walk slowly and gracefully. She felt naked as well.

    She can only sigh in defeat. Blare refused to try another dress and was tired at this point.

    Meanwhile, the man''s gaze darkened. As if he was trying to control a beast that is threatening to pounce on her.

 Chapter 5.9: Lilith Winterburn

    Tiredness consumed Blare so she turned absent-minded as the red-haired woman instructed her to twirl for the eleventh time.

    She straightened her posture after twirling. Afraid that any rash movement would tear the dress apart.

    Staring blankly her beige-coloured 6 inches heels, she discovered that it glimmered in the slightest movement. As it sparkled, the rose gold mermaid garment she wore noticeably shined as well.

    Blare''s sightseeing ended when she realized the room has gone quiet. Landing her gaze at Ace, she froze at the man''s serious look. She instantly shifted her attention to the antique vase that was displayed in the corner.

    Blare can never bravely look at someone eye to eye. Especially if the man''s gaze was as serious as Ace.

    "It suits you, I''ll take it"

    The deafening silence broke. The red-haired woman approached Ace while another staff guided Blare back in the dressing room.

    Blare caught Ace smiling warmly as he stared at the red-haired woman.

    She blinked her eyes a few times then repressed a playful grin. She amusedly thought how her tyrant boss got captivated and tamed by a beauty.

    Although the woman looks old, Ace himself wasn''t young for Blare. She saw that both were at the right age to be together.

    Her spirit was restored at the newly found secret. Exciting and mysterious, Blare began forming situations that never happened between Ace and the red-haired woman.

    ____________

    Ace drove Blare back to her home.

    "Thank you, Mr. LeCoultre." Blare said while she slightly bowed.

    Blare wanted to go back to the company to retrieve her car but Ace insisted and even offered to drive her to the company tomorrow. Which, of course, she refused. Blare decided to commute to work instead, while Ace stopped pestering Blare.

    He knew nothing would convince her.

    "Sure... keep safe" his last words were low but Blare heard it.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    She smiled gratefully to the man and said, "Likewise, Sir"

    Blare walked towards her apartment and when she reached the main door of the apartment building, she looked back. Ace was still looking at her, Blare thought the man was too considerate to drive her home and even watch her get inside safely.

    She instantly forgave the man who made her wear eleven dresses.

    Blare smiled again and proceeded to go inside.

    Ace''s world stilled for a second. He never left his gaze towards the woman. Only when she was completely out of sight that he woke out of his trance.

    His chest beats loud and slow.

    ___________

    The day of the gala came. It was scheduled in the evening so Blare planned to lay down and watched TV at her apartment.

    Since it was still early in the morning.

    Blare lay down comfortably on the sofa when she heard her doorbell rang. She got up lazily and opened the door without confirming who''s outside.

    Again, she regretted that action.

    Outside was Aiken Charleston and Ace Jaeger LeCoultre. Both were staring at each other.

    Aiken''s face was sour while Ace''s expression was calm. When Blare opened the door, both men turned their attention to her.

    Blare''s expression instantly turned ugly at the sight. Especially to Aiken. She did not look at Aiken anymore and turned her attention to Ace instead.

    "Is there something Sir? The gala is still in the evening." Blare respectfully said.

    "I came here to accompany you and get you ready" Ace calmly said. Then he stared at Blare.

    Blare didn''t idle and said, "Please come inside Mr. LeCoultre."

    "Wait. She''s coming with me" Aiken glared at Ace and blocked him from getting inside the apartment.

    Blare rolled her eyes and glanced at Aiken with incredulity. But Aiken stared at her with pleading eyes.

    ''Persistent''she inwardly sighed.

    "Sir, please excuse us for a moment" she turned to Ace with a troubled expression.

    Ace would never bother anyone else''s business. However, he wanted to interfere this time. The relationship between Aiken and the woman made him uneasy.

    His heart aches at the thought.

    Not understanding his own feelings, Ace decided to let Blare be since it doesn''t concern him.

    Ace nodded and stood in a distant area. Leaving Blare and Aiken in front of the rented apartment.

    While Ace turned his attention on his phone, Aiken had been sending glare in his direction.

    "What is it?" Blare''s tired tone was eminent.

    She felt like her age was rapidly increasing day by day on this encounter.

    ''He can''t take no. Even my baby nieces can understand what that meant.''she scowled openly which made Aiken quickly respond.

    "I wanted to see you" Aiken blurted out on a whim.

    As a man who was sought by many women, he never said such sweet words. As a result, his response made his entire face red.

    Blare''s eyes widened in surprise. Not from his words but because of his reddened face. The man even hid the lower part of his face through his one hand.

    Aiken Charleston loves Lilith Winterburn.

    Regardless, it was a shame that the latter was no more.

    After all, Lilith - a broken soul - only felt bitterness.

    It was true that love is a fragile glass. Once it completely broke into pieces, it will be ridiculous if one tries to fix it.

    The damage is done. The glass has entirely been scarred all its life.

 Chapter 5.10: Lilith Winterburn

    Aiken is not as dense as Blare thought.

    He knew that he''s stubborn.

    Nevertheless, the man believed that he deserves a second chance. He held on the firm belief that the woman he loves would forgive him after ghosting her for two years.

    And the fact that he chose wealth over her.

    Aiken had ignored Lilith for two years because she came from her father''s mistress.

    She accepted their separation because of her unacceptable upbringing.

    However, Lilith - who craved love - held onto Aiken tightly. Especially when Clara Maiko came.

    Blare felt her heart aching. The deep longing and craving for love have merged with her soul.

    But Blare Hawkins is blessed with love from her parents, siblings, and her paternal and maternal family. She never craved for their love, but she longed for their affection and love after her ''death''.

    By understanding the emotion of longing, Blare unconsciously found a way to control the body''s feelings.

    Therefore, she successfully controlled the body''s inner sentiments.

    As she wholly erased distressing emotions, serenity enveloped her mind.

    Seeing the calmness on Blare''s complexion, Aiken felt disappointed and awkward that his sweet words did not receive a favourable reaction.

    "A second chance is all I ask"

    He said with conviction and plea while staring at her crystal blue eyes.

    Blare slightly lift her brow and thought, ''Accepting you again is like admitting that I''m a fool''

    "You''re wasting your time. Why pick up something you already broke and tossed?" her tone filled with mockery and ridicule.

    "I''ll say it again. I won''t give you a second chance... so many chances have been given and you''ve abandoned it." her last words came out as a whisper. Those words expressed her rejection of his advances.

    Blare approached Ace, not minding the other man who couldn''t refute her whisper.

    She never saw Aiken''s fist tightly clenching.

    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    ______________

    Ace remained nonchalant but the woman''s mood was undecipherable. Her lips formed a straight line, making her look calm. It stayed that way even when she guided him in the reception room.

    Blare mindlessly made a herbal tea for two and gave it to Ace. Both sat opposite to each other on the table for four.

    Ace unknowingly paid attention to her movements and expression.

    "Sir, er... How much are the make-up and stuff?"

    The moment Blare approached Ace a while ago, she casually asked why he came so early. Then Ace answered back, saying that he came early because a make-up artist and hairstylist will attend her.

    Ace''s face remained emotionless at her question. While Blare was no longer emitting the calmness she had a while ago.

    "I told you, I will pay for all your expenses since you''re accompanying me" he replied.

    Blare wanted to express her thanks wholeheartedly. But seeing his serious boss who preferred a calm atmosphere made her gave up the idea.

    Therefore she muttered a simple "Thank you, Sir" while revealing a genuine smile.

    It was still early in the morning. The sunlight glowed passed on her windows, trickling a ray of yellow light inside her apartment.

    While Blare admired the tranquillity of the setting, the other was lost on his own thoughts.

    "Lilith"

    Blare jolted at her seat at the sudden call. Her gaze shifted on the man with a stern expression. Before she could reply like a soldier, the man spoke ahead.

    "What''s your relationship with the eldest son of the Charleston couple?"

    His question was asked with the same indifferent tone. But, his aura was dark - as if someone had made him mad.

    Blare had no way of knowing what angered her boss. She could only tell the truth since she was already known as the ''woman who chased Aiken in the depths of the ocean''

    "He''s my ex... Sir," she told awkwardly.

    Ace''s aura became heavier at her answer.

    "It''s in the past, we have nothing to do to each other now."

    Blare tried to calm Ace''s heavy aura in rush. Then she realized that her way of words seems like she got caught by her current lover. Blare quickly added,

    "I assure you it won''t affect my performance at work, Sir. I will certainly be at my best."

    The man''s mood slowly calmed, much to Blare''s satisfaction.

    "Hm. Get ready, we''re going to depart at 12"

    It was still 9 in the morning. Since Blare is always slow at her movements - even now as she''s inhabiting Lilith''s body - she thanked Ace a lot in her mind.

    However, Ace did not move out of his seat.

    ''He won''t wait in here... right?''

    "Sir, are you going to wait here?" she asked carefully.

    Ace caught her confused expression and said, "Where else?"

    ''Definitely not here!!!''

    She can only complain and shout to her consciousness.

    There was no decent food to offer for the rich man who only consumes high-class cuisines. If she still wants the job, she definitely can''t serve him a poor cuisine!

    "Did you already eat, Sir? We can meet at--"

    "I''m giving you three hours to prepare. As far as I know, women spend a lot of time to organize themselves."

    He said as he cut her off, giving her a strict look.

    She nodded a few times and said, "I''ll get ready Sir. Please wait here!"

    She runs towards her bedroom and then to the bathroom. Ace watched the woman paced around and obediently sat on the table.

    After two and a half hours, Blare came out wearing a knee-length black dress. She was holding a paper bag and inside was the Mermaid Rose Gold Dress that Ace bought for her.

    Ace offered his right arm. Blare stared at it for a moment and after sensing Ace''s sharp gaze, she finally put her left hand on his right arm.

    Ace''s gaze softened and his lips curved up slightly, unaware of it. Then both walk outside the apartment.

    One felt a sense of calmness and content at the other party''s touch. While the other is slowly getting accustomed to their linked arms.

 Chapter 5.11: Lilith Winterburn

    The flashes of cameras continuously clicked in the middle of the pathway. On the ground was a dark red carpet that goes to the mansion.

    The gala is being held in that mansion.

    Various sophisticated individuals walked and posed with a smile. Others remained serious and indifferent, attempting to exhibit a powerful and strong appearance.

    Nevertheless, all these individuals contributed strength to England''s stability and economy in this world. All their pretences are their privilege.

    A black |ˇÁ|Mercedes-Benz S-Class came into sight. All the sophisticated individuals turned their attention to the car. As a result, all the cameramen also turned their attention on the black Mercedes-Benz.

    The flashes and noise of the camera equipment were no longer heard.

    Then a tall and handsome man came out from the driver''s seat.

    A cameraman quickly recognized the man and immediately took a photo of him. The others followed suit, making the place filled again with noise and lights that the cameras radiated.

    Blare, who was seating on the passenger seat, saw the commotion outside.

    The condition outside was new for Blare. But Lilith had experienced it and not for good reasons.

    Blare felt extreme embarrassment and insecurity. At the same time, Blare recalled from Lilith''s memories how these flashes of cameras saw her at her worst state. She was extremely humiliated. Fortunately, her photos are not posted on any articles.

    In the end, Lilith did not bother knowing why and can only be grateful that good luck is on her side at that time.

    She snapped out of her daydream when the car door opened. Blare took deep breaths and bravely lookup.

    The man - Ace Jaeger LeCoultre - stretch out his hand. She looked at his eyes and saw that the stoic man is now showing a soft gaze.

    "It''s fine"

    Blare didn''t hear what he mouthed, but she was able to read the words on his lips.

    Unknowingly, his soft gaze along with his reassuring words made her hand instinctively reached out for his hand.

    As she came out of the car, the flashes and clicking of cameras became faster. Murmurs surrounded the area, making the entrance rowdier.

    Only when Ace glared that the noise died down and no more cameramen had the guts to take another picture.

    Because of that, Blare silently sighed and relief. She straightened her posture and plastered a detached expression. Her eyes roamed around the area and observed the silent crowd.

    The people who were walking on the red carpet already moved ahead when they saw Ace''s intimidating glare.

    Blare tried to mask her nervousness by observing and admiring the place. Especially the mansion.

    The structure of the mansion is almost the same as the ancient Greek architecture.

    ''A fan of ancient Greek history must have lived there. I wouldn''t be surprised if there were statues of the Greek Gods and Goddesses inside.'' Blare randomly thought as Ace walked and she followed.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    Ace held her hand gently, then linked it with his arm. If Blare pulled out with little force, it would easily slip Ace''s arm. It was like she was given a choice if she wanted to use his arm for support or not.

    Blare looked up to the man, her lips were a little parted. Blare really admired Ace for being a complete gentleman. She couldn''t help but compare him to a certain someone.

    ''A man that won''t force you. Unlike Aiken.''

    Blare''s eye twitches at the thought. Her eyebrows couldn''t help but furrow. Then she turned her attention back in front.

    As they walk, Ace tilted his head a little to her side and whispered, "Are you hungry?"

    Blare flinched and forced a smile, "No sir" she whispered back.

    "... Someone had said that women scowl when they''re hungry" Ace said with deep thought.

    It took a minute for Blare to realize that Ace had seen her frowning. She took a quick glance at the man who was in deep thought.

    She chuckled and whispered, "Thank you, Sir. I am hungry"

    "Eat once we''re inside"

    When Blare nodded, only then Ace relaxed and focused his attention on walking forward.

    They reached the humongous wooden gate that was open. If the outside was full of flashes of cameras, inside were peering eyes of the invited tycoons.

    Blare is the type of person who only feels anxious when the predicament event is already happening.

    Her chest started beating fast and the tips of her fingers started turning cold.

    The event that frightened Blare more is meeting these people.

    Blare unknowingly gripped tightly at Ace''s arm.

    Ace felt the tight tug in his arm and without looking, he touches Blare''s top hand that was supported by his arm.

    She froze and her heartbeat increased when the man lightly taps the back of her hand. He was assuring her and Blare was slightly relaxed at his silent support.

    She quickly composed herself. Blare closed her eyes and opened it, revealing a sharp gaze. Her posture was straight and chin slightly tilted.

    Her nervous eyes vanished and were replaced with indifference. It was a graceful aura through and through.

    Now how would a college freshman do that?

    Blare surely can''t. She can only imitate it, but when faced with these people, she doubts that she would be able to act well.

    Tricking a tycoon is like laying a trap for yourself.

    ''Thank you, Lilith Winterburn. Looks like you hid this elegant and confident demeanour deep inside you.'' Blare thought as she confidently looked and smiled sweetly at the tycoons.

    The men and woman inside the spacious hall froze but quickly returned her sweet smile.

    Now Ace, who was watching the guests'' expression, turned to Blare who suddenly possessed a graceful demeanour.

    His lips curve up, proud at the woman. A feeling of joy always surrounds him whenever he discovers new sides of her. Particularly, her strong side.

    Now, the people inside the hall who saw Ace smile to the woman stiffened.

    Why?

    Aside from him having no partners at the gala he was attending in the past, Ace would always express hostility at women. Some would say he''s asexual or have a gynophobia.

    But who would blame Ace for being hostile at those women who would always force themselves at him?

    Ace was not hostile to all women. His female employees who respect him would certainly say that their boss is very kind. They would always greet him and he would greet back.

    Those women at the gala never had the chance to truly know Ace.

    Now, they are eyeing Blare who still has the same sweet smile plastered on her face. But her indifferent eyes surely says she doesn''t care about anyone in the hall.

    Ace, who was still holding Blare''s top hand, whispered, "Let''s sit"

    Blare glanced at him and nodded.

    Together, they reached the table that was in front of the main stage. Blare had guessed that the positions of the table show how significant you are. The closer you are to the main stage, the more important you are.

    Ace was a complete gentleman. He held Blare''s hand and gently let it go. Then he pulled back a chair and gently held her hand again to support her from sitting.

    Blare can''t help but smile. This act of chivalry was rarely done by men in her world.

    Both sat at the table for two. While almost all guests eyed their interaction.

    Interest from men and some women. While jealous gazes from women who had been targeting Ace.

    Blare was not surprised. She had to admit, Ace has certainly had it all. Therefore, women can''t help but make him theirs.

    She looked at Ace and again, felt her chest beating like a drum. At the same time, she remembered Reyna''s warning.

    ''You can''t fall in love with the men in those worlds''

    Blare chuckled sarcastically inside. Feeling her heartbeat was a great feeling but thinking about her sacrificing everything made it sour. Hence, it was impossible for her to fall in love.

    Blare was sure that all she felt was admiration for Ace. He is someone she aspires to be in the future. He was her role model in the corporate world.

