《How to survive an arranged marriage》 hell after hell Chapter 1 "Your highness, Claudette. the king is asking for your presence." announced my personal maid, as she knocks on my chamber''s door. Laying down on the cold marble floor, I wipe the blood off my left wrist that has new self-inflicted scars. Quickly, I pull down the thin laced sleeve of my elegant dress. "Tell him I''ll be right there." I say, my voice soft and melodic. I hear her walking away and I stand up feeling like crap. As I walk down the halls, I feel off. the walls that I didn''t grow up to, portraits of me that isn''t my own face, and people that I don''t even know. It all makes me feel alone in this one of a hell world. I arrive in front of my father''s office door. my heart beating irregularly and I''m feeling nervous. I knock three times. *KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK.* As I walk inside the office, my body instinctively feeling the invisible thread of pressure. "You''re here, dear." he says, his tone quiet and demanding authority. I shift uncomfortably under his cold gaze. "I have found a worthy husband for you." "You will do this for us, right? because you love your family..." he continues. A deep and low voice cuts me off just as I was about to respond. "My dear sister... are you truly happy with this?" It was my older brother, Ulyseus. I was silent for a moment until I flash a bright and pretty smile. "Of course, brother!" I say cheerfully. Ulyseus lets out a low soft chuckle as he approaches and wraps an arm around my waist. "Good girl" he whispers to my ear, making me shudder subtly. *** I thought that my life would be better when I crash into a truck while I was driving my car. I thought that this dumb, tiresome life will finally come to an end and I could FINALLY rest. But as always, I was wrong. I reincarnated as a princess in an era I wasn''t even familiar with, and it was a novel that I once read years ago, and, to make my life even more worse than it already is, I''m being forced to survive a life that was just as cruel as my past life. What the hell did I do wrong for God to hate me like this? Even if I were to be reincarnated as a princess, couldn''t it be at least have a decent life? "Mmph.." I can feel my body go numb and more calmer as I let out a soft and quiet hiss. feeling the cold and metal blade against my skin. I always resort to self-harm whenever something happens and I want to feel more calmer and controlled. Nobody has noticed. yet. Out of all the things I could''ve bring into this life, it just has to be my habit of self-harm. Before I became this Claudette Florence Se Alitzel--- I was an adopted daughter of a wealthy family in Korea. Being adopted and once coming from a poor background, I knew nothing about the wealthy life or how things worked around politics. I didn''t know much Korean, so my parents hired a tutor for me. I studied well, ate well, and I treated people well. In the family, I had one older brother. I thought he was a nice person and nothing like my monstrous father, but I thought wrong. Although treated well outside, the inside of my family home was all chaos. everyone was always fighting over something new each day and I was always the target of my father. The only person I had was my older brother. He treated me well and tended my wounds when I was hurt by my father''s beatings. Everything was going well. until I had come back with a low score on an exam. That day, I saw my older brother differently. He was just the same as my father. In a blink of an eye, I was already beaten badly by him. I could barely open my eyes. Stolen story; please report. After that incident, I played the role of the cheerful, obedient, and innocent daughter. A way to survive until I finally get my hands on my own house and live far away from this shitty family. That did happen. I got to live on my own, but it didn''t last long. After the car incident, I wake up and I found myself as Claudette Florence Se Alitzel. A princess of a novel I once read. She was the only daughter of the southern king. A story about two kingdoms that wants everybody to unite and have a sense of teamwork. I never finished the side story, but what I do know is that, I will die at the hands of my husband. Claudette randomly went crazy like a madman and killed the male lead''s sister and best friend. It was as if she was someone new. Her husband, Ozias Wellington De Salvatore. was the only son of the northern kingdom and is the grand duke. Having to witness his mother get killed protecting him, he suddenly went