Vielle's POV
I woke up with a headache so intense I was convinced a cursed author crawled into my brain and typed their next trauma chapter directly into my skull.
"Ow, ow, ow- why does it feel like I banged my head on wall"
Wait.
I sat up slowly.
That last night dream...
That voice. That chilling, cold whisper
"No matter what you do, the plot will bring you back. And I will make sure of it."
I clutched my temples, blinking at the ceiling. "What kind of Final Destination fanfiction am I living in?!"
Was it... a warning?
Or just my trauma with a budget?
"Is this because I poured wine on myself like a psycho last night?! I wasn't supposed to do that! That wasn't even in the OG story!"
I paced the floor dramatically.
"SHIT. SHIT. SHIT. Did I just unlock a secret death route? Am I triggering hidden endings now?"
My brain: Text Dante. Apologize. Save your life.
Me: "Why should I?!"
My brain: Do you like breathing??
Other brain: But did you see Alina's face when I poured that wine?! That girl was scared to death"
...I started laughing.
Maniacally.
For like two seconds.
Then the reality check hit me like karma
"Wait what if I really die this time?! WHAT IF HE'S GONNA KILL ME FOR REAL NOW?! I didn't even get to go to a beach vacation! Or eat instant noodles by the pool like a drama queen!"
I dropped onto the carpet face-first and groaned into the floor.
"I am too pretty to die again. Especially in a plot that's clearly anti-me."
---
I rolled out of bed, dragging my blanket
When I stepped out of the room, something was suspicious.
Too suspicious.
The hallway? Silent.
The staff? Whispering.
I tiptoed to the main stairwell, peeking down into the front hall.
Peace.
No shouting.
No chaos.
No morning insults from my sister sipping her 8th coffee like it's holy water.
No maids being terrorized by my mom for folding napkins wrong.
Just... silence?
I squinted like a raccoon
"This house is never peaceful. This is sus. This is mafia-level sus."
One of the maids spotted me and bowed. "Good morning, Lady Vielle."
"Where is everyone?" I asked, eyes narrowed.
"They've already left for the day."
"...Just like that? No dramatic exit speeches? No parting slaps? No flying heels?"
She shook her head. "No, my lady. They left early. Your father had a business call. Your mother accompanied him. And your sister... left with them."
I gasped. "So they literally came, ruined my mental peace, and vanished?! Like smoke?!"
She hesitated. "I... yes?"
"Ughhh whatever. Good for me. Time for me to start healing."
---
I sat down in the dining room and start having my breakfast in peace for the first time since entering this cursed mafia book.
Toast. Butter. A tiny cake I didn't order but claimed anyway.
One of the younger maids watched me nervously.
"What?" I asked.
"You just look... really calm today, my lady."
"I'm trying this thing called survival," I said with a smile. "I've decided not to die this week."
She blinked. "I-I think that's a great goal..."
Everyone : I think mistress injured her head way too badly that night....
---
I called my personal manager.
"Cancel everything. I'm focusing on my mental health today."
He stuttered through the phone. "Even the fashion meeting with—?"
"ESPECIALLY that. I'm reviving my soul. No events. No drama. Just serotonin."
I got dressed in a soft cream sweater, designer casual pants, and sunglasses so big they could double as shields.
"Take me to the fanciest restaurant in town," I told my driver.
---
We arrived at this classy restaurant where the forks cost more than my past life's rent.
As I entered, the staff bowed and guided me politely.
Everything was going well-
Until I passed a room.
A VIP section.
And I heard a voice that made my soul flatline.
"Two months," Dante's voice thundered. "It's been two months, and you still haven't found who tried to take her? The bodies are already disposed yet No leads. Nothing?"
I froze.
Statue. Paralyzed.
My fingers curled around my bag
"I want everyone involved found. Every rat. Every loose thread. I won't let Alina live in fear because of that night."
...That night.
That phrase shattered my last two brain cells like cheap glass.
"WAIT. HOLY SHIT. HE'S TALKING ABOUT HER PARENTS. HER BACKSTORY. THE PART WHERE OG VIELLE HAD PAID THEM TO TAKE HER AWAY"
HOW THE HECK I FORGOT THAT!
And who's the OG Vielle now?
ME.
ME ME.
I wanted to faint in my overpriced heels.
"OHMYGOD. THIS IS A NEW ROUTE. THIS IS A SECRET ENDING. HE'S UNLOCKING THE MAFIA VENGEANCE PATH AND I'M THE TARGET."
I stared at the wall like it would offer me a quick teleport out of this dimension.
"Miss?" the waiter said gently.
I whipped my head to him with a smile so forced my face cracked. "Actually! I just remembered! I'm on a very deep, intense juice cleanse. Spiritually fasting. I can't eat. Or sit. Or exist. Gotta go!"
---
I ran back to the car like a rat from a trap.
"DRIVE," I hissed. "BACK TO THE MANSION. NOW. STEP ON IT."
The driver didn't ask.
I love that for us.
In the backseat, I sat trembling
"This is bad. This is SO BAD. He's digging into the past. If he finds out what Vielle did to Alina's family- or that she's the one who paid them to harm Alina.....'m gonna end up six feet under before episode 10."
I looked out the window, wind in my hair, sunglasses slightly askew.
Mental Note : No more expensive restaurants.
I am fine with my instant noodles and hotpot
I took a deep breath.
I need a new plan....
Meanwhile
Dante noticed how Viella just peeked and ran out just like a mouse caught in a trap.
Officially he thought she followed him but after seeing her expression he doesnt think that was the case.
"Investigate Properly"
"Yes boss"
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TO BE CONTINUED