    The thoughts in her mind were cut off when someone approached their table.

    It was Matilda Winterburn.

 Chapter 5.12: Lilith Winterburn

    ''A rose that was so captivating. Making one forget that it possess thorns''

    Blare thought as Matilda smiled at her. The smile was full of warmth while the eyes held scrutiny and mockery.

    "I didn''t know you found a man who can support you, my dear step-daughter." Matilda Winterburn said with a high-pitched tone while laughing softly.

    Understanding the meaning behind her words, Blare felt a pain in her chest, like a needle was struck at her heart. Even so, anger dominated her emotion.

    Even though the woman was in her 50s, her beauty never faltered. Her dark brown hair flowed freely up to her waist. There were some wrinkles but it didn''t diminish the woman''s charm at all. Blare felt that beauty was a waste to a woman like her.

    Matilda Winterburn, Lilith''s evil stepmother.

    "My dearest stepmother. (smiles) I was just following your footsteps! Last time I heard, you relied on father before you even got married! What a lavish and lazy woman you are!" Blare replied in the same high-pitched tone while giggling.

    She was out of character, but Blare didn''t care. This college freshman student encountered people like Matilda.

    The one she hated the most.

    They would shout seemingly innocent words in a cheerful manner. Making the spectators convinced.

    ''Lecture them, they''ll push you more in the wrong. Stay silent, you''ll be letting them trample you over and over. Fight back with the same words, they''ll shut the fuck up and will begin to feel flustered''

    Blare - often being voted as a group leader - had already learned from this. Her own classmates would always complain whenever a task that was "too hard" would be placed on them. Therefore, they would feign praise to her excessively or say inappropriate things in a joyful tone.

    In other words, they were sarcastic.

    This made other students view her as an arrogant and selfish person.

    She rejected being a group leader after that.

    But Blare is not a Hawkins if she let the matter slide.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    After many attempts of fighting back, Blare finally found out that the third option would make them unsettled and mad.

    It was the perfect way to make the person completely flustered and say nonsense. The only setback is you have to know the person inside and out.

    Matilda was taken aback, she stood frozen for a moment. She never thought that Lilith would fight back. After all, when she was always insulting her, Lilith would just lower her head.

    Now the woman before her was nothing like the past Lilith.

    "Such a sharp tongue you have--"

    "I inherited it from you, stepmother" Blare cut her off sweetly.

    Ace was watching the two, he was actually planning to help Blare if she can''t handle the situation. But his help wasn''t needed at all. Until a man that had the same hair colour as Matilda walks up and glared at Blare.

    Blare saw the man glared and only smiled instead.

    That man was Harry Winterburn. Lilith''s step-brother.

    "So you''ve become more vulgar after moving out of the mansion" Harry sneered.

    "So you''ve become more disrespectful after all these years." Blare sneered back.

    The guests in the hall were watching the Winterburn family fought like it was a good show. The issue within the Winterburn family was known by these elites. They know that Lilith Winterburn was a mistress'' daughter that was taken in because the father pities her. They also know that the woman was shameful because she kept making a scene and would always pester Aiken Charleston and hurt Clara Maiko.

    So they were flabbergasted at her sudden change of temperament. A woman who suddenly showed a graceful aura without a hint of her shameful past actions.

    Harry was easily ticked off and he was used on insulting Lilith over and over. He felt threatened when she fought back verbally. Before Harry could slap her, Ace quickly caught his wrist and grip to it tightly. The man winced in pain.

    Matilda screamed and Ace slowly released his wrist. After that, Matilda and supported his son who staggers backwards.

    "What''s the meaning of this Mr. LeCoultre?!" Matilda shouted at Ace in anger.

    Instead of answering, Ace gestured a waiter. The waiter understood and hurriedly came back with a hand sanitizer.

    Ace nonchalantly poured the contents on his hand that gripped Harry''s wrist.

    Blare - who was focused on dissing the mother and son - finally noticed Ace''s existence. She felt guilty and embarrassed about forgetting that Ace was there. Before she could apologize, Blare trembled at the approaching man who was in his 50s.

    It was Harold Winterburn.

    For the first time, Blare felt Lilith''s emotions through the body. It was disappointment and hatred. But mixed with wanting to be loved.

    It was a complicated feeling so Blare unconsciously creased her eyebrows.

    "Mr. Winterburn, I advise you to control your wife and son." Ace''s tone was said lazily, but his upright posture and stern eyes were perceived differently by the observers.

    Harold was steady when he heard Ace. He only nodded and gazed at his wife and son for a second. Then landed on Blare who was also staring at him.

    Blare became anxious and looked down. She became afraid of his calm gaze.

    "Lilith" her father called.

    Hearing her name made her heart tighten. It was filled with tremendous joy and expectation.

    "Harry, apologize to each other. You two were already adults but you kept bickering like a bunch of kids" Harold told them in an angry tone.

    The earlier emotions that Blare had were replaced with sorrow.

    Then, the sad voice she heard spoke again.

    "Father doesn''t love me."

 Chapter 5.13: Lilith Winterburn

    Blare''s heart jumped from shock. Hearing the voice speak was too sudden.

    ''Lilith?''

    She mentioned the name of the original owner of the body many times mentally but received no answer.

    Blare bit her lower lip in confusion.

    ''Have I triggered something?... But she never stated any wish which means that...''

    Her thought was cut off when she looked at Harold that was glaring at her.

    She instinctively lowered her head and gripped on her dress.

    ''Why are you (Lilith) so scared? Why do you care about the father you haven''t seen for almost seven years?''

    Her confusion grew and grew. Blare just couldn''t understand why Lilith held so much emotion to the father that she stopped talking to years ago.

    Unexpectedly, Harry walked towards Blare and mumbled in a guilty tone, "I''m sorry sister"

    It was so genuine that Blare wanted to applaud for the man''s acting skills.

    "Good thing you know you''re wrong" she blurted out. There was no way she''s apologizing, even if its fake.

    "Lilith!"

    Harold''s angry call made Blare shook involuntarily. She bit her lower lip, feeling wronged and hateful.

    Blare then recalled her own father, addressing him as papa. She remembered how her papa''s patience is as vast as the sea. He will talk calmly while lecturing them. Even so, Blare and her little sisters were obedient even if they were only disciplined through words.

    After all, no one wants to anger a calm man.

    Blare unintentionally compared her papa and Lilith''s father.

    The comparison then turned to the exchange of circumstances.

    ''What if my papa treated me unfairly like how Harold treated Lilith?''

    The saying, "putting oneself in another''s shoes" will pave the way in understanding the situation of others.

    And Blare understood. The previous question made her feel wronged and dreadful. If she were treated that way, she would surely hate her papa. However, longing for her papa''s affection will still linger.This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

    Blare realized that Lilith Winterburn was a martyr to her family. Particularly, to her father.

    ''If I were Lilith, I would also long for my papa''s love... Even if I were treated unfairly at the beginning.''

    Blare also became aware of why she felt almost nothing to Aiken. The emotions are there, but it was not as strong as what she''s feeling at the moment.

    ''She craved for her family''s love so much that she endured all the mental pain in the Winterburn mansion for 18 years. While Aiken turned into another hope, another route, and another chance of receiving love.'' Blare thought as her eyes widened. Especially at the last speculation.

    ''Has Lilith truly love Aiken?''

    Her expression was seen as guilt by Harold. He thought that his daughter purposely humiliated his wife and son.

    "Lilith... After all that your mother and brother have done for you, you''re going to humiliate them like this?" Harold glared at Blare who trembled in response.

    She quickly replaces her nervousness into a state of serenity. Then looked up to Harold, "You never even ask why they were humiliated."

    Her straight tone made Harold froze.

    "Are you going to lie again?" Harold gritted his teeth in anger. But Blare remained indifferent.

    Showing apathy on the outside. While she just wanted to run away on the inside.

    "As you''ve always said... But I''m sure Mr. LeCoultre and these esteemed people are not a liar." Blare regretted pulling Ace into her problems, but she needed him to shake Harold off.

    Blare can''t endure the mental pain that she''s receiving.

    Without an ounce of respect, Ace said, "Mr. Harold, it was a shame that your dearest son tried to hurt my employee." his eyes glint to Harold.

    The Winterburn family was already aware that Blare was working at Ace''s company. While the others who just got informed either became more interested or breathe a sigh of relief.

    Harold - who was calm at Ace''s first warning - flinched. He looked at his son who paled in Ace''s words. Then to his wife who can no longer hide her guilty expression.

    Once more, he looked at Blare who was no longer looking at him. With her indifferent eyes and serene state, Blare looked untouchable.

    Someone clink a glass with a spoon and everyone in the hall looked at the man who made the sound. It was the man who made the gala for the tycoons every year, a man in his 60s who resembled Ace Jaeger LeCoultre.

    It was his father, Aaron Jaeger LeCoultre.

    If Ace means number one, Aaron means mountain of strength. Their names were rightfully placed since the LeCoultre family remained the strongest and would always put greedy businessmen into their place.

    They were in control of the business world. So, even if the Charleston family were almost at their level, they would still be below the LeCoultre family.

    Then, a woman stood by Aaron''s side who possess red hair and elegant aura. She was the red-haired woman whose beauty exceeded Matilda.

    Blare retracted her earlier praise to Matilda.

    ''Matilda dimmed as a rose with thorns. While that miss rules the red |ˇÁ|wisteria flowers in the middle of the spring season.''

    She quickly realized that it was the same woman who assisted Blare at the clothing store, named "Maribella". The red hair stands out after all.

    Blare froze when the red-haired woman looks at her direction and smiled sweetly. Then the woman looked around and said, "Everyone! My husband and I thank you all for coming to tonight''s gala. Let us indulge ourselves and get to know each other more!"

    Blare''s serene expression broke for a second at her mentioning husband. She then looks at Ace who was also looking at her. Before she could speak, the red-haired woman continues to talk.

    "Violence in this party is certainly not allowed. Anyone who tries to act like a barbarian will be kicked out immediately! That''s all, enjoy yourselves." the red-haired woman added with glee but her eyes dim when she looked at Harry Winterburn.

 Chapter 5.14: Lilith Winterburn

    The guests no longer watch the feud. Instead, they minded their own business.

    At least that''s what it looks like on the surface. Inside, everyone was aware of how the Winterburn family was humiliated, which brings pleasure to their enemies.

    Everyone made a mental note to never associate themselves to Harry who''ve shown poor manners.

    After all, he was just humiliated by the matriarch of the LeCoultre family. That matriarch is Maria Belle LeCoultre, a red-haired woman in her early 50s.

    She was so beautiful that Blare had thought that the woman was only in her early 40''s.

    "She''s my mother, Maria Belle LeCoultre." Ace told Blare who was sneaking a glance at him.

    Blare''s eyes widened and her mouth slightly parted in surprise,

    ''I thought they were... Oh gosh, good thing I haven''t voice out any of my thoughts!''

    She was silent on the surface, but her widened eyes quickly told Ace that she had thought something to his mother.

    "I hope you haven''t think of anything inappropriate" Ace smirked, while Blare instantly shifted her attention to the glass of water.

    "I haven''t" she mumbled indifferently.

    While Ace was teasing Blare, the other three awkwardly glanced at their surroundings.

    Harry and Matilda turned back and returned at their table, even if their posture was straight, their eyes slightly glint in anger. They were embarrassed.

    Harold looked at his daughter who was drinking a glass of water. She never gave him a glance. Harold then left and headed where his wife and son are sitting.

    Ever since Lilith reached the age of 15, the woman never pestered him again.

    Harold would sometimes initiate a conversation by asking about her day, but Lilith would look at him with disdain in her eyes.

    Lilith had always treated him with hostility. Therefore, his act of initiating a conversation was forgotten and never given much thought.

    Harold''s chest always tightened when his daughter looked at him with her cold eyes.

    Harold never understood Lilith. It was a shame that he didn''t try to understand his daughter. Or rather, both sides didn''t try to understand each other.

    He took her in because he knew that the poor state of his mistress wouldn''t provide their daughter with a good life. He also didn''t support the mistress financially because he had known his mistress as a lavish woman.

    True to Blare''s description, Matilda is a rose with thorns - who had brainwashed her husband into thinking that his mistress was isn''t what he thought.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Although Blare and Lilith were not aware of these, they wouldn''t have cared.It was too late after all.

    That mistress, Lilith''s biological mother, is Lindsey Calpurnia. A French immigrant who possessed the same blonde hair as Lilith.

    Lindsey was Harold''s first love.

    He pampered her and the woman happily accepted his expensive gifts.

    He loved her.

    But Harold was already engaged to Matilda. So when the Winterburn elders knew his adultery, Harold was forced to back off and leave Lindsey.

    He was blind.

    Matilda''s |ˇÁ|white lotus act made Harold guilty at his infidelity. So he repaid Matilda with affection and forced love.

    Harold never believed Lilith in return. Lilith was aware of this because Matilda and his son would always act like they''re the ones who got wronged.

    The gala proceeded as Blare and Ace would always be together, being greeted by powerful businessmen. Blare was stiff at first but quickly force herself to adapt.

    "My son! How are you faring?" Ace''s mother, Marie greeted and gave her son a hug.

    Ace hugs his mother back, "Same as always." then both break the hug.

    Aaron soon followed his wife and eyed Blare. Blare flinch and respectfully greeted, "Good evening, Sir LeCoultre and Madam LeCoultre."

    Maria hummed in acknowledgement, "Hm. The dress truly suits you."

    Blare''s cheeks glowed but still flash a smile at the woman, "Thank you, Madam. This dress from Maribella would truly make anyone dazzling."

    Being complimented by other people genuinely always make Blare shy. But would always accept it wholeheartedly and would praise the other in return. It was never good to refute compliments, especially if the other party genuinely said it.

    Maria smiled deepened at the woman''s shyness and genuine praise. Ace saw this and silently glared at his mother.

    Maria saw her son glared and only chuckled. Then she looked at Blare, "My, to hear that you''ve taken a liking to the dress I designed greatly pleases me. Well, my son chose it for you so strictly so it would suit you..." She then glances at his son who''s eye twitches.

    Blare only smiled in response to her words. She couldn''t say that she had hated Maria''s son for making her wear 11 dresses.

    Aaron looked at Blare who exhaled softly and regained composure. Their eyes met and Blare bowed her head in respect.

    "Come home if you''re set on her," Aaron said as he walked away with his wife.

    Blare who heard this, look at Ace with confusion and fear in her eyes.

    "What was that, Sir?" Blare frantically said. The words of Aaron was held a double meaning. As Blare studied his words, it was either work-related or she was a girlfriend candidate for Ace.

    But she quickly shoves the latter assumption at the back of her mind. There was no way that the LeCoultre will arrange a marriage to their enemies. She was still a Winterburn.

    Ace looked at the woman who still addressed him respectfully. "Who knows," he said as he continues staring at her frantic eyes.

    Blare sensed this and quickly looked away. Her lips almost turning into a frown.

    ''What does he mean "set on her"? Are they trying to matchmake us? Or is it work-related? Which is it?!!'' she kept her bitter feelings inside.

    "It''s... work-related... Right Sir?" Blare peak at Ace, who was no longer staring at her.

    Ace looked at her in the corner of his eyes for a second. "Who knows" he replied.

    Blare''s eye twitches in annoyance. "Fine" she mumbled angrily. Then turned her attention to the elites who are chatting.

    Aiken, all this time, was only looking at Blare and Ace. He never dared approach her. Aiken was waiting for Blare to cool down so they can talk.

    But Blare was set on ignoring the man for the rest of the mission.

    Aiken tightened his hold on his glass of wine. He was irritated that Blare looked unbothered while holding onto Ace''s arm.

    Clara sensed this and followed Aiken''s line of sight. There, Clara saw Blare and Ace who seemed comfortable at each other''s hold. She looked solemnly at Aiken.

    "Do you love her?" was the words Clara uttered. Aiken seemed to wake up and shot Clara a surprised look.

    Clara smiled, understanding Aiken''s feelings. Her smile was forced but she tried to make it normal.

    "It''s never too late."

    She muttered, encouraging him with her sad amber eyes.

 Chapter 5.15: Lilith Winterburn

    Aiken was quiet for a moment. He knew Clara''s growing feelings for him, but he cannot reciprocate her feelings.

    When the person that likes you bravely let you go and find your happiness, what would you feel?

    For Aiken, he felt immense guilt. Although he had not led her into the relationship, the interactions that they had for the past two years made them closer.

    But it has been ingrained on their minds that their relationship was arranged to gain benefits on both sides.

    Because of this, Aiken guarded his heart. While the other fails to shield hers.

    Moreover, he never paid attention to Clara for months because he was busy thinking about Lilith. But hearing her words of encouragement made him all the more, guilty.