cold after that. In the novel, he didn''t like Claudette. He liked his sister''s best friend, Kirim La Katz. Everyone in the northern kingdom liked Kirim and thought that she and Ozias would be the future queen of the northern kingdom, until Claudette arrived. Claudette was rude to everyone, including Ozias'' sister. demanding Kirim and Ozias'' sister, Lilian. she had them over her thighs like a dog, demanding that she has to be followed with no exception because she''s to be the future queen. Claudette poisons Lilian. Leading to Ozias'' sisters death. Ozias went crazy because not so long after that, his best friend dies at the hands of Claudette. At the end, Ozias goes out to find his wife and Claudette ends up dying with the hands of her husband. A fact that I do remember is that, when she first arrived to the North, she had countless of rumors circling around her. be it that she was supposedly the South''s whore princess, or that one rumor that she kisses her brother. But one good rumor is that she''s the renowned angel of the southern kingdom---it was just a stupid act of the OG Claudette. Although I would say that some rumors were... true. *** I hear someone walk inside my chambers and I quickly pull down my dress'' sleeves. It was none other than my older brother, Ulyseus. I quickly flash a bright and cheerful smile. "Older brother..." I say acting like a pouty and a sad child. "My dear, Florence.." He says. his lips curl to a affectionate smile and almost taunting. He always calls me by my middle name, and I hate it. I hate it so much. "Why do you look sad, Florence?" "I... I just don''t wanna be separated from brother..." I say in response, looking at him like a pitiful and vulnerable woman. I see that Ulyseus slightly freezes and he lets out a soft chuckle, reaching out and gently brushing his palm against my cheek. "I''m glad that the prettiest woman alive cares for me." "Of course, brother! I love you so much..." "Then, would Florence share another secret between her big brother?" Before I could even respond, he had already leaned in and captured my lips in a passionate kiss. I felt like I could throw up everything I ate right here and there. he gently pushes me back to the chair tilting my head up as he continues his assault. I hate it. I hate this feeling. Famous best friend of the grand duke Chapter 2 Endure it. You have to. When that damn bastard Ulyseus finally pulls away, I know I have to pull my strings right to not get a beating again. I have to be better, be more innocent, harmless, and cheerful. I know that this family is messed up, one wrong move and you''re gone for good. A disgrace is what they say often. Anyhow, Ulyseus Is a bit different. Unlike my father, he never hesitates to make me feel like shit and to make it at least a secret that I, Claudette. Is nothing but his small pawn to this world full of snakes that are always trying to bite each other''s neck. He smiles at me, warmly. God, I feel sick to my stomach... "I''ll miss you, brother.." I say acting vulnerable, purring my cheek against his palm. "Ah, Florence... don''t worry, I''ll find a way to get you back." "Really, Brother?" God, I hope not. I don''t wanna go back here, but considering it''s Ulyseus, he''ll always have something to his sleeves. I hate it so much. that look he gives me. Is this bastard willingly trying to show his love to his dear sister right here? "Of course, Florence... You''ll be back." I feel a shiver go down my spine and I force a smile on my face, looking angelic as ever. I came to a realization that, even if I were to avoid poisoning Ozias'' sister, I will still have to face the wrath of the rumors surrounding me. In the past when I became Claudette, I was barely an adult. being 16 at that time. I thought I was getting a chance to be a better person, but I was wrong. Claudette''s biological mother---my mother. got kicked out by my father because she was caught fooling around with some knights, getting caught midway of their activity in her chambers. My father hated her. Though they had me, Claudette. I thought that this life was finally gonna be my goal of being saved from my previous hell of a life. I followed everything they wanted me to do. Marrying me off to some boys, I was barely of age. To be the kingdoms savior of corrupt, they say. Out of all the guys I was married off to, only one of them is someone I actually liked. A son of the count. He was a great man, he protected me against others and respected my boundaries. for the first time, I saw home. But someone had to ruin it. while in a small ball hosted by my father, he was a bit tipsy. Ulyseus with his one of a hell mind, had a plan to humiliate him. When he was tipsy enough, some of his friends got him up on a small stage my father made for the musicians to play music. Everything was fine, until his pants got pulled down by some kind of string that was somehow connected to his pants. That was enough reason for my father to make me divorce him. the mind behind it was always my brother. Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.always making a way for me to come back to them---to him. "You''ll be back after a few months. I promise." "I''m looking forward to it, brother." Of course, I wasn''t. I wanna be far away from this shitty place. And never come back. *** "My dear claudette." my father says as he smiles at me, warmly. pulling me towards him and hugging me. Tears flow down my cheeks, thank god. this was a way for me to deceive them once more. I''m silently thanking my previous self for knowing how to cry like those famous actors. Even if i didn''t know how to, I have to force myself. I have to. "your highness, claudette.." I hear my personal maid''s voice. I hug her tightly. Out of everyone in this place, she''s the only one that helped me. hiding me whenever my father gets mad and goes looking for me, cooking food for me, and actually making me feel like a person. I never once felt the need to put up a front whenever i''m with her. I was enjoying the moment until Ulyseus has to ruin everything again. "Florence.." He says as he gets small locks of my long silky hair and he gently kisses it, not breaking eye contact with me. "Come visit me okay? brother?" "Yes, of course, my dear sister." "You promise?" "I promise" I gently smile at him, my eyes innocent and gentle. I can hear the horses coming and I already can''t wait to get the hell out of this place. As the fancy carriage makes its appearance, I feel my shoulders slightly relaxing. As I look at the knights that came to escort me, I notice a blond haired boy that stands out. my eyes slightly widen as i stare at him. It was Ozias'' best friend, Luketon Salazar. Commonly known as "Luke". *** Luke and Ozias weren''t that close when they first met each other. Luke, being the son of Ozias'' father''s loyal knight. immediately made Luke want to get closer to Ozias. they were only 1 year apart. Luke had this wonderful skill at being a knight. His blond hair, lean figure, green eyes, slightly tanned skin, and that damn observant personality made him popular amongst the northern kingdom. For I, had only heard tales about him and his journey with Ozias. Through the following years they spent together, Ozias slowly softens up with Luke. although still cold, there''s been improvements. Luke, Ozias, Lilian, and Kirim. were popular and is called the "Face card quadros" because of the fact that none of them has a single flaw on their face. *** "Your highness, claudette. It''s nice to meet you" Luke says as he makes his approach with that famous charming smile. I can feel my breath slightly hitch. Luke''s blond hair looked like gold shining against the sunlight. Truly, the rumors of him does him justice. The Grand Duke Makes An Appearance Chapter 3 Damn! that damned face of him! "Ah, It''s nice to meet you too, sir luketon." I say as I glance at his face, his striking face. "Luke. Just Luke." He says with a charming smile. Some more knights chimed in, introducing themselves. while Luke leads me in the carriage, I can feel my older brother''s gaze on me---Its a bad gaze. I had always hated that look he gives me. It''s disgusting, annoying, and uncomfortable to the bone. I was now seated inside the carriage. my mind is a mess, my heart beating slightly faster than normal. am i excited? A faint genuine smile curls up onto my lips, I put a hand over my chest, feeling my heart beating. I don''t like feeling like this, because something always happens when I''m happy. But, God. I hope this lasts. The ride to the north was pleasant to say the least. I had a lot of fun looking at the scenery and taking glances at Luke. *** Luke, in the novel, was also described as someone who''s a bit short-tempered. Ozias has to deal with his shit almost everyday. That charming personality was... a facade. well, not really. He''s nice, but he can''t help but be short-tempered when something goes wrong. Rumour has it that, Luke. Has taken a liking to Ozias'' sister, Lilian. She''s the same as her brother. Cold yet infuriatingly attractive. Can I blame Luke though? With that face, she''s like a doll. On the way