    "I''m sorry" his voice was low as if he doesn''t know how to repay her. He looked away from Clara and turned her attention to Blare who was laughing.

    Clara''s eyes turned teary. She quickly looked away and excused herself to the bathroom.

    After reaching the bathroom, she occupied one of the cubicles. She sat on the closed lid of the toilet and cried silently.

    She had fallen for Aiken Charleston. It was an arranged engagement between the two families. But gradually, Clara started to slowly fall for Aiken''s charm.

    The man was kind to her and always protected her from Lilith''s schemes. Clara was moved, then foolishly let herself fall deeper to the man that she thought was hers.

    But Clara was awoken when Lilith was slapped by Aiken for the first time. It wasn''t seen in his actions, but Clara can see the depth of his eyes. There, she saw Aiken''s conflicted feelings and pain as he harms the woman he loves.

    It pained Clara but she remained silent.

    At that time, both Clara and Aiken had no choice in the engagement. They''ll be reprimanded if they refused it. Tied by their family''s ambition, there was nothing they could do about it.

    She only spoke now and motivated him because Clara knew that Aiken has the chance to break the engagement. Clara had witnessed how Aiken became a workaholic for the past few months. Because of this, Aiken not only handled the Emerald Corporation, he dealt with other companies as well. The firms that he''s handling was prospering slowly, but it is estimated that it will gain more profit in the next few years.

    Such performance greatly pleases the stockholders, especially Aiken''s father. However, it was only a matter of time and Aiken can completely subdue his family and break the engagement.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    On both paths, Clara had no choice but to submit.

    Clara wiped her tears with a cloth and lowered her head as she heads out of the cubicle. She reached the sink and washed her face with water. But when she looked up, she saw Blare who parted her lips in shock.

    Blare was also in the sink and was baffled to see the stress state of Clara Maiko. She stopped staring and mumbled "Sorry".

    Blare was heading out of the bathroom but Clara''s hoarse voice stop her, "Ms. Lilith"

    Blare stood frozen, but she didn''t look back.

    "Give Aiken a chance... he loves you" Clara whispered, as another river of tears flowed in her eyes.

    Hearing this, Blare turned around and stared at Clara who was sobbing. She suddenly thought about how the original events have changed so much.

    ''What made Aiken change his mind and pursue Lilith again? I haven''t done anything... I only ignored--''

    Her deep thought was cut off as realization hit her.

    On Lilith''s original life, a scene when Aiken had visited her in the Seaside Subdivision shows up. Lilith was so happy but also scared that he might leave. So she attempted to drug his drink. In the end, Aiken had seen her putting the drug and that''s when he decided to fully cut whatever relationship they had.

    Now that Blare occupies the body, this didn''t happen because she moved out of the subdivision immediately and she would definitely not drugged Aiken if he visited.

    In any case, Blare never thought about this because she buried this memory to give Lilith a sense of peace. She doesn''t want Lilith to react negatively since it would also affect her.

    On the other hand, it appears that being ignored made Aiken realized how much he loves Lilith.

    "Ms. Lilith?"

    Blare glanced at Clara who was finally calm.

    "I don''t love him"

    Blare was so straightforward that she made Clara stunned.

    "Ms. Clara, do you love him?" Blare abruptly asked.

    Clara quickly opened her mouth to reply but closed it as if she doesn''t want anyone to know her answer.

    Blare helplessly sighed, "I won''t force you to answer. But I wanted you to remember this Ms. Clara"

    Both stared at each other''s eyes. One was strict and the other was timid.

    "I don''t love Aiken Charleston"

    "Really?" Clara inquired as relief became visible in her voice.

    Blare didn''t know whether to laugh or cry hearing her tone.

    ''Women would surely be relieved when their enemy at love would surrender''

    "Really" Blare replied sincerely.

    Despite this, Clara was still doubtful, "Why?"

    Because of this question, Blare had a debate in her mind.

    ''It was true that I don''t love Aiken, but what about Lilith?''

    ''Although Aiken was treated as a rebound, there must be some lingering feelings that blossomed.''

    Blare thought of the unanswered question she had a while ago,

    ''Most importantly, has Lilith truly love Aiken?''

    If she does, Blare has no objections. After all, Blare does not own Lilith and she has the right to choose who to love. If Lilith was not so crazy about Aiken and genuinely loves him, then it''s much better.

    Yet, Lilith had clung into Aiken desperately in her original life. Nevertheless, Blare understood that Lilith felt alone and wanted to cling on the only guy that showed her love.

    Moreover, they have been together for 4 years, so Blare cannot really say that Lilith didn''t love Aiken.

    At this thought, Blare became speechless at Clara''s question.

    Blare had foolishly assumed based on her own emotions and didn''t consider Lilith''s feelings at all.

 Chapter 5.16: Lilith Winterburn

    At this point, Blare felt utterly confused. Nevertheless, she answered what she thinks was right.

    "Yes, I''m sure."

    Since Lilith died miserably, Blare can only conclude that Lilith will never love the man again. After all, Lilith is only a martyr to her family. While Aiken was a vessel to get the satisfaction of being loved.

    Clara''s heart was greatly relieved. She looked at Blare full of gratitude.

    However, the problem was Aiken. Thinking of this, Clara can only hold tightly at the hems of her dress.

    "If you love someone, you should fight for it... Goodbye, Ms. Clara."

    Blare didn''t wait for her reply as walked out of the bathroom. She did not want to prolong the conversation that centres around love.

    Love for a special person is something that Blare never understood. The advice that she gave from Clara is a phrase that her best friend has told her.

    She disagreed with that phrase as she believed that fighting for love does not apply in all circumstances.

    ''Why fight for love when the person you like wasn''t yours in the first place?''

    On the other hand, she told that to Clara because Aiken and Clara are a couple. It was her right to fight what was hers.

    Even if Clara doesn''t have Aiken''s heart yet.

    Tired from all the thinking, Blare wanted to freshen up her mind so she decided to head on the empty balcony.

    Standing on the balcony, Blare gazed at the dark sky that glimmered with the help of a few stars.

    Admiring the night sky accompanied by the slightly cold wind had a great effect on her mood. Slowly, her mind only focused on the tranquillity of the atmosphere.

    Blare always like feeling the cold wind brush against her skin. It would make her tremble from time to time but the coldness was greatly satisfying for her.

    It was like someone was waking her up whenever she feels conflicted. At the same time, it was gently comforting her.

    "Lilith"

    A manly voice called, making her meditation stop abruptly.

    There was no need to turn around to know who the man is. He kept pestering her for months that it made Blare rolled her eyes in irritation.

    However, she was not outside so she can''t ignore him whenever she pleases. The image of a person in this world was still important for Lilith. Blare wouldn''t want others to view the original owner as a haughty woman.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    "Mr. Charleston" Blare greeted as she turned around.

    The greeting held no fondness. Yet Aiken was feeling happy that Blare finally greeted her back.

    Despite Blare''s rejection of the man a while ago, Aiken still stood on his ground and continue to gain Lilith''s affection.

    "Can we talk?"

    The man showed a grieving expression. But Lilith remained unaffected.

    "Mr. Charleston, I am a mere designer on Rosenthal Conglomerate. If you wish to collaborate, it is best to talk to Sir Ace about this matter." Blare replied professionally.

    "Excuse me, Mr. Charleston, I believed Sir Ace is already looking for me." She quickly added.

    Blare bowed slightly and head out of the balcony. She did not give him a single glance after.

    ''Talk? In here? Heh.''she sneers inwardly.

    The eyes and ears in the mansion were always watching. Especially when several high profile businessmen were in the picture. If news about her and Aiken''s meeting and his visible pained face appear in tabloids, Lilith would be judged as a seductress.

    ''The seductress finally succeeds in gaining the heart of the young tycoon!'' Blare sarcastically narrated the tabloids future title of the article.

    Blare slightly tilted her chin and gave off a nonchalant look in front of her. Her elegant posture added with her rose gold dress that exposes her arms and back gave a seductive yet intimidating aura.

    Lilith has nothing to be arrogant about. The onlookers were aware of that fact. But they can''t seem to criticize her about it. After all, her aura suited her perfectly that no one wanted to ruin the sight of her elegance.

    Of course, some felt the opposite.

    Blare approached the boss that glanced briefly at her. He was still talking with the people who Blare associated with before she excused herself in the restroom.

    "Ms. Lilith! I thought you were going to sleep in the restroom for the whole night!"

    A beautiful woman joked as if they were friends for years. Ironically, this woman was indeed Lilith''s supposed "friend"

    The woman was purposely making her feel uncomfortable with her remarks. Blare was an impatient person but for the sake of saving face, she would just laugh in return.

    "Ms. Helena, one would be afraid of an outsider that plans to stay at their home. I suppose you already knew that."

    The woman - Helena - paled at her words.

    "Oh! I suppose you wouldn''t understand. You were the outsider after all!" Blare teased as she laughed playfully.

    "H-Haha... Such jokes Ms. Lilith" Helena laughed a little.

    In response to this, Blare only smiled.

    Then, an older man laughed pleasantly. Seemingly delighted at Blare and Helena''s interaction.

    The older man - Jacob Lockey - was Helena''s husband. He can only take Blare and Helena''s words as jokes since the two were really known to be as close friends.

    "I''m sure my Helena knows how it feels when a stranger suddenly wants to stay at our home." Jacob jokingly said as he wraps his arm at Helena''s waist.

    Blare chuckled and said, "Surely my dear friend knows Mr. Lockey."

    "Well then, it seems like we''ve been taking both of your time too much. It was a pleasure meeting you Ms. Winterburn and Mr. LeCoultre"

    Jacob shook Ace and Blare''s hand. After that, he looked meaningfully at Ace and smiled. Both turned away and greeted other people.

    Blare saw all of this. Naturally, Helena - who became silent - did not also escape her sight.

    Now, Blare and Ace were left alone together on the corner.

    "How are you?"

    Blare heard Ace''s calm question. Even if the man was calm, Blare felt very awkward. The question was like they haven''t met for weeks or months.

    "I''m fine, Sir" she responded.

    Both met each other''s eyes, but Blare was the first one to broke their gaze.

    "Hm. You''re still energetic then."

    Hearing this, Blare turned her gaze back at the man who was now smiling evilly at her.

 Chapter 5.17: Lilith Winterburn

    The gala ended at 11 pm.

    Blare and Ace were the last ones who remained in the mansion.

    Ace''s parents bid them goodbye and Blare used her remaining energy to express her "enthusiastic" gratitude.

    She regretted replying to his awkward question.

    Blare was very exhausted because she kept standing, walking and chatting. Together with Ace who doesn''t look tired at all.

    When she was starting to feel weary, she respectfully proposed to go home. The man only smiled in response. Remembering it again, Blare gritted her teeth to suppress her anger.

    Blare entered Ace''s car and leaned her body on the car seat. The dress that costs for a million pounds no longer matters. She started loathing the expensive dress and swore to never wear it again. She was already uncomfortable, especially on her high heels.

    Ace entered the driver''s seat and looked at Blare''s tired and uncomfortable state. She was also frowning.

    The man''s lips curved up. "Tired?"

    Blare looked at him in the corner of her eyes. Seeing his smile, Blare furrowed her eyebrows visibly.

    But one has to admire a person who can still be calm after being annoyed.

    ''He''s the boss. I have a high-paying salary. My business will open up in a year. Endure, endure...''

    Blare repeated these words to calm herself. She must not allow her emotions to come out carelessly.

    She was lucky to be alive when she suddenly shouted at the crown prince - Wang Jianyi - to leave her alone. That action and words can make her head roll out of her body. Yet the crown price luckily spared her life.

    Blare expected a punishment but it never came. So it can only be counted as luck and that the crown prince has a bit of a soft heart.

    Although it was not her emotion, she realized the importance of controlling it.

    But this time, mistakes must not be repeated.

    "I am indeed tired." she sighs softly and placed her attention outside.

    She heard the man chuckled and turned the car on.

    _____________

    The car arrived outside the building of Blare''s apartment.

    Blare opened the car''s door and as she steps her foot out, she winced in pain.

    "Ah! Ouch.." Blare furrowed her eyebrows and lifted the hems of her dress. She saw her feet swelling and reddening. Blare felt her legs were out of energy, so she tried to lift her legs up to exercise.

    She was able to lift it up, but it was shaking uncontrollably.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Ace got out of the car and turned to Blare''s side. He kneeled and scanned her feet which earned an alarmed look from Blare.

    Blare hurriedly took her high heels off and said, "I''m okay, Sir"

    The side of the big toe on her right foot is bleeding slightly but she still placed her naked feet in the cold ground.

    She stood up weakly and closed the car door. Her fitted dress contributed to Blare''s difficulty in walking. Instead of walking straight, she was limping instead.

    Ace frowned on the sight. In the end, the woman refused to ask for help. He couldn''t take it anymore and carried Blare in princess style.

    "What the--"

    "Move too much and I''ll drop you" Ace firmly said.

    Blare restrained herself to scream,''Then don''t carry me!!''

    "Please, Sir, I am fine." She told him helplessly.

    Ace stared at the woman in her arms. "So stubborn," he mumbled and walked towards the building, still carrying her.

    "Sir Ace!" Blare was turning red from embarrassment. No one has ever held Blare like a princess, so the situation made her uncomfortable.

    Despite her plea, Ace still looked unbothered and refused to put her down.

    Unfortunately, the landlady saw her being carried. The old woman smiled cheekily at the sight and Blare covered her face. She was so embarrassed.

    When they entered the elevator, Blare irritatedly clicked the number 6, indicating the 6th floor.

    ''I take it back, this one is forceful as well! Not even listening to me!''

    As if Ace heard her, he whispered, enough for Blare to hear it.

    "Rely on me"

    The tone of his voice carried a tinge of disappointment and sadness.

    His words made Blare felt a sense of deja vu. Then she remembered Zhao Kang''s words to Fang Chunhua.

    "Rely on me Chunhua... Rely on me more."

    "I can''t" Blare blurted out instinctively. Ace looked at her with widened eyes.

    "I can never rely on anyone... I won''t rely on anyone." She added while looking directly at his eyes.

    One''s gaze was determined, while the other was unhappy.

    Ace wanted to say something, but he didn''t know what words to utter. In the end, the man never let her go and Blare also did not retort.

    Ace reached her apartment door while still carrying her. Ace still didn''t put her down and before she could say something, Ace cut her off,

    "Stop being stubborn. Your injured feet can''t walk"

    Blare shut her mouth and took her key in her handbag. She opened the door with the key. Ace walked inside while still carrying her. He directly walks towards the reception room and let her sit down on the chair.

    Blare sighed in relief, she was starting to think that''s she''s too heavy, added to the fact that she''s being carried like a princess.

    She was expecting him to leave but Ace stayed and was looking around. Until he found the medicine kit above the refrigerator.

    Blare gaped at the sight. His boss was personally treating her injured feet!

    Feeling embarrassed, she said, "Sir, I can treat it myself."

    "It''s fine, consider this as an apology for making you stand for hours"

    Blare could say nothing to that. It was true that she was mentally cursing him because he kept socializing and Blare was forced to stay at his side to remain gracious.

    "Thank you" she sincerely said.

    "Hm," he replied.

    Blare watched Ace''s clean-cut hair. In his every movement, his hair would always sway, giving the impression that his hair was soft.

    Blare''s hair wasn''t silky, so she adores anyone who was naturally born with it.

    Blare had always admired what she wants.

    All this time, Ace can feel her stare. When he was done treating the wounds on her feet, he looked up. There, he saw her eyes with admiration. The same expression Blare had when she saw the CEOˇŻs office.

    Blare flinched when the man looked up. She quickly looked away and mumbled "Sorry"

    "What are you admiring?" Ace said teasingly.

    ".... Your hair, it looks soft" Blare honestly responded.

    "You can touch it," He said, his eyes unknowingly softened and lips curving up.

    Blare looked at him and when she saw his softened expression, she couldn''t help but ask, "Why are you so kind to me?"

    Even if the Ace made her stay for hours, he still treated her injured foot. When he escorted back home after buying her the rose gold dress, he stayed until she reached the apartment building.

    Blare knows that Ace never accompanied a woman. The guests that she interacted with made that obvious. She was always targeted, thinking that they could make some connections to Ace by entertaining her.

    The good actions that he had done still outweigh today''s event that made her blood boil.

 Chapter 5.18: Lilith Winterburn

    Blare never assumed that Ace had feelings for her. Their interactions were small and the number of times that they had met can be counted on her two hands.

    Moreover, Blare thought that no adult could sincerely like a woman they rarely met.

    Ace glanced at her and calmly stood up.

    "Is it unusual to be extra kind to the woman I like?"

    Hearing this, Blare paled.

    She was not disgusted but was afraid. Although Blare occupied someone else''s body, she never forgot who she was.

    Knowing that she was not Lilith Winterburn, how could she possibly answer?

    When Ace saw her complexion, he smiled sadly. "Don''t worry, this will not affect your work."

    A moment of silence engulfed the room.

    ''Lilith? What do you want to do?''

    No one replied and it made Blare''s throat dry and her heart turned numb from extreme nervousness.

    "I''m sorry, sir" she apologizes as she lowered her head.

    Even if Blare heard Ace''s reassurance that his confession will not affect her work, part of her still feel anxious.

    They rarely meet at the company, but the awkwardness between them will linger.

    He''s the boss but got rejected by his employee.

    As Blare recalled the rich peoples'' attitude from Lilith''s memory, her rejection was a big blow to their ego.

    ''Who knows if Ace was like them?''

    However, Ace''s next words stunned her. "I don''t have a chance?"

    Blare opened her mouth and wanted to say no, yet Ace didn''t give her a chance to reject him for a second time.

    "Think about it, I''ll wait," he said and started packing the medicine kit and placed it back above the refrigerator.

    "Think about it thoroughly. For now, rest and heal your foot." He added and left.

    Blare didn''t bid him goodbye as if the words got stuck on her throat.

    ''This is so troublesome, I''m not Lilith!'' she mentally sighed and massaged her temples.

    Blare stood up unsteadily and took off her rose gold dress to wear an oversized t-shirt and shorts to feel more comfortable.

    ____________

    Ace sent her an email, requiring her to rest for three days because of her poor state. Blare replied a word of thanks formally.

    Blare leisurely sat on the sofa and watched the news on television. Suddenly, a piece of news about Aiken appeared.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Blare mouthed the headlines of the news, "Aiken Charleston became the CEO of Sapphire Conglomerate at the age of 25"

    Blare scrunched her eyebrows as she watched the screen and saw Aiken being interviewed.

    Reporter: Mr. Aiken Charleston, at the young age of 25, you became one of the youngest CEO in the city of London! Is there any pressure on your side?

    Aiken: No, I am very pleased.

    Aiken unconsciously smiled warmly. When the reporter saw his gentle smile, he got excited.

    Reporter: Surely there was a reason why you''re not pressured. (smiles teasingly) Is it a woman?

    Although the question was odd, it was for hyping up the viewers. The reporter also asked in order to get the mood lively.

    Aiken: Yes. (chuckles) She is very special to me, even then and up until now.

    Aiken directly faced the camera and smiled. It was filled with longing and Blare''s breathing shorten.

    Undeniably, the emotion wasn''t hers. And Blare was aware of why Lilith would feel shaken.

    In the original owner''s life, Aiken also became the CEO of the Sapphire Conglomerate, but it happened when he was already 30. The warm smile he showed now was the same as Lilith remembered in her first life.

    That was also the time when Clara learned that she was already two months pregnant.

    Then Lilith got this information and pushed her down the stairs as madness consumed her.

    In other words, Clara is probably pregnant now.

    The more Blare thought about this, the more guilty she felt. She quickly calmed herself and talk to Lilith mentally.

    ''I won''t do anything to her. I certainly won''t''

    Even if Lilith did not answer, her heart was more relaxed.

    Blare was confused about why she had to reassure the original owner that she won''t harm Clara.

    Because Blare wouldn''t hurt Clara even if someone asks or ordered her.

    Blare talked to Lilith on her mind. ''Are you feeling scared because I might do the same thing you did?... That won''t happen, I''m not you.''

    Expecting no answer, she brushed the topic off. Thinking that Lilith was too traumatized at what she did.

    Blare sipped her coffee and thought about Aiken''s promotion.

    She felt uneasy and agitated. Aiken was 30 years old when he became a CEO. Currently, Aiken is 25 years old.

    "Their love still blossomed even if Lilith was out of the picture." Blare mumbled.

    "So, Aiken was not really into Lilith? (scoffs) What''s with all the chasing then" she sneers and stood up from the sofa.

    Blare stretched her whole body and meditated for 30 minutes.

    Exactly as she finished meditating, her doorbell rang.

    Blare walked to the door and look through the spyhole. There, she saw Ace.

    Her heartbeat was loud enough to scare her whole being.

    She inhaled and exhaled deeply before opening the door.

    "Good morning, sir" Blare formally greeted.

    Her eyes caught a big paper bag on his right hand. When she sniffed, she smelled a lot of spices, but she can''t guess what the cuisine was.

    Because of the delicious aroma and hunger, she unconsciously gulped.

    Blare only ate a tuna sandwich in the morning. Moreover, it was lunchtime already and she just finished exercising and meditating which made her even hungrier.

    "Let''s eat" he casually told.

    Blare looked up to him in confusion.

    Seeing her stare, he fake a cough and said, "I wanted you to know me better, so I''m courting you."

    Blare gaped at his straightforwardness.

    "S-Sir... I really can''t--"

    She was stopped by his saddened eyes. Blare bit her lip and continued, "I don''t want to give you false hope."

    Blare thought about Lilith.

    ''Would you (Lilith) be happy like Fang Chunhua who got Zhao Kang?''

    Again, Lilith did not answer, but Blare felt a faint desire.

    ''Since you want it, say it.'' she scrunches her brows impatiently. However, Lilith still did not answer.

    "You wouldn''t know if we never tried." Ace said with conviction. His posture was straight and his face was stoic. However, his eyes are seemingly begging as he peered at her.

    Blare felt sad for the man because she would never be able to answer ''yes''.

    She was not Lilith and she doesn''t have the right to change other parts of Lilith''s life unless the original owner wishes for it.

    There was a faint desire but Lilith never voiced it.

    Other than that, Blare knows that the most painful thing that she can do is give Ace a false hope.

    Her morality would be destroyed and she would always be haunted to the fact that she tricked someone else''s feelings.

    Therefore, she can only say, "I''m sorry, sir Ace... I wouldn''t risk the possibility of hurting you in the end."

 Chapter 5.19: Lilith Winterburn

    "I don''t really mind getting hurt."

    Blare''s eyes widened and stared at Ace''s sincere eyes.

    He chuckled at her reaction and added, "As long as it''s you. It''s worth it."

    As soon as Blare heard the last words, her heart thumped. She quickly looked down and covered her mouth with her hands.

    Even if the words sounded cheesy, her heart responded with sweetness.

    Blare never heard such words directed at her. She''d seen it in movies and would squeal - feeling the love between the actors. But such cheesy yet sweet, honest words made her shy.

    Ace lowly laughed. "So, can I eat with you?"

    Once again, Blare looked up and saw the man''s rare emotion.

    Ace''s facial expression was usually stoic, he smiled sometimes, but was full of teasing. She also saw him get angry at the gala.

    But this was the first time that he - a smile which was filled with affection. His perfect lips curved upwards and his cheeks are raised, showing how delighted he was.

    Blare had always regarded Ace as a handsome, 30-year-old man. But seeing his rare expression just now and thinking about his chivalrous actions made Blare see Ace in a new light.

    ''He is definitely the best man that I''ve ever met'' she suddenly thought as her gaze focused on his expression.

    Ace faked a cough, stopping Blare''s daydreaming.

    Blare also faked a cough and said, "Please come in, sir."

    Ace stepped in as soon as Blare made way for him. Blare closed the door and took the lead towards the reception room.

    When Ace reached the table, he prepared the food that was inside in the big paper bag. Seeing two food containers that had carbonara and bread garlic, Blare assembled four ceramic white plates, spoon and fork, two glass tumblers and a ceramic pitcher that was already filled with cold water.

    As soon as Blare finished preparing, she sat on a chair.

    "Should I brew some tea, sir?" Blare enthusiastically asked.

    Seeing the food, she gulped and her stomach quietly grumbled.

    "No need, I''m fine with cold water," Ace replied.

    Ace sat down across from Blare as he finished placing the carbonara and garlic bread separately on the plates. Since their plates were already filled with carbonara, Blare did not insist and said, "Okay, sir. Thank you for the food."

    While both were eating, Ace occasionally glance at Blare.

    On the other hand, Blare did not dare to look towards Ace and only focused on eating.

    Minutes passed, and both finished dining.

    Ace asked, "How was it?"

    "It''s very flavorful! Where did you buy it, sir?" Blare honestly replied.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    Ace chuckled and said, "I cooked it myself."

    "Oh wow. That''s amazing!" Blare happily praised the man.

    Ace only smiled gently while looking at her. Since he didn''t say anything, Blare felt awkward.

    She blurted out, "I can''t cook... Uh, I''m just saying haha."

    It was half true when Blare said she can''t cook. After all, she can only fry and cook basic cuisines with manuals. Without those, she can''t guarantee if the food will be edible.

    "Do you want to learn?"

    Blare heard the eagerness in Ace''s tone, so she didn''t hesitate to say, "I want to, sir Ace"

    _______________

    Blare''s days passed peacefully. Ace became her "teacher" in cooking and Aiken is no longer showing up in front of her.

    Although peaceful, she was always encountering her step-brother, Harry at a bakery shop that was close to her apartment.

    She would always glare at Harry, but he would just stare at her indifferently. Eventually, Blare didn''t pay attention to him anymore and Harry also didn''t disturb her.

    A year has passed and her business - which she named Comperio- had its first opening.

    "Rhieanne, have you told the technicians to double-check all the machines yesterday?" Blare asked while examining the place - her internet cafe, Comperio.

    The petite woman - Rhieanne - taps her tablet a couple of times and looks at Blare, "Yes Ms. Lilith, there were no problems and all the machines are working in perfect condition."

    "Great! (exhales) The flyers, uh, the advertisement! How was it perceived?" Blare looks eagerly at Rhieanne. There was a hint of nervousness in her tone.

    Rhieanne assured her, "It was perceived very well, there were even some suggestions on what kinds of books should be accessible on our online page."

    "We''re gonna take those suggestions in the near future then! Everything is ready so... at exactly 10 am, we''re gonna open this place." Blare looked proudly at her surroundings.

    All the furniture in the Comperio was built of natural clear stain maple wood. Blare wanted a more relaxing atmosphere, so she made every room soundproof and chose the walls to be painted with pale yellow.

    For the months that had passed, Blare sketched and painted a lot. Most of her paintings were corporate buildings at her own perspective, houses and mansions with a homey appearance, ancient castles from the east and west, every kind of people, and different kinds of flowers.

    But what Blare was fond of the most were flowers. The paintings about flowers were hung in every room while some of her large paintings about ancient castles from the east and west could be found near the entrance - mainly where students would register and get their unlimited drinks - and in the ''library'' - the place where the academic books were placed.

    Building the place wasn''t exactly cheap, all of the materials that were used are of high quality. So Blare made an additional investment of ˇę2,000,000 to be able to build the place to her liking. Especially machines - such as computers, lights, drinking machine, and aircon.

    Lilith never had negative responses when Blare uses Harold''s money to build her business, so Blare proceeded to spend it for the Comperio. Even so, she vowed to pay Harold in the future.

    So, most of the ˇę2 million came from Harold. Even after the gala, he never stopped sending Blare her ˇę300,000. While a small part of the 2 million pounds came from her monthly salary.

    Blare had a monthly salary of ˇę16,000 in the Sapphire Conglomerate. She became an apprentice in interior design and got recognized by the Head of Design, Mr. Fleming, after working for 6 months.

    After her training in the Design Department, Blare was satisfied with her past position. Since they were a team, they would all create ideas for product designs, logos, and all the stuff that would get the attention of the consumers. She also presented her layouts for the company''s real estate. Unfortunately, none got accepted because her designs were very basic.

    Lilith only learned architecture from the internet. Although her sketches were pleasing, they were only ordinary.

    However, her talent was noticed, and she received an offer from Mr. Fleming to become his apprentice.

    Blare weighed the benefits. Being in the Design Department gave her slightly higher earnings. Even so, being an apprentice and learning through Mr. Fleming would gain her more experience and skill. Moreover, learning interior design would help her strengthen what Lilith had learned from the internet.

    So Blare chose the latter.

    It has been a year and a half since Blare started working at the Sapphire Conglomerate. She was still an apprentice and continuing to learn under Mr. Fleming''s wing.

    At the same time, Blare found talented people for her business. One of them is Rhieanne - her assistant.

    The other person was Lance, who she appointed as a manager.

    There are also other 4 workers who manage the counter - the two handle the client''s payment and the other two handle the cleaning.

    And so, the doors of Comperio opened. What greeted the people inside the internet cafe are the welcoming crews and the comfy environment that the place emits.

 Chapter 5.20: Lilith Winterburn

    Many people had anticipated Comperio''s opening. Thanks to the internet cafe''s location, they were able to gather most of the students from the college level.

    What Comperio offers are already posted online and through the flyers they distributed. In case someone was still clueless about how the system in Comperio works, Blare and Lance assisted them patiently.

    "Are the drinks really unlimited?" one student asks worriedly.

    "Certainly, miss. However, a person can only take one glass tumbler. If you wish to change your glass, you have to ask one of our staffs and they will gladly assist you." Lance replied.

    "Also, alcohols are only available during Fridays and Saturdays - with your IDs," Blare added, even if it''s already announced online and through flyers.

    Those who heard Blare whined disappointedly. While some weren''t surprised because they''re already aware.

    "Studies still comes first. We wouldn''t want to be reported by your parents or your school" Blare said as some students laughed - basically agreeing to Blare''s statement.

    A lot of students are in groups and stayed in a big room.

    A lot also went alone and stayed in a single room.

    Blare was not afraid if some stuff would be broken. She made it clear online and a warning was posted at every part of the room that they will be held responsible if they broke something. Especially the machines!

    At 1 pm, all the rooms are already booked. Others who missed the chance to book a room, helplessly retreated.

    Blare stayed in the manager''s office with Rhieanne. While Lance stayed at the counter, along with the other four personnel.

    "Business is going well, Lilith. Are you still going to work as an apprentice in interior design?" Rhieanne asked while leisurely sitting on the sofa.

    Both already met two years ago, exactly when Blare moved out of the Seaside Subdivision.

    Rhieanne was the granddaughter of the old lady - which was the landlady of her flat. She was also the one who introduced Blare to the apartment.

    Because of Rhieanne''s skill at persuading, Blare eventually got hooked and rented the apartment. Even better, whatever words that came out of Rhieanne''s mouth were facts. However, all the facts that came out of her mouth were very pleasant to one''s ears that Blare slightly regretted being swayed at her words and not considering the other factors.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    After renting the apartment, Blare had already known that no aircon was installed. She also can''t renovate the place - such as painting the white wall another colour, placing different marble tiles on the bathroom, and drill a hole on the wall.

    Not having aircon made the temperature in the room either super hot or super cold. And not being able to drill a hole in the wall made it very inconvenient for her kitchen tools and paintings, because there''s no way to hang them.

    She felt cheated, but thinking about the rule, Blare placed her painting on the wall by using |ˇÁ|VHB double-sided adhesive tape.

    When the landlady found out about it, she didn''t get angry. Instead, she admired Blare''s painting and even offered to buy it. Blare gladly gave one of her sunflower painting for free, which the old lady accepted with enthusiasm.

    Blare did that in hopes of persuading the old lady to let her build an air conditioner in her room. Fortunately, she finally allowed Blare to have an air-conditioned room.

    Although Blare was slightly disappointed that the place can''t be renovated, she was still appreciative because the place emits the feeling of home - and it''s air-conditioned.

    "Yes, after that, I''ll handle my own business... and expand." Blare smirked at Rhieanne.

    Rhieanne raised a brow. "What''s with that look? (laughs) Fine, I''ll join... that was my plan ever since I accepted this job."

    "The landlady will be sad if she hears that."

    Rhieanne giggled. "Puh-lease! Grandma would be happy that I finally got hired!"

    Both laughed, imagining the relief in landlady''s face.

    Rhieanne offended someone from a higher company. She revealed to Blare that she was sexually harassed.

    The one who harassed her insisted that he got seduced and even accused Rhieanne of climbing in his bed to raise her pay.

    Furious, Rhieanne punched the man two times. The third punch didn''t land because her co-workers stopped her.

    After that, the man swore that Rhieanne wouldn''t be able to step in any company around London.

    So, having a job at Comperio broke a chain that was blocking Rhieanne''s heart.

    "Thanks, Lilith." Rhieanne sincerely said as she raised her wine glass.

    In turn, Blare raised her open water glass bottle. Then both clinked it together and shouted, "Cheers!"

    Before both of them could drink, a knock was heard then the door opened, revealing Lance.