to the north, unfolds a scenery beautiful like flowers. bathed in the gentle hues of eventide. wild roses, in their delicate blush, adorning the foreground. the air, still and calm, the light soft and casting a gentle light on my porcelain skin. I''m not the type to enjoy such scenery, but since i''m finally parting with that damned house, I feel lighter. A breeze goes by and I catch a small petal of a flower. A smile appears on my face, my heart feeling lighter than before, my posture relaxed. Though, gone, the scars beneath my sleeves will always remind me of the hardships I had to endure. *** The carriage comes to a halt, Luke guiding me down the carriage. A magnificent edifice of stone doth rise before me, its countless spires, piercing the skies like quills of a celestial bird, are adorned with intricate carvings. the windows having an elegant arch, the castle before me, surrounded by flowers. Knights were on either side of the castle. big and reliable. A girl appears, cold as ice, holding an elegant grace to her attitude. "Welcome, lady Claudette." She speaks, her voice sounding regal. It was none other than Lilian. Her hair goes down to her waist, her hair being silvery snowy white, but just one that''s the right color. her skin, spotless. "Greetings, Lady Lilian." I greet her with a warm and sweet smile, that damned smile instinctively appearing on my face. "Please, drop the formalities. we are soon to be family." "hehe, then, may I call you just Lilian?" "Of course, Claudette." As I follow her down while she tours me around, I sneakily take glances at her. I can''t help it! The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. She''s as beautiful as they say! she''s tall, too. "Rose. Meet Claudette. She''s soon to be my brother''s wife. you shall treat her with respect" "Of course, my lady.." the maid says as she looks at me. ah.. that look. I''m familiar with that look. eyes that look hostile, the smile that doesn''t reach to their eyes, and their tone hiding a different meaning. "Nice to meet you! you can call me Claudette" I say cheerfully. "Lady Claudette... welcome to the North." Rose says as she scans my whole being. *** "Hey, are you not gonna ask me about your wife?" Luke says as he crosses his arms, looking at Ozias whos sitting down and cleaning his sword. "Wife.. is an over statement." "How is it an over statement?" "SOON. to be wife." Luke sighs, shaking his head. Ozias has always been like this. he doesn''t really care for anything. Luke looks away, looking at the knights far from them, training. suddenly, he lets out a chuckle and glances at Ozias. "She''s small." "...She''s small?" Ozias asks, halting with cleaning his sword. "Very! She''s pretty like a porcelain doll. her skin is pale too" "I don''t care.." *** The day was exhausting! Lilian showed me around the castle. I must say, the scenery here is more peaceful than the south. Although, the maids here doesn''t like me that much. probably because I ''stole'' the spot for Kirim. I was about to sleep, I was already tucked in. until i heard a knock on my window, I got up, approaching the window and there he was. His gaze was cold like how my family looks at me. He, Ozias. was tall. his striking handsome face, lean figure, silvery hair like his sister, and that damn gaze that reminds me of my family. What the hell was he even doing? does this guy not know how to go by a door? "You." "You''re Claudette?" He says immediately as I open window by the balcony. "Um.. yup! thats me." I say with a bright and sweet smile. I see Ozias tense up and he frowns. "Your smile... Its ugly." My smile subtly falters. this bastard is rude! "My smile?" "Yeah. It''s ugly." I can feel my blood boiling just from him. the moonlight behind him was giving him a subtle glow, his emotionless cold face having a slight smirk plastered on it. "This marriage is simply because of politics. I will never like you." What!? As if I''ll like him too, the hell!? He turns his back on me, preparing to leave. I can''t let him go, I can''t. If i do, I''ll have to return to that damned house! I have to do something. Anything! "I- I love you!" I bluntly spat out, the words urgently leaving my mouth. I glance up at him, he froze. He look back at me with a frown. "You''re weird." Damn it! this damn bastard- "Hmph, I don''t care if you love me." He says and leaves, leaving me alone in my chambers. I have to survive. I have to. otherwise that shithead of a brother will take me back to the house again. Damn you, Ozias! I''ll do everything to get you on my side. Just you wait !