    "Uh, Miss Lilith, a man came to see you"

    "A man?" Blare and Rhieanne inquired in unison.

    "Oooh... Probably, sir Ace~" Rhieanne teased.

    Lance crossed his arms and smirked. "Yup, it''s him."

    Blare laughed and shook her head at their teasing look.

    "Oh that''s right, you call each other by names now! How sweet!" Rhieanne rolled her eyes.

    Blare saw this and giggled. "Well how about callinghimby name too. So you won''t feel left out."

    Rhieanne warily looks at Blare and warned her not to say more through her eyes.

    Blare chuckled and walked out of the manager''s office, along with Lance.

    Upon reaching the lobby, Blare saw two men facing each other.

    Blare stopped walking but both men still noticed her presence.

    Blare sighed and greeted the two. "Sir Ace... and..."

    She looked unhappily at the other man.

    "Dad."

 Chapter 5.21: Lilith Winterburn

    Harold met Blare''s conflicted gaze.

    "How are you?" He asks as Blare became more confused.

    Blare breathe in and blurted out, "I''m fine."

    Realizing her blunt words, Blare added, "Do you need something?"

    Harold glance at Ace and spoke. "I need to talk to my daughter."

    Ace did not answer him, instead, he looks at Blare for confirmation - which Blare answered with a nod.

    Ace silently left while Blare and Harold agreed to talk in a nearby three-storey restaurant.

    In a private room, a ray of sunlight lightened the area. The opened door to the balcony allowed the people inside to see certain parts of the city from the second floor.

    "You''ve changed," Harold uttered while Blare finished telling her order to a waitress.

    "Usually when I talk, you either stay silent and would glare or would answer back more... fiercely." Harold added.

    Blare avoided his gaze and stared at the window instead.

    "Everyone changes. So did you."

    Harold did not answer.

    Blare continued to talk without meeting his gaze. "Usually, you wouldn''t meet me -- No, you would never meet me."

    Finally, Harold answered. "Because I knew that you didn''t want to see me."

    Blare sneered, "You know why."

    Harold did not answer again. Thus, silence engulfed the father-daughter pair.

    When Blare met Harold at the gala, there was disappointment and anger within Lilith. Especially when she was accused of lying - by her own father no less.

    Although Lilith was used to it, being reminded how her own father didn''t trust her adds to the pain that was already planted years ago.

    Now that almost two years have passed since Blare came, she understood why Lilith and Harold never saw each other eye to eye.

    The waitress came and delivered a cup of latte to Blare and a cup of black coffee to Harold.

    When the waitress left, Blare asks, "Why are you still sending me money?"

    "You need it."

    "Yes, but you also knew how I already got a job for almost two years."

    Blare took a coffee spoon and stirred the latte - breaking the etch spirals art made in the creamy milk foam.

    When Harold didn''t answer, Blare look up to him and asks again. "Why do you still send me money?"

    Blare knows the answer, but Lilith doesn''t. They are two souls in one body, but their thought and beliefs can never become one.

    "Despite believing what Harry says, why..." Blare creased her brows as he looks at Harold.

    "You''re my daughter."

    "And he''s your son. We''re both your own flesh and blood!"

    Lilith''s sentiments came out of Blare''s mouth.

    Controlling her outrage, her hold on the coffee spoon tightened as her lips curved downwards.

    "Yet you believed in him more, favoured him more, cared for him more..."

    Blare fully watched Harold''s expression. He was not looking at her and only stared at his black coffee. The only change in his face was his eyes - guilt was visible in his crystal blue orbs.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    "You love him more." Blare mumbled.

    She loosed her grip on the coffee spoon and held the latte with both palms.

    "I knew that I have always been unfair to you. But I did it... I did to..."

    Harold''s voice sounded desperate in Blare''s ears.

    "You did it for your wife - to compensate for your sin." Blare calmly looked at Harold.

    "Which is falling in love with my mother."

    When Blare finished delivering those words, the door burst open - revealing Matilda and Harry who carried heavy expressions.

    Blare was both surprised and annoyed at their sudden appearance.

    ''Great. They''re gonna gang up on me.''

    Blare stood up and was prepared to leave. But Matilda stopped her.

    "Stay." She softly says with a kind gaze.

    Her kind gesture annoyed Blare further. "Why should I endure your lies?"

    Blare strode towards the door - only to be blocked by Harry.

    "Out of my way." Blare said with a threatening glare.

    Harry didn''t move. He furrowed his brows and said, "Dad loves you more."

    Blare scoffed, "You were listening? Since when?" She eyed the mother-son pair.

    "Does it matter? The fact that Dad cared for you more--"

    Harry was cut off sharply by Blare. "Shut up. Is this another trick of yours to show the world how insolent I am?"

    "No! Listen--"

    "Save it. I''ll never listen."

    Blare forced her way out. As she walked away, Harry''s words reached her ears.

    "I''m sorry, sister."

    When Blare got out of the restaurant, a car appeared before her.

    The car door opened - revealing Ace.

    Ace''s eyes widened seeing Blare. Then, he spoke with a low tone. "Get in."

    When Blare got in and closed the car door, Ace drove - unsure where to go.

    "What happened?" He asks as his eyes glance briefly at Blare.

    "Nothing." She replied indifferently.

    "...Then why are you crying?"

    Ace''s concerned words awakened Blare. The cold temperature of the car made Blare feel the tears on her cheeks. She touched her wet cheek and felt the cold tears on her fingers.

    "I''m not..." She replied.

    Ace figured that Blare did not want to talk about it, so he drove in silence.

    Blare stared at her wet hands.

    ''I lost control. I wasn''t supposed to let Lilith''s anger out.''

    Blare wiped away the tears on her cheeks with her hands. She stared at the window and watched the street.

    ''I know we''re different. In views and all that... But your father did care for you, at least he showed it when you moved out of the mansion.''

    Blare felt unwillingness - unwilling to believe her own thoughts.

    ''Your house at the Seaside Subdivision and your monthly allowance, which he sends for almost 9 years - without fail.''

    At this time, a bitter voice spoke - the voice which can only be heard by Blare.

    "Love and money are two different things. He never cared for me."

    Blare flinched in surprise. Fortunately, Ace didn''t notice her movement as he was focusing on the road.

    Blare took a silent breath and replied mentally.''It was the action that counts. He supported you financially... because it''s the only thing he can do.''

    "Through money? He could have believed in me instead! I don''t need his money!"

    Lilith''s pained voice echoed in Blare''s ears.

    ''True. He supported you financially, while he supported his other family with... a forced love.''

    "Forced love?"

    ''Harold loved your mother. He cheated when he and Matilda are still together. To repay his wife because of his infidelity - who was his fianc¨¦e at that time - he had to love her... he had to love their son, Harry. As a result, he was compelled to support you in the other way.''

    "...How can you be sure about this? What if it''s all an act to deceive you - to deceive me?"

    ''Deceive? You mean getting the Comperio? Haha, you have the authority over the internet cafe. Even if that gets popular and you finally have your own corporation, they can never own it.''

    The car stopped in an empty shore. Blare turned to Ace and smiled.

    "Thank you, Ace. I''d like to be alone for now."

    Ace nodded. "I''ll wait for you here."

    Blare helplessly sighed, but she mouthed a word of thanks and got out of the car.

    While walking at the sand, she proceeded to talk to Lilith mentally.

    ''Looking back at your memory, Harold always strikes a conversation with you. At first, you would answer with a timid but joyful voice. But over time, you started being hostile - because he chose to believe Harry''s lies.''

    A gust of wind carried Blare''s blonde hair. She breathed - smelling the tangy sea.

    ''Fatherly love has always been mild. At least that''s how people see it. In fact, through their little gestures, they''re already showing their love... Lilith, although it was through money, it still showed how he loves and cares for you.''

    Blare was met with silence for a while. But the bitter feeling that Lilith shared with her gradually dissipated.

    "I hated my father. If he didn''t cheat, I wouldn''t be tormented... I wouldn''t be here..."

    ''But what''s done is done.''

    "I understand. If that''s the case, does it mean I deserved all the pain that the mother and son put me through?" Lilith asked hesitantly.

    Blare instantly replied. ''You didn''t. They were in the wrong. All of Matilda''s hatred for your mother had been placed on you. While Harry... I guess he''s jealous of you.''

    Lilith spoke with slight irritation. "He apologized to me. Spouted lies about how Dad favoured me more than him."

    Blare sighed as she thought about her interaction with Harry. Every time she sees Harry, she always feels bitter and angry - all thanks to Lilith.

    ''Both of you are jealous of each other... Lilith, you really need to remember who your father gave his utmost attention to.''

    Blare tiredly sighed at Lilith''s denial. She spoke in a serious tone, "Lilith, in the first place, your Dad always talked to you. Always asking about your day, while your step-brother watched with jealousy."

    Blare snickered with closed eyes - remembering Lilith''s childhood.

    "Harry was smart, always placing you in the wrong so he could gain Harold''s attention."

 Chapter 5.22: Lilith Winterburn

    The sound of waves always soothes Blare.

    However, at this moment, she was nowhere near calm.

    The confusion and uncertainty brought the two souls pain.

    Lilith''s soul was stubborn as she refused to believed Blare.

    Blare stared into the distance as she mumbled, "You don''t believe me because of your deep hatred for Harold and his family."

    She creased her brows as she continues. "Harry and Matilda - these two were the reason why you kept your distance from your father. What they''ve done is despicable, that''s why in this life, you have to turn things around."

    "... Do I have to reconcile with my Dad?" Lilith asked in a low voice.

    "Your choice."

    Blare felt Lilith''s mood calming.

    However, Lilith''s next question caught her off guard. "What would you do if you were in my place, Blare?"

    As Blare pondered, her eyes looked down - staring nowhere.

    "I''m not going to forgive him easily." Her answer was whispered.

    Even if Blare''s tone had a hint of bitterness, Lilith replied with ease. "Hm. Thank you, Blare."

    Blare took a deep breath as she closed her eyes.

    "Then, for my last wish - please reconcile with the Winterburn family."

    Blare trembled at Lilith''s words. Her eyes widened and her lips parted open as she asked Lilith mentally, ''The Winterburn--! Even Harry and Matilda?''

    "Hm." Lilith hummed - indicating her approval to Blare''s question.

    This time, Blare became conflicted. ''Why?''

    Lilith replied with no complicated emotion. "I want to give them a chance... It''s for me and my Dad as well."

    Blare realize Lilith''s intention.

    She slightly nodded in understanding, yet one thing was still bothering her. "Doesn''t your last wish contradict your first wish - which was cutting your ties with the Winternburn family?"

    Unexpectedly, Lilith giggled. "True... But I didn''t elaborate it, right? What I mean by ''cut ties'' is that I won''t be a Winterburn anymore. The pain is still here, I can forgive but I''ll never forget. Even so, I still want to clear this animosity between us."Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Then, Lilith''s voice turned solemn. "I don''t want to carry this hatred, pain and sorrow... If I still carried all of this, I can never live peacefully."

    "Okay." Blare replied softly.

    Minutes passed and Lilith no longer talked.

    Blare silently admired Lilith''s bravery - the original owner was willing to forgive.

    Blare''s stay in this world made her understand Lilith - she felt all Lilith''s pain, her memories, her likes and dislikes.

    Even after all of that, the two souls view differs. So, Blare was reluctant to forgive the two - Harry and Matilda.

    ''Forget it, it''s Lilith wish'' Blare dismissed her own view and decided to accomplish Lilith''s wish.

    When she turned around, she caught Ace''s figure standing at a far distance.

    Blare approached the man.

    "I''m sorry for making you wait." She said apologetically when she reached him.

    The two were only two steps away from each other, yet Ace took a step towards her - making Blare feel small.

    Blare lowered her head.

    "Are you alright?" He asked.

    She slightly tilted her head and look at the man. She noticed that he wasn''t smiling, was not playful nor angry. Yet his eyes that were always focused on hers seemed to penetrate her soul.

    Blare turned her eyes elsewhere. "Yes, sir."

    Ace sighed and patted her head - which made Blare stiff. "How many times do I have to tell you to call me by my name?"

    Blare can hear the helplessness on his tone.

    "Sorry." She replied with guilt.

    It has been a year since he confessed. After that, Ace mostly stayed at her side. Naturally, Blare was getting used to his existence - so much that it became normal to her.

    Relationships are always built through interactions. All the moments that she shared with him always make her heart pound.

    Ace chuckled as he offered his arm. "Let''s go?"

    Blare''s heart thumped at the sight of his arm. She instinctively locked her arms in his - upon realizing her action, her face heated up in embarrassment.

    Before she could retract her hold, Ace already blocked her escape by placing his other hand on the top of Blare''s hand.

    "I''ll be selfish this once."

    His deep voice tickled her ear. In Ace''s perspective, he saw how Blare''s ear turned red. He let out a smile and led Blare''s stiff body towards his car.

    All the while, Blare''s thought process did not function. Her mind only focused on one person - Ace.

    His heartwarming gesture, expression, and touch slowly creep into her heart.

    The strong wall that guarded her heart cracked slightly.

    Even so, the wall stands tall and remained strong - showing no signs of falling apart.

    _________________

    If Blare''s life a year ago was peaceful, this year was not for her.

    After her encounter with Lilith''s family, she never expected that the other person would turn up as well.

    "Mr. Lloyd Fleming... As you know, my little sister - Flora - is currently busy. So I''m the one who''ll oversee the proposed blueprints." Aiken greeted the old man.

    Lloyd nodded. "Ms. Flora notified me yesterday."

    ''Yesterday?'' Blare''s eyes flickered towards Aiken - who was also looking at her. She quickly turned her gaze away and simply stared at Lloyd''s back.

    Lloyd Fleming was the Head of Design of the Rosenthal Conglomerate. Also, Blare was studying interior design under him.

    Fleming has five apprentices under his wing - among them is Blare. Currently, they are in the Charleston Estate to apply their knowledge.

    Lloyd is a popular interior designer in the city of London and it was no secret that he had served famous politicians, celebrities, and businessmen throughout his life - along with his apprentices if his client agrees for them to partake.

    However, this was the first time that someone agreed-- or rather, requested that his apprentices should participate in renovating the Estate''s interior along with him.

    Lloyd did not question him. But as he watched Aiken''s changed of sight from time to time - he knew something was out of the ordinary.

 Chapter 5.23: Lilith Winterburn

    Currently, seven people have gathered in the library. All of them sat at a dark brown table. In front of them was a projector screen that displayed the blueprint of the Estate''s main floor.

    "As we''ve agreed, the only rooms that will be renovated are the library, main kitchen, music room, banquet hall, and the main hall," Lloyd told Aiken - disrupting him from looking at one of his apprentices.

    Seeing Aiken bringing his full attention to him, Lloyd continued. "Since you''ve trusted my students to handle the renovation, they will present their proposed blueprints - which was written on the email that Ms. Flora sent. Still, once you see their proposal, if it is not into your liking, tell my students right away."

    Aiken nodded in understanding.

    Lloyd eyed his best pupil, Nielle to start the presentation.

    Nielle stood up and clicked the button on his pen that controlled the projector.

    The screen changed and displayed two different main halls. One picture was the original architectural design and the other was Nielle''s proposition for the new layout of the main hall.

    The original architectural design was very extravagant. The large main hall has a white marble floor with golden yellow linings and blinding metallic gold furnishings. Black - and especially other colours - were nowhere in sight.

    On the other hand, Nielle''s proposed architectural design toned down the gold colour of the main hall. His proposed layout was completely different from the original.

    The picture has two curved stairs on each side in order to reach the second floor with ease.

    The floor and staircase are made of |ˇÁ|carrara white premium marble. While the railings of the curved staircase are made out of metal. The furnishings are royal blue accompanied by a touch of gold and it goes perfectly with the white walls.

    The Charleston Estate hue is mostly white and gold - exhibiting a 5-star hotel''s vide rather than a home. Because of this, Flora wanted the Estate to exhibit the feeling of home while retaining the rich aura and white colour of the Estate. She also prefered going to the second floor through a staircase rather than going through an elevator.

    Lloyd''s students were given three months to visualize and sketch what Flora wants. And so, all of them dedicated themselves for the project for the past three months.

    It might exhaust Blare because she handles both her business and her work, but with Rhieanne''s help - her burden was decreased.

    It was Blare''s turn as the four apprentices finished their presentation. She was assigned to the music room - which she believed was the easiest.

    The client wants to retain the luxurious atmosphere of the whole Estate - and that should include the music room. Yet Flora made a special request for the music room.

    Blare mentally repeated Flora''s email to her three months ago. ''The structure of the music room doesn''t need to be luxurious. I want it to be a comfortable place for musicians.''If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    She then realized that it was not as easy as she thought. When she started preparing for the blueprint - which was her proposed architectural design - she has to consider the whole Estate, the atmosphere of the music room, and her client''s preferences.

    So she noticed the connection of the music room to the Estate''s Main Garden.

    Blare emailed Flora about the reason why the music room and the Main Garden are connected.

    According to Flora, she prefered practising in the main garden than the music room. However, it was very inconvenient during the rainy season. So she wanted the two places to be connected.

    And so, Blare knew right away that Flora loves the natural ambience of nature.

    Still, she considered a lot of questions.

    ''What would a musician - specifically Flora - prefer? Would she be comfortable if the fresh air outside enters the room? Would she like to gaze at the Main Garden when making music, singing, and basically doing what every musician does? Does she like the sound of the rustling plants when it is windy?''

    Blare thought all of that. As well as the music room''s ambience - which she wanted to be rich so it won''t be alienated to other rooms.

    The result of her questions was shown on the projector screen.

    The original music room hue was white, dark red and gold. While her blueprint shows white, silver, green and metallic gold.

    Both images exhibit a rich atmosphere, yet the structure was very different.

    The original music room resembles a Victorian Era style whilst Blare''s blueprint was very modern.

    But the very eye-catching thing was the large transparent glass sliding door that covered the East wall - as it clearly shows the main garden. While the other three walls - North, South and West - were made out of plasterboard.

    The hue of the green couch, coffee table made out of redwood, and several musical instruments were not diminishing each other''s aura.

    "According to Ms. Flora, she preferred practising in the main garden but it is inconvenient during the rainy season. So the transparent glass door will not only lead her towards the main garden - she can also see the place even if she''s inside the music room."

    As Blare was presenting, Aiken focused intently on her - which she took calmly. But the nervousness was still felt by Blare and she has no time to think where it was coming from.

    Blare finished the presentation with ease and describe the blueprint positively and how it will soothe one''s mood because the ambience of the music room is adjacent to the Main Garden.

    After that, Aiken only nodded and he did not ask or change their proposal. And so - it was accepted.

    Blare - along with her fellow co-workers - breathe a sigh of relief.

    Throughout the presentation, Lloyd kept a neutral expression. But as it ended and he saw Aiken''s satisfaction with their proposed blueprints - he smiled.

    "I''m glad my students did not disappoint you, Mr. Aiken" Lloyd said as he and Aiken shook hands.

    "All of the blueprints are great. I''m sure my little sister will be happy." Aiken replied.

    The two exchange a few pleasantries before Lloyd excused going home with his apprentices. Aiken guided them outside until they reach the humongous metal gate of the Estate.

    "Have a safe journey," Aiken muttered and then turned her gaze to Blare.

    "Care to join me for a cup of tea, Lilith? It''s been so long since we bonded."

    Blare flinched at Aiken''s bold words. She nervously eyed Lloyd and her co-workers - who seemed confused at Aiken''s words.

    Before she could explain, Aiken was quick to say, "We''re classmates back in college."

    Only then they understood and didn''t pry at their business anymore. Their job was done for the day so all of them bid Blare goodbye - while Blare stood frozen because her boss/teacher and co-workers clearly ditched her.

    Blare sighed helplessly. As she glances at Aiken, she wonders, ''Doesn''t he get tired with all of this?''

    Two figures stood three steps apart from each other. Aiken noticed several changes in Blare. Like how her long blonde hair was cut mid-length - radiating a mature feature on her complexion. Her arrogant side was replaced with proud and fearless aura.

    "Mr. Aiken, are we not having a cup of tea?" Blare broke Aiken''s stare.

    He coughed to hide his embarrassment. "Sorry, follow me."

    Blare obediently followed the man. As she looked at his back - she wondered what might have made Aiken change his attitude towards her-- or rather, towards Lilith.

 Chapter 5.24: Lilith Winterburn

    Two silhouettes peered through the large window. Their eyes were glued towards the Main Garden - the place where Aiken and Blare were currently at.

    "... Her attitude clearly changed." The woman mumbled as her brow raised.

    "Ava, it doesn''t change the fact that she''s ruined. Even if she changed, her shameful past will still hunt everyone around her." The man rested his chin on his knuckles and stared indifferently at the woman.

    The woman, Avalynn scoffed at the man''s words. "I know that. Why did you think I told our son to get away from that girl?"

    The man simply closed his eyes and did not answer. Even so, Avalynn continued talking. "Al, surely you''ve heard about Comperio. In just a week, it garnered a lot of attention... Do you think a mere, delusional girl like her would come up with that idea?"

    The man, Aldrich was exasperated as he straightens up his sitting posture. "She built that little cafe shop or whatever for two years. In those two years, that girl never bothered our son yet he kept coming to her like some obsessed ex!"

    "He didn''t see that girl for a year." Avalynn reasoned.

    "Yet he had people watched over her. That son of yours minimized his movement and focused buying the company''s shares to take over-- and after that?! He broke his engagement to Clara!" Aldrich replied with gritted teeth.

    Hearing her husband''s anger, Avalynn stopped talking and simply turned her attention to Blare and Aiken. Her eyes darkened as she stared intently at Blare''s every action.

    Meanwhile, Blare calmly drank jasmine tea in a poised manner. She did not bother to look at Aiken. Right now, she was visualizing what the scenery of the Main Garden would look like inside the music room.

    Her train of thought was cut off when Aiken spoke. "Do you like this place?"

    Blare slightly smiled. "It''s great"

    She stared at Aiken''s expression and it was completely different from Lilith''s past.

    His past scornful gaze was now staring lovingly at her. His creased brows were now soft and the rare smile he only showed Clara was now directed at her.

    Strangely enough, seeing his changes brought pain in her heart.

    Blare looked down - avoiding his loving gaze. "What do you want to talk about, Aiken?"

    Hearing her indifferent tone, Aiken''s smile faded as his eyes turned solemn. "Is there... no chance?"

    Blare was surprised at his question. ''He still wants to be with Lilith?''

    Thinking about Clara''s sincere feeling for the man, Blare saw Aiken as a heartless man. "What happened between you and Clara?"If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    Aiken was stunned at her hostile look. He immediately replied, "I broke our engagement."

    Blare sighed in disbelief. "Don''t you love her?"

    She wanted to ask if Clara was pregnant but quickly dismissed it - for the fear of appearing suspicious.

    "You''re the only one that I love, Lilith. The first time we met and up until now."

    Hearing the identical words he declared during his interview. Blare - again - felt her heart pained.

    Did Lilith truly love Aiken?

    Blare avoided his gaze and thought. ''No. Lilith wanted Aiken because he''s the only one that gave him the affection she never got.''

    Blare sadly smiled. ''Isn''t that right, Lilith?''

    As she asked this question, she felt the immense guilt crawling out of her chest.

    She breathes and forced several words out of her mouth. "I approached you with impure intentions... You - who was admired and loved by many is what I wish to have."

    Blare forced herself to look at Aiken. "But I never actually thought you would let me experience what love is. Yet, I only wanted you because you''re the only one who truly cared for me."

    With furrowed brows and guilty eyes, she answered his last question. "I''m sorry, Aiken. We have no chance together. What I felt for you is not love."

    Blare let out all Lilith''s guilt. "I only took advantage of your feelings so I can satisfy what I don''t have... So, you deserve better."

    Blare did not feel more miserable as she expected. Rather, it felt like the guilt that was buried deep inside her suddenly lessened. It felt good confessing the truth.

    Aiken''s low chuckle stunned Blare.

    "I don''t really care if you chose me because of that. We all have our reasons for loving someone... and that''s your reason."

    Blare was dumbfounded. ''He doesn''t mind what Lilith did?''

    "Still, I didn''t actually think you''ll still reject me." Aiken smiled mockingly but it was not directed at her.

    He continued while directly looking at Blare''s calm eyes. "I thought I could have you once I acquired power... Now, I realized that I should have acquired you first before power. If that happened, you would have loved me truthfully and we wouldn''t be in this situation."

    Blare silently agreed with him. In this world, power is important to get what you want. Especially when Aiken belonged to the upper-class family. He and Lilith were also not compatible in the first place. Aiken is a legitimate child and the heir of the Sapphire Conglomerate. On the other hand, Lilith is an illegitimate child with no right to inherit anything. Moreover, Aiken was chained by his parent''s wishes while Lilith had no place in the Winterburn family. Both of them were powerless.

    He chuckled but the happiness did not reach his eyes. "I hope you''ll be happy with Ace."

    Blare did not take his words into her heart. She doesn''t plan to explain anything to him as well, so she nodded and said, "Goodbye, Aiken. I wish you''ll be happy with Clara too."

    Aiken froze. He became speechless so he only nodded in response. With that, Blare left the Charleston Estate.

    As he saw her departing figure, Aiken felt empty. Learning that the woman he loves didn''t love him back - hurt him more than he ever wanted to admit.

    He thought about the last time he kissed her. At that time, he was already aware of how much she changed. Yet, he refused to believe that she will stay indifferent to him.

    For a prideful man like Aiken, he persisted on "courting" her even if he was always ignored. Blare never took a glance on him, so she never noticed his various gifts - such as flowers, chocolates, and glorious dresses. All of those gifts were disregarded.

    Aiken never had the chance to left it at her apartment door or to the landlady either. For some reason he did not know, the landlady also ignored him and refused to let any of his gifts reach Blare''s apartment.

    He only reached Blare''s apartment once because of Ace. Thinking about that day, Aiken frowned - recalling Ace''s absurd declaration.

    "What are you to Lilith?"

    Aiken asked as both of them stood outside Blare''s apartment.

    Ace lips curved up and glanced at him. "Her most important person."

    Aiken glared at the man, while Ace returned to his usual expressionless face.

 Chapter 5.25: Lilith Winterburn

    Blare continued her days normally. The only difference in her day was that the Comperio was demanded in other places around schools on their online page. As a result, a lot of investors were willing to finance her business. Blare took this opportunity and built several internet cafes that were near colleges.

    She was both busy with her work and business so she failed to notice her health deteriorating. Blare only felt the sharp pang in her head when she almost reached her car. She unsteadily leaned on the car''s hoods and closed her eyes while massaging her temples.

    "What happened?"

    She heard a low voice asked with worry. Before she could open her eyes, a cold hand held her two hands - stopping her action.

    "Don''t put too much pressure on it."

    Blare opened her eyes to see but because of extreme fatigue, her sights turned blurry. Blare could feel her senses shutting down but she refused to give in. Not caring about the unknown man in front of her, she sat down slowly and tried to breathe steadily with closed eyes. The man did not force her to stand up, she can only feel his cold hand cupped the side of her face.

    "You''re bu------ u--!"

    Blare wasn''t able to hear anything. In the end, the fatigue consumed her as she finally passes out.

    Blare didn''t know how long she was asleep. So, when she regained her senses, she slowly opened her eyes and looked around. Blare figured that she was in a hospital because of the hospital gown that she''s wearing and several types of hospital equipment that she recognized. But what made her surprised was Ace''s presence. The man is sleeping while sitting on the sofa with his arms crossed.

    She sat up with difficulty, causing the bed to creaked and the sleeping man to wake up.

    "You''re awake." Ace said as he made his way towards Blare. He supported Blare from sitting properly and Blare thanked him in a raspy voice.

    After making sure she was comfortable, Ace took a glass of water and handed it to Blare - which she drank slowly.

    "What happened?" Blare whispered but was enough for Ace to hear.

    "You were asleep for two whole days," he explained in furrowed brows.

    Before Blare could react, Ace''s suppressed anger stopped her. "You''re barely sleeping and eating for a whole week! (Sighs) Your secretary told me how you''re pushing yourself too hard despite her warnings. Lilith... you could''ve died..."

    Ace''s angry yet sorrowful expression startled her. She reassured him by saying, "I already slept for two days so... I may be fine now, right?"

    Ace took a hold of her two hands as his dangerous eyes stared at her. "Your temperature reached 40ˇă when you passed out in the parking lot. Right now, you still have a fever... So you''re not fine."You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Blare didn''t think that her condition would endanger her life. She never bothered to take care of her well-being because she was too focused on her goal. She thought that if she handled both her work and her business - finishing the third wish would be at her grasp sooner.

    "You''re resting until your health turns back to normal."

    "What?!" Blare asked in disbelief. How could she possibly leave her work and business? Who would take her place then?

    All her worries made her uneasy.

    "The construction workers were halfway done renovating the place, right? I already told Lloyd to handle it. The Comperio was well taken care of by your secretary. She successfully gained a lot of useful investors that could fund your business." Ace explained but Blare was still anxious.

    Seeing her distressed expression, Ace couldn''t help but ask, "Why do you work so hard?"

    Blare glanced at him and shut her lips tight - unsure what reason she should say. Nevertheless, she was able to make an excuse.

    "Money."

    Her answer did not surprise Ace.

    "What for?"

    Blare gulped and thought of another reason.

    "T-To get whatever I want."

    Even though she stuttered, she kept her gaze firm. Ace sat at her side and leaned a bit close to her.

    "Why work so hard? If you''re with me you can get whatever you want." Ace said - his lips showed a teasing smile.

    Blare processed his words and was quite confused about its meaning. "With you?"

    Ace bent towards Blare - the tips of their nose is almost touching.

    "Marry me."

    Blare''s eyes widened along with her loud beating heart. She stuttered in disbelief because of his unexpected proposal. "W-What... I''m not even sure about you...!"

    Ace chuckled. "You''re red face says otherwise."

    Blare blocked her face with her two hands in embarrassment.

    "I''m just embarrassed!" Her muffled voice made Ace smile more.

    Ace always teased her in every moment he could get. But this was the first time that he proposed marriage - which caught her off guard.

    Although Blare never responded and remained clueless at first, Ace was able to get a reaction from her overtime. However, if she made Blare blush today - she''ll act like everything was normal by tomorrow. Ace realized that it was her way of pushing him out of her heart.

    When Blare took of her hands on her face, Ace embraced her - making her flinched at the sudden hold. "How can you keep me into your heart, Lilith?"

    She can''t make up an excuse for his sudden question. Although she stayed still, his embrace tightened - as if he was afraid that she will push him away.

    Blare let the man hold her tight. By impulse, her hands wrapped around his waist - which made Ace''s heart pound loudly.

    No matter how much she denied her growing feelings for him, her mind betrayed her action. Feeling his pounding heart made her convinced - she has a place in Ace''s heart.

    With her head resting on his shoulder, she answered his previous question. "I don''t know..."

    Blare - in her own life - rejected the idea of falling in love. It happened when she learned that her beloved auntie was cheated on many times. This crushed her image of pure love that her parents and married cousins have.

    She hid in the kitchen and watched her mother soothe her auntie - which was her mother''s elder sister. Blare saw her aunt''s anguish state and all she could do is listen to her cries. As her mother patted her aunt''s back softly, she told her crying aunt determining words that she carried on to this day.

    "Never trust easily, Briana. No matter what sweet words you may hear - remember to never easily trust any man, ever again."

    As Blare remembered her aunt''s misery, she felt scared for her future as well.

    Her hands around Ace loosed as she said, "I remember to not trust anyone easily."

    Ace also loosened his hold and gazed intently at her eyes. "I''ll work harder then."

    Blare was touched by his words. She did not answer and only smiled gratefully.

    Blare knows who she is. Since Lilith did not voice out her desire to fall in love with another - Blare would not answer Ace based on what she feels.

    Seeing her quiet smile, Ace helplessly sighed and kissed her forehead.

    Once again, Blare turned red and froze on her spot.

 Chapter 5.26: Lilith Winterburn

    Currently, there are three people inside Blare''s small apartment. The two were sitting at the sofa while watching the petite woman paced back and forth with her arms crossed.

    "Rhieanne, can''t you think without walking around the room?" Blare softly said - her brows furrowed.

    "How could I? (sigh) Lilith, your past scandals are surfacing! Because of this, many of the company''s investors might sell their stocks!" Rhieanne said as she exhaled loudly.

    It only took 3 days for Blare to recuperate. In those 3 days, Rhieanne was able to negotiate with the investors and their small cafe turned into a company - which Blare named Emperio.

    Unfortunately, exactly after she recovered, the past of Lilith Winterburn resurfaced and the media eyed her - especially when news about her ownership of Comperio was known.

    Ace was there when she was flocked at the hospital. The reporters asked slandering questions as their cameras flashed.

    "Miss Lilith! Do you still love the youngest CEO in London, Mr. Aiken Charleston?"

    "Are you and the CEO of the Rosenthal Conglomerate are in a relationship?"

    "During your unsuccessful pursuit to Mr. Aiken, did you decide to target Mr. Ace instead?"

    "Did you cause the break-up between Miss Clara and Mr. Aiken?"

    Blare did not answer this nor did Ace. If it wasn''t for Ace''s bodyguards stopping the reporters, Blare may become helpless and possibly become violent. She simply has no patience for the people who are forceful.

    However, the feeling of dread consumed her whole emotion that day. She was so scared that the only thing that was left on her mind was to hide.

    Blare didn''t care about their opinion but that indifference didn''t change the anxious emotion inside her.

    "Did any of them already sold their stocks?" Blare asked.

    "No, not yet..." Rhieanne replied in an anxious manner.

    Blare glanced at the man in front of her. "Lance, buy those stocks."

    Rhieanne looked at her with disbelief. "You''re letting them go?"

    Instead of answering, Blare asked her, "How did our customers respond on this issue?"

    Rhieanne flinched and quickly grabbed her tablet to look at the Comperio''s website. There were some harsh comments but many defended the Comperio''s reputation.

    aileen7: The owner of this rubbish cafe is such a slut! Why would anyone go to this place?Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    caffeineislife21: @aileen7 obviously, you haven''t been there. The atmosphere of the cafe is very relaxing, the staffs are accomodating, and the liquors are the best

    hailhydra66: @caffeineislife21 you forgot the expensive academic books! Those things are very hard to get and we get to read them

    jadefinnesse: @aileen7 you must be a troll lol, you kept spouting nonsense when you''ve never even been inside Comperio

    halloooo94: @jadefinnesse clearly someone was pouring dirty water on the owner lmao

    ilovetostudyjk: @aileen7 I don''t really care if the owner is a slut or whatever they reported about her. I mean, Comperio''s a great place for us students and that news about her was like, years ago? Either way, idgaf

    girlwithtaste1: @aileen7 Did the owner take your man or something?

    "Rhieanne?"

    Rhieanne was forced to stop reading when Blare called her.

    "There we some slandering comments but... Majority of them don''t seem to care about your issue..." She replied in a daze.

    Blare sighed in relief. "Then our problem will lessen."

    She turned to Lance and said, "Lance, in addition, I need you to investigate at what price they were planning to sell the stocks to their buyers. Then start buying those stocks at a slightly higher price than what their buyer offered. If they persist at a high price, convince them that our business will end in bankruptcy."

    "Also, report those investors and their buyers to me. Their personal information and their connection to their buyers. Hire a detective to do the investigations so you could hide your cover."

    Both Lance and Rhieanne looked at her in shock.

    "Did you offend someone?" Rhieanne asked worriedly as she sat beside Blare.

    Blare shook her head. "I''m not sure ..."

    She looked at Rhieanne with her sharp eyes.

    "You don''t have to worry about my affairs. Just prepare to call a reporter for my interview in 3 days. I only need one, professional reporter to clear all their assumptions."

    Rhieanne softly exhaled and replied, "Understood."

    Blare turned to Lance who was in deep thought.

    The man suddenly blurted out, "If the investors knew that the customers didn''t care about your past... Then we can convince them to not sell their stocks."

    Blare nodded.

    "Then why not just do that?"

    "... We need to discern which of them plans to harm me and my company." Blare replied with her lips slightly curved up.

    Then Blare snapped her fingers as if she remembered something. "By the way, the emergency meeting will begin in 30 minutes. Let''s depart now."

    All of them stood up without a word and left the apartment in no hurry. The reporters are outside the apartment building and are eagerly waiting for Blare. Because of that, the three discretely took the backdoor to escape the mob of reporters. The two did not notice Blare''s troubled expression as her hand fisted tightly at her side.

    Rhieanne''s car was used and all of them left without being noticed.

    Inside the car, Lance spoke in annoyance.

    "Your location should be unknown. Where did those mobs get your location?"

    Rhieanne sneered. "You mean, who did they get her information?"

    Blare turned her attention to the car window and watched the lively street. "... Many people didn''t like me back then. As far as I know, I''ve only pestered Aiken and Clara. The rest are just annoyed or amazed by my thick face." She said as she let out a soft laugh.

    "Even so, those two would never go this far to expose my past." She added.

    "How can you be so sure?" Lance asked.

    Blare let out a deep sigh. "Clara''s main character is that she''s kind. She also knew that I already gave up having his man the last time we talked. On the other hand, I repeatedly told Aiken that we no longer have anything to do with each other. Years have passed... So it doesn''t make sense that they''re trying to bring me down now."

    Rhieanne glanced briefly at Blare. "What if they''re attacking you because you''re becoming successful?"

    "Those two are not so petty." Blare said confidently.

    "We can only know who''s behind all of this once Lance finished his investigation," Blare added while smiling at Lance.

 Chapter 5.27: Lilith Winterburn

    The three arrived at a reserved private room where the emergency meeting was held.

    Although Blare holds the highest stock of the Emperio, she cannot ignore the concerns of the stockholders.

    Lance stood outside while Rhieanne stood by the door inside. Blare roam her eyes and saw exactly 10 people who invested in her business.

    "I apologize for being late." Blare''s monotone voice filled the silent room.

    She sat at the end of the long table and plastered a confident smile.

    "Let''s begin."

    As soon as her words fell out, a bald man in his 50s sighs.

    The bald man disgruntled. "Ms. Winterburn, I''m afraid that the money I invested will turn into dust."

    Blare''s confident smile did not falter. She gazed at the bald man with scrutiny. "Mr. Jacques, I assure you I have everything under control."

    She softly sighs in distress as she continued to speak. "Which is why I think this meeting is very useless."

    Another old man with a chubby physique angrily voiced his thoughts. "You''re project will undoubtedly turn unsuccessful because of your scandals! Yet you''re speaking as if you have your dirt under control!"

    He mockingly added, "Right. It''s impossible for a spoiled brat like you to ever run a business. Now I''m certain that I will sell my stocks."

    Blare laughed in amusement, which stunned the chubby man.

    "You seem to know me very well, Mr. Gilles. (chuckles) Very well, It''s your stocks in the company. Naturally, you can handle it however you want."

    The chubby old man - Mr. Gilles - smirked. He looked around the rest of the investors but noticed that none of them seems to care.

    "Are we done?" A well-built man spoke as she eyed Blare.

    Blare''s eyes roamed again. Aside from the one who asked her with doubt and the other with enmity, the rest did not look enthusiastic.

    She then turned her attention to the bald man, Mr. Jacques who noticed that the majority of the investors stayed silent and unconcerned.

    "Are you also going to sell your stocks, Mr. Jacques?"

    Jacques creased his brows in confusion. He answered with uncertainty. "N-No..."Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    Blare tilts her head to the side and asked him again. "Are you sure?"

    "Y-Yes."

    Before Gilles could say anything, Blare announced, "Then, the meeting is adjourned. I''m sorry for wasting everyone''s time."

    Blare''s tone sounded completely bored which angered Gilles. Added to his anger was the investors'' departure. However, he did not get another chance to talk as Blare walked out with Rhieanne.

    They swiftly left the room together with Lance.

    Blare muttered while walking, "Lance, investigate them all. Some of them might sell it without a word."

    Lance nodded, he took a taxi and starts preparing to investigate and hire a private detective.

    Only Rhieanne and Blare hop on the car. Blare decided to take a room in a hotel with tight security.

    While Rhieanne was driving, she occasionally peaks at Blare.

    Blare noticed her gaze and asked, "What?"

    "I noticed that the rest of the stockholders doesn''t seem to care about the meeting... Yet, they still attended." Rhieanne replied.

    "... It was a test." Blare said in an indifferent tone.

    Rhieanne''s look at her in confusion.

    "Although you''re good at persuading, you can''t actually read all people huh." Blare stifled a laugh.

    Rhieanne huffed and rolled her eyes. "I can''t read business-driven people like you. So it would very much help me if you could explain."

    Blare giggled and vaguely told, "There may be a lot of reasons. But mainly, I think its because the rest of them either didn''t meet me personally, did not know if I was competent to handle the company... or both."

    Rhieanne was quick to catch on. "If that''s the case, then the meeting now is to get them to have a favourable impression to you."

    "You got it."

    Rhieanne snorted in response.

    _________________

    Blare reached the hotel while Rhieanne drove back in the apartment building.

    After showering, her phone for business rang and showed an unknown caller ID. She let it rang a few more times before picking up the call and putting it on speakerphone.

    Blare did not speak and waited for the other party to talk.

    "Hello?"

    A familiar voice of a man talked.

    "Who are you?" She asked.

    There was a short silence before the man answered, "Your brother, Harry."

    Blare was startled for a moment but regained her calm. She apathetically said, "I have no brother."

    Silence followed. Expecting no answer, Blare decided to end the call and block his phone number.

    Before she could do so, the man blurted out, "Your little brother."

    Blare''s lips parted in surprise as she stared at her phone. She couldn''t tell if the proud half brother of Lilith was joking or was actually serious.

    "Hello?" Harry asked again.

    Blare softly sighs. "Why are calling me?"

    "Family dinner at the mansion tomorrow. 6:30 in the evening."

    "I''m busy."

    "... You have to come. We''ll be waiting."

    "I have no time----"

    The other party ended the call. Blare snickered and crossed her arms.

    She mumbled, "Why would I go?"

    As if on cue, she remembered Lilith''s last wish. She bit her lower lip then finally resigned as she sighed.

    "Fine!"

    Blare and Lilith did not like Harry and Matilda. But the original owner of the body wanted to have a civil relationship with them.

    Maybe it was because of stubbornness that Lilith was reluctant yet willing to actually go at the family''s dinner.

    Since they share each other''s emotions, Blare was able to tell whatever feelings Lilith might hold. Frankly, Blare did not feel enthusiastic when she heard about the family''s dinner.

    She thought, ''If they can''t be reasoned with, then I won''t force fixing whatever was broken in the first place... But if they''ve become civil, then that''s a win-win situation for the family.''

    Blare slept early that day to mentally and emotionally prepare herself for tomorrow.

 Chapter 5.28: Lilith Winterburn

    Blare woke up the next day to the sound of her phone. She groggily took the phone and answered the call.

    "Hello?"

    "It''s me, did I wake you up?"

    From the sound of the other party''s voice, she could already tell who he is.

    "I just woke up." Blare said as she sat up.

    "What''s the matter?" She asked.

    His soft chuckle tickled her ear. "I''m outside"

    Her groggy state dispersed. She told him to wait and the man only replied with a hum. Blare washed her face and brushed her teeth. She combed her messy hair and tied it in a ponytail and she also changed her clothing into a more decent one. Satisfied at her appearance, she opened the door and allowed Ace inside. Ace sat at the table and watched Blare.

    "Did... something happen?" Blare hesitantly asked as she started preparing two cups of black tea.

    "Nothing. Can''t I visit you?" He responded with a teasing tone.

    Blare only shrugged and placed a cup of tea in front of him. She also sat down and faced Ace - his smile still intact.

    "I thought you were busy." She said as she avoided his gaze.

    When Blare escaped the mob of reporters with the help of Ace''s bodyguards, the man had been silent throughout the ride. Blare apologized but Ace only told her to rest and that he would not see her for a while. Although she didn''t mind it, Blare felt a tinge of disappointment. She thought that Ace already regarded her as a ''bitch'' like what the media portrayed her.

    It was like the closeness that they''d built for years had suddenly withered - at least for Blare.

    "... Are you angry?" He questioned as the smile on his lips disappears.

    She replied a simple "No" and then held the warm cup of tea in her two palms.

    Blare was not lying. Even so, the man felt an indescribable fear at her reaction. Recalling the news about her past, Ace''s eyes darkened.

    "Lilith... Did someone bother you?" He asked with a dangerous tone.

    Blare confusedly looked at him. "Who would?"

    Ace sighed in relief and stared at her hands that were free from any scars. Without looking at her, he asked, "Then why..."

    Because the table wasn''t exactly wide, Ace was able to place both of his palm on the back of her hands slowly. Because of his hold, Blare became stiff and stared at Ace with wide eyes.

    "Why aren''t you looking at me properly?"

    Blare quietly stared at his eyes - there was a new emotion that she saw - his dark brown orbs were solemn. She felt his warm palm more than the cup of tea that she was holding.

    If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.She gulped nervously as she felt tenser in his hold.

    "I''m not good at eye-contact." She honestly replied.

    She sneaked a peak on his features and added, "Long... eye-contact."

    Ace softly took her hands away from the warm cup of tea. She still stared at the side - refusing to look at him.

    "Is that really it?" He asked with a hint of worry.

    Instead of answering, Blare asked him a question instead. "Do you think people can change even if they''ve done stupid things in their past lives?"

    Seeing her eyes devoid of any emotion, Ace clutched at her hands anxiously. Her crystal blue orbs that seemed empty scared the man so he considered several ideas before answering.

    "..."

    Although a minute had only passed, both felt like it''s already been an hour. Blare softly sighed and tried to escape the man''s grasp. However, his hold only tightened.

    "Anyone can change for the better... As long as they''re willing."

    Hearing his answer, Blare''s face beamed with satisfaction.

    "That''s why I can change for the better as well." She proudly announced. She wanted to prove to him that Lilith''s past had long been buried and she was striving to be better as time passes.

    It only took a second when Ace realized the meaning behind her words.

    He chuckled and said as he softly caressed her hands, "Of course, so don''t sulk anymore."

    Blare unhappily frowned and denied, "I''m not sulking."

    The man laughed again, finding her denial cute and lovely. Blare only sighed helplessly and then flashed a smile at him. She looked at their entangled hands and felt how comfortable it is.

    "So... what did you do when you pushed me away?" She sarcastically asked.

    "See, you are sulking," he said as he played with her hands.

    Blare pouted and shot him a glare. Her crystal blue eyes were no longer empty as it held a tinge of annoyance - which Ace found amusing.

    He brought her right hand to his lips - giving her delicate hand a quick kiss then playfully showing his attractive grin.

    Blare''s cheeks and ears glowed bright red. She gaped at the man''s unabashed move.

    She retreated her right hand with force and shouted, "Y-You!!"

    She closed her eyes and forced herself to calm down. To break the embarrassing situation, she asked with a fake scowl, "Are you... Are you trying to avoid my question?"

    Surprisingly, Ace''s reply is something that she did not expect. "I can''t tell you now but I definitely will."

    His serious tone concerned her. However, she didn''t dare to pry more and just said, "I understand... If there''s anything I can do, don''t hesitate to call me."

    Blare''s left hand was still locked with the man''s grasp. So she softly squeezed his hand to reassure him. On Ace''s case, he didn''t expect that the woman would be willing to support him. For the times that they''ve been together, he was mostly the one who reached out to her - which he thought was normal since he was courting her. Nevertheless, it dismayed him as he thought that Blare didn''t hold any feelings for him. Slowly, she was responding and he felt an unspeakable joy that made his heart flutter.

    Ace took out a small box. Blare didn''t have time to react when the man opened the box - revealing a sapphire ring with an infinity symbol. The small diamonds shined in the slightest movement and it shined brighter as the sun beamed to it.

    "Ace?" With widened eyes and gaped mouth, Blare doesn''t know what words to utter.

    "If they asked about our relationship, you can freely say that we''re engaged by showing this ring... If you want to."

    "Oh..."

    Disappointment occupied Blare''s heart and mind. But his next words made it disappear.

    "It''s also our engagement ring in advance. I''m still waiting for you to be my girlfriend. Then we''re gonna get married right after."

    His bold statement made Blare laughed.

    "Hahaha! Alright then!" She consciously agreed as her lips curved up.

    The man pretended to act sad. "I''m not kidding."

    Blare continued to laugh - not only because of his statement but also because she was truly delighted.

    The two enjoyed each other''s company by talking about themselves. Their lips softly curved up and both would laugh as they drank the warm black tea. The mild sun passed through the windows while the trees and plants dance as the wind arrived. The current atmosphere gave their eyes a fresh view of the small balcony and the two undoubtedly became closer than ever.

 Chapter 5.29: Lilith Winterburn

    "Are you really going?" Ace asked as he stepped outside her door.

    The man stayed at her flat up until dinner. They assisted each other to cook their own food. Blare was able to make a decent dish while Ace prepared the ingredients.

    "Yes." She answered.

    Ace scrutinized her for a minute and finally asked, "Do you want me to come?"

    Blare was taken aback but quickly recovered. "No, it''s just a family meal." She replied with a soothing smile.

    Ace nodded and Blare waved him goodbye. She did not accompany him as she was still reluctant to go outside. Although she was notified that no one camped outside to force a statement out of her mouth, she still doesn''t feel safe.

    _______________

    Evening came and Blare came a little early - about 5 minutes early.

    Blare arrived in the humongous piece of land that the Winterburn mansion resides. A butler attended her - which Blare recognized as the man who has helped Lilith when she was being excluded in the family.

    The butler can only look warmly at Blare. Although Lilith had never been close to the butler, she returned a genuine smiled. The butler then leads her towards the large entrance.

    She didn''t walk for long when she arrived in the spacious reception hall and saw a long table that can occupy 30 people.

    Both mother and son already occupied two seats. Blare looked at Matilda and Harry''s calm gazes. Since they don''t plan to speak, her brow raised - questioning their odd behaviour.

    "I thought you weren''t coming."

    Blare stood and did not approach the long table. "If I didn''t come, little brother, what kind of judgment would I receive from you and your mother?"

    The calm expression of the two cracked as they scowl. Especially Harry, who was named as the "little brother"

    Harry turned bright red in embarrassment. "Shut up."

    "How disrespectful." Blare ironically chuckled in delight.

    Before Harry could get out of his seat and left the room in shame, Harold unexpectedly came and saw his son abruptly sat while his wife was unnaturally composed.

    On the other hand, Blare''s expression was not seen because she was facing the mother and son pair. Her arms are crossed and her posture was straight. But her head was slightly tilted - as if teasing them.

    "Lilith, seat down. Our family need a discussion" Harold said as he walks pass Blare and sat on the end of the table. In Harold''s left side was his wife, while beside his wife was his son.

    Blare stood still. Hearing the word family did not please the other soul. "What part do I fit in this family?" she asked while suppressing her discomfort.

    Blare - ever since she came here - felt Lilith''s, heavy heart. Lilith was angry, sad and pained. The love she was craving for this family was never given to her. She was not surprised by this reaction because she also dislikes them. Although she was willing to forgive, the despair Lilith''s sorrow will not easily vanish... or it might never vanish.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Harold solemnly looked at Blare''s complicated gaze. While the other two surprisingly stayed silent.

    "You''re my daughter," Harold stated.

    Blare laughed with sarcasm. "I guess?"

    "Then what am I to them?"

    She looked at Harry and Matilda. Both opened their mouths but tightly sealed it at the end - saying nothing.

    "She''s your mother and--"

    "I only have one mother. Lindsey Calpurnia" Blare interjected. Indicating her mother''s name with a loud yet calm tone.

    This was a slap at Matilda. It was a taboo in the family to talk about Lilith''s mother - especially in front of Harry and Matilda. It was rumoured that Harold still loves Lindsey, otherwise, why would the married couple still sleep separately? Added to the fact that Harold had never been intimate with Matilda ever since Harry was born.

    From the outsider''s view, their marriage is a decoration - which tarnished Matilda''s pride.

    Harry''s jaw clenched. "How dare you?"

    Blare raised a brow and asked innocently, "Did I lie?"

    "Lilith!" Her father shouted.

    Matilda - who should''ve shouted by now - remained steady while staring at Blare.

    "You''ve changed."

    Matilda''s tranquil voice made them silent. In Lilith''s memory, she would always catch Matilda stare at her like now. She thought it was because she was being scrutinized harshly but looking at it now, she wasn''t so sure anymore.

    "Dad said the same" Blare reacted.

    "...Why don''t you sit?"

    Although Matilda shows no signs of being an evil stepmother, Blare hesitated. She sighed inwardly and took a seat on the opposite side of her stepmother. After that, Matilda signalled one of the maids. Blare wasn''t given a second to think as the butlers and maids smoothly rush to serve a bunch of dishes in the long table. It was all served without much noise except for the ceramic plates being placed in the long wooden table. Confused, Blare''s expression distorted at the sight of substantial cuisines that can satisfy a small town.

    "What''s the occasion?"

    She saw how the family of three flinched at her innocent question. Harold helplessly looks at his wife. Before he could reply, Matilda already beat her to it.

    Matilda looked at her with a complicated gaze. "It''s for your return..."

    "A small feast to celebrate your return." She corrected.

    As much as Blare wanted to be moved, she just can''t. The woman before her looks forced yet sincere. She looks uneasy yet determined. Blare believed that she was repenting but Lilith believed that her stepmother''s action was another part of her scheme.

    ''If Lilith doesn''t believe Matilda right now, then what''s the use of forgiving? Other than forgiving, can she have a good relationship with her stepmother who she believed to be two-faced?''

    [It will be your choice if you wanted to fulfil it.]

    The system''s statement - or who she called Reyna - echoed in her mind.

    Blare blinked - as if she had woken up from a short dream. ''Although it has been years since I came into this world, Reyna''s advice feels like it was just explained yesterday.''

    She inexplicably felt puzzled but she cannot fathom the novel feeling and so, she decided to ignore it for now.

    Blare thoroughly scrutinized Matilda. She saw nothing wrong yet there was an unexplainable feeling that made her uncomfortable.

    "Thanks." She mouthed.

    Looking at the appetizing food before her, a crazy premonition entered her mind.

    ''What if it''s poisoned?''

    She lost her appetite at the thought. The food before her became threatening - causing her to nervously gulped.

    "But I''m not planning to return. I''m going back to my mom."

    This time, she musters out all her courage to convey her intention bluntly.

    Lilith wants to be with her mother and not in this family.

    The three looked at her in pure shock. Then the woman before her showed another expression - anger.

    Matilda loudly slammed her palm on the table. The well-arranged cuisines had suddenly cluttered. When Matilda slammed the table for the second time, the bottles of wine, wine glasses, utensils and ceramic plates entirely fell on the floor. The unpleasant sound of crashed glasses and silver utensils made Blare tremble.

    "You''re trying to ruin my family again!"

    A hateful scream made her hands shivered. She feels anxious and terrified. Her breathing became short as her head unconsciously bowed down - like a scared child being cornered by her greatest fear.

 Chapter 5.30: Lilith Winterburn

    "Mom! Stop!"

    Another scream reached her ears. In the next second, her long blonde hair was harshly pulled - causing her to fall off in her seat.

    "You bitch!! I should''ve killed you the first time you stepped your foot in this house!"

    Blare - who wasn''t able to fight back because of Lilith''s dilemma - woke up at Matilda''s slip of the tongue. She gripped on her hair and tried to let it out in Matilda''s grasp. Her scalp was starting to throb in pain because of the continuous pull.

    "Let go!" Blare yelled.

    A crisped slapped echoed in the hall. Then her hair was unexpectedly free from the woman''s clutch. Before she can stand up, a wrinkled hand supported her. Even if she already knew who the person was, she still glimpsed at him.

    Lilith''s father neither looks serious or stern as he usually was. Instead, he stared at her with a sad and apologetic look. As she stood up, she tried to fix her hair but gave up since some strands became tangled. Her simple blue dress was already wet with red wine. Luckily, the broken glasses did not injure her.

    As she was busy with herself, she failed to notice Harry''s conflicted emotion, Harold''s worried gaze, and Matilda''s dumbfounded face.

    "Ha-Harold... you...you slapped me...?"

    Matilda''s tone of disbelief made Blare turned her attention to them.

    Her anger rose up again when she looked over her stepdaughter. "It''s because of you!!!"

    She strode towards Blare and extended both of her arms to grab her hair once more. Before she could do so, Harold shielded his daughter while Harry hugged her mother''s waist to stop her from harming Blare. Harry is already a man and far exceeded his mother''s height, thus, he was able to hold his mother as she struggled like a madwoman.

    "If you didn''t mention going back to your mother!" Matilda took consecutive breaths and continued, "Harold would never leave me!!"

    After that, the woman stopped struggling. Her son slowly let her go and then she abruptly sat on the floor - like her legs just lost its bones. With her head bowed low, she covered her face with both hands. A wail of cry sounded in the large hall.

    "Bring your mother to her room." Harold''s suppressed irritation made Harry jumped.

    Like a trained soldier, he responded, "Yes, father."

    Harold shifted his attention to his wretched daughter and gently said, "Change your clothes, Amy will guide you."

    A maid shows up and was ready to guide Blare.

    "I''m fine, Dad. You should talk to your wife to avoid misunderstandings."

    Her casual remark made both men stunned.

    "Goodbye, thanks for inviting me" She took a glance at Harry as she thanked him.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    Blare softly smiles at Harold. "Bye Dad"

    She gracefully walked out of the large reception hall as if her hair wasn''t in a mess and her blue dress wasn''t wet with red wine. Blare did not care for her appearance at the moment. The most important thing for her was to get away to avoid irritating Matilda.

    ''That woman is going mad.'' She anxiously thought.

    Blare would always consider all possibilities - especially the most dangerous possibilities that can endanger her life. Matilda''s current condition scares her because if the woman was vengeful and insane enough - it may implicate her, Lilith, and Lilith''s mother in the future. As the saying goes, "you can never be too careful"

    As she reached the large door that she first entered, the same butler who led her in the hall was waiting for her at the same place.

    "Miss..." He pitifully called.

    She reassured him with a smile. "I''m fine, Al. Can you guide me where my car is?"

    Al - the butler - shook his head. "You don''t have to walk so far, Miss. Your car will arrive soon."

    As if on cue, her blue car appeared and stopped right in front of Al.

    "Thank you." She smiled softly to Al and to a young man who safely parked her car.

    ________________

    The third day arrived without complications. Currently, she is getting ready for the interview to end the public''s speculations as well as her connection with Aiken. It is also to redeem Lilith''s reputation - something that Blare was aiming for.

    Rhieanne stared at her and started fixing her appearance. Any small dirt that she sees will be wiped out with a clean cloth. She checked Blare''s grey suit incase the fabric was unkempt or crease.

    Lance only gave her a look that says "you''re-worrying-too-much"

    Rhieanne rolled her eyes at him and inspected Blare for the last time until she nodded in satisfaction.

    "Are you really ready for the interview? You didn''t even let me provide a script for them." Rhieanne sighed in distress.

    Blare did not mind her and solely stared at the ring that was worn on her ring finger - on her left hand.

    The two subordinates curiously looked at her infinity ring.

    Finally, Lance could not hide his curiosity and asked, "You bought that?"

    Blare smiled and covered the infinity ring with her right hand. She wasn''t able to answer him because the online interview was starting.

    Lance attention diverted. He started re-checking the pile of documents he brought. While Rhieanne did not think too much about her infinity ring. She watched Blare in the sidelines quietly - for fear that something might go wrong.

    Ever since she learned that Blare might have offended someone, she didn''t dare to relax. Rhieanne guarded Blare more and made sure everything was handled perfectly.

    It didn''t take long before the interview started. A poised woman - who wore a dark red lipstick - greeted Blare with respect.

    "Ms. Lilith Winterburn, I''m Yrma Tabeau and I''ll be asking you a few questions... Thank you for accepting our request."

    Both shook each other hands and smiled at one other.

    "Your channel is the most viewed in all part of the United Kingdom. Who would deny your invitation?" Blare questioned Yrma with a naive facade.

    Yrma''s smile stiffened at her words but quickly replaces it with a giggle. Their channel or media outlet is popular for exposing a lot of minor celebrities and other small companies by revealing their dirt and terrible side. However, they never offended celebrities with a strong backer, a successful company that could destroy them, especially the government and the monarch. Even if Blare was aware of this, they didn''t mind.

    After all, Yrma and her team see Blare as a small businesswoman who hasn''t made her name yet - that is why she was an easy target.

    "This is an online broadcast, Ms. Lilith. I''m afraid you can''t excuse yourself at any time," Yrma told her in a soothing voice.

    Yrma is certainly a professional interviewer. Aside from her beauty - Yrma knows how to thrill the viewers through her questions and remarks. She is also famous and idolized by many people.

    "I''ll keep that in mind... Shall we start?" She asked and Ymir nodded.

    The two women sat comfortably yet their posture was straight and noble. With soft smiles, the interview commenced in a warm atmosphere.

    The online broadcast lasted for 15 minutes.

    The last question made the interview end pathetically - simply because the other woman became speechless in fear.

 Chapter 5.31: Lilith Winterburn

    In the neat department, a group of people sat on their own stations. All of them kept quiet and stared at nothing. The one who has the worst appearance is a dazed woman. With her red lipstick, the paleness of her face became more eminent.

    The door opened slowly - creating a creaking sound that made them tremble.

    "Yrma, the boss is calling you." The indifferent voice of her colleague made her ashamed.

    Yrma stood up weakly. "I''ll be there."

    She walked towards the boss''s office at a steady pace. Her other colleagues peeked at her actions which made her movements more rigid.

    Upon entering the boss''s office, a thick stack of papers came flying at her. It hit her chest and then she staggered backwards.

    "Look at what you did!"

    The loud voice of her boss made her frown. Yrma silently closed the door and kept her head low.

    Her boss was fuming. "This wouldn''t have happened if you asked her relationship with the Ace first!"

    Yrma frowned more. ''Then the show wouldn''t be interesting.'' She decided to hide her thoughts. Reasoning with the old man before her would not end well.

    She deeply breathes to calm her nerves. After staying silent for a short time, her eyes regained its lights when she found a solution to their problem.

    "Boss... Isn''t the Charlestons on our side? Maybe we could--"

    She was stopped when her boss hushed her.

    The old man - her boss - angrily whispered. "Shut up! What if someone hears you?"

    Yrma tightly shut her lips and nodded.

    He sighed. "I already called them... and they only advised me."

    Yrma gritted her teeth and whispered. "They''re not gonna do anything? Are they planning to pin the blame on us?!"

    The boss gives her a meaningful look. She squinted her eyes and questioned him through her gaze.

    "You should resign."

    That''s when she received the answer.

    "They''re... They''re blaming me?!" She yelled in shock.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    "No way! No way!!" Yrma started screaming as the tears in her eyes ruined her eyeliner.

    "Guards!!"

    At the call of her boss, two guards held her arms and forcefully pulled her out of the office.

    "I don''t want to lose this job!! Boss!"

    Her colleagues looked at her with pity but all she can see is their mockery.

    She bowed her head low and stopped resisting.

    "Let go." She ordered.

    When the guards refused to, she snapped and yelled at them. "Let go!! I''m going to pack my things!"

    She forcefully pulled her arms. Once she was free from the guards gripped, she fiercely strode towards her department. She casually wiped her tears and walked with her head held up - showing that she was not bothered.

    ________________

    The information about Blare''s engagement with Ace spread in the whole country. It was only possible using Yrma''s popularity with the masses.

    Blare did not deny Lilith''s past through the interview but claimed that she had changed and no longer carried any feelings for Aiken.

    When asked why and Yrma jokingly exclaimed that Blare might have fallen for Ace - she did not refute it. Even declaring that she and Ace were engaged by showing the infinity ring on her left hand.

    The reason why Yrma became speechless is that Blare proved that she was not a "mere businesswoman". Blare had strong backing that was shielding her - which stunned Yrma and her team. In the end, Blare was the one who spoke to end the whole broadcast.

    After Yrma''s resignation, news about her spread - some unknown individual made a whole article about Yrma and it wrote about how she tried to ruin Lilith''s career by highlighting her past.

    Many believed it because it was Yrma who first reported about Lilith - deliberately ruining her image. Then a bunch of media outlets also followed to stressed Lilith''s negative side.

    Soon, the people did not focus on her anymore and their attention shifted towards Yrma and the media outlets who put Lilith in a bad light.

    "Why don''t you sue those media outlets for slander? They tried to ruin your career!" Rhieanne pursed her lips unhappily.

    Blare inwardly sighed. "If I do that then I would have more enemies... The worse enemies, Rhieanne."

    Rhieanne exhaled sharply and spoke in a whisper. "...You have Ace?"

    Blare looked at her tiredly. "He helped me enough. That''s it."

    She turned her attention to the guy who was busy typing on his laptop. "Lance, how many people sold their stocks?"

    "Five."

    Blare''s right eye twitched. "You got all of them?"

    Lance - who was still focused on his laptop - frowned. "Two of them are making a ridiculous demand. Each of the two have over 5% stocks on Emperio... and both of them are trying to sell it for 10 million pounds."

    Blare mockingly scoffed. "And their buyers?"

    Only then did Lance looked at Blare. With furrowed brows, he reported, "The Charlestons."

    Rhieanne gasped in horror while Blare gritted her teeth in anger.

    Blare breathed silently to restrain her emotion. "Was it Aiken?"

    "Not sure. The only information that the private detective found is the existence of a third-person. That third-person is being instructed by the Charlestons to buy the Emperio''s stocks."

    Lance turned his attention to his laptop screen - as if he was reading something. "These two investors did not accept my offer of 3 million... even though there''s an additional 1 million - clearly a much higher offer than the Charlestons."

    Blare laughed sarcastically. "Those leeches..."

    "Don''t accept their demands. If they won''t accept the 3 million, let them be." She stated as her eyes glint.

    Lance glanced at her. "Are you letting them in?"

    Blare beamed her smile to her two assistants. "The best way to know your enemies is by keeping them closer."