I am not the Villainess

Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2 

It was one winter night.  

At the entrance, the guests can’t help but pause in awe as they took in the beautifully decorated ballroom. Although they did expect the party to be grand considering how powerful the hosts of this event are, what they are seeing now was far from what they’ve envisioned. 

The ballroom has a gold and black theme to it. The high ceiling was decorated with golden drapes and three glittering crystal chandeliers that illuminated the entire room. The tables and chairs, which were clothed in white and gold, were arranged on both sides of the room, leaving an open dancefloor at the center.  The buffet table was also set up, and beside it is an exhibit of a gigantic ice sculpture of the Swan. Aside from that, the 8-tiered marble cake in front of the stage is also not to be missed. 

In no time, the ballroom was filled with guests in their long dresses and suits. Some were already forming groups and exchanging business cards, while others were sipping champagne and listening to the melody played by a group of violinists, harpists, and pianists at the far end of the hall. 

Meanwhile, inside the room just right next to the ballroom, Jane was trembling and restless as she sat on a sofa and stared at the clock on the wall. Moments passed and all Jane could hear was the ticking of the clock and the sound of her fast heartbeat. 

Jane was wearing a black off-shoulder ballgown with small diamonds scattered all around the skirt that glitters when caught by the light. Her hair was pulled up into a beautiful crown braid, and her jewelry was made with real diamonds that finished her extravagant look. 

She looked very beautiful, alright. However, Jane sees this extravagance as nothing but a costume she has to wear to fit in.  

Jane is the illegitimate daughter of the notorious Julio Dela Vega, also known as the king of the business world. The Dela Vegas owns several hotels, resorts, and malls all around the world. They are known as the leading and considered one of the richest families in the world. As such, to say that they are powerful would be an understatement. They are formidable.  

But to have an illegitimate daughter—and from a maid, that is—is a shame to the family. It’s a weakness that could ruin the image and the name of the Dela Vegas. As such, Jane’s existence is a nuisance that the Dela Vegas wish to remove.  

For some reason, however, Julio didn’t abandon Jane and instead allowed her to live in the Dela Vega’s estate. But this doesn’t mean she was treated nicely. Jane was bullied by her stepfamily, like a typical Cinderella story. She even thought living in an orphanage or on the streets would have been much better.  

Jane was only allowed to eat after the main family has finished. She doesn’t have any freedom that she can’t go out and do as she pleased. She even has to be home-schooled, and her teacher was the worst. Jane’s teacher refuses to teach her and reasoned that she can do it by herself. Basically, the teacher gets paid without doing anything. 

Additionally, Jane’s step-sister, Joanne, bullies her, steals her things, and blames Jane for her faults, causing Jane to receive harsh punishments from her step-mom or her father. And because the master of the house didn’t treat Jane well, the maids and other staff working in the estate were no different. They would give her rotten food, ruin her clothes, and would sometimes do petty things to her like pouring dirty water over her head.  

But tonight, everything will change. Tonight, Jane will finally turn 18 and will be officially engaged to the love of her life, Carl.  

Carl Rodriguez is the heir of the Rodriguez Corp., one of the leading companies in the world. They are popular in the automotive industry and their brand is known worldwide. They are powerful though not comparable to the Dela Vegas. 

Jane and Carl’s engagement is arranged by their parents in order to merge their companies. Although one-sided, Jane has loved Carl since the first day she met him.  

They first met 10 years ago in the garden inside the Dela Vega’s estate. Jane was crying from the bullies of her step-sister, and Carl came to comfort her. She was blinded by his kindness and handsome face that she began having a crush on him.  

Carl, however, is a known playboy. He’s an expert when it comes to making girls fall in love with him, and Jane was no exception. Jane knows Carl does not like her as much as she did, so she just chose to be satisfied that they will at least be engaged together. 

After several minutes of trembling and uneasiness, the door to Jane’s room finally opened revealing the hotel staff assigned to call her in.  

This is it. 

Jane breathed in and out before she stood up and followed the staff towards the grand door of the ballroom where she will be entering. 

Seconds later, the door opened and Jane was welcomed with a blinding light following her every move towards the center of the stage. The hall was filled with the applause of the guests and the flashing and clicking of several cameras. 

Jane stood in front, and she was followed by Carl who stood right next to her. Carl was wearing a black suit that matched her gown. 

“Happy birthday, Jane.” Carl suddenly whispered beside her while the MC was speaking. 

“T-thanks.” Jane stuttered. 

Thankfully, the guests’ attention was directed to the MC because otherwise, they might see Jane’s flushed red cheeks. 

Jane could feel her heartbeat starting to race as she felt Carl’s body getting closer to her. However, her giddiness suddenly disappeared and was replaced by sudden chills when Carl whispered again to her, 

“But be informed that I am not happy of this engagement. You better prepare yourself, Jane.” Carl said and Jane could swear she could feel him smirk beside her. 

Jane couldn’t hear anything else, and she started trembling again. She didn’t even realize that the introductory speeches had ended. Carl had also left to somewhere, and she was left alone on the stage. 

What was that?  Jane thought.  

The Carl she knew wasn’t like that. He’s supposed to be lovely and kind, not cold and cruel. But that’s exactly what Jane felt earlier. He was threatening her. 

With that realization, Jane froze.  

No, she doesn’t want to marry a guy that would make the rest of her life more miserable than it already is. Jane loved him, but she wants to live a happy life. 

Should I run? But the Dela Vegas would surely find me no matter what, especially if I embarrassed them like this. 

Jane was running out of ideas. She wanted to escape so bad, but she knew, more than anyone else, that the Dela Vegas is not someone she could mess with. She could die! 

Die...death...  

When the word came to Jane’s mind, all of the pain and suffering she experienced for the last 13 years, came crashing down to her. She had a miserable life, but never once thought of ending it, not until now. 

She thought at some point in her life she’ll find the happiness she was looking for. But, now, that hope shattered right in front of her. Jane can’t escape from the Dela Vegas, and maybe through this engagement she can, but only to be bound to another anguish called Carl.  

Maybe, this life was just not for her. 

Albeit, Jane came back from being lost in her thoughts when a voice called her. It was also then that she realized she was just stupidly standing there in front of everybody. Good thing that the guests didn’t notice as they were busy expanding their connections. 

“Jane!” 

Jane turned to see Alice, her best friend walking towards her. Jane smiled and met her by the stairs. 

“Alice!” she called back as she pulled Alice for a slight hug. 

“What’s wrong? Are you okay? You look kinda pale.” Alice asked with worried eyes. 

Jane laughed nervously. 

“Oh, it’s nothing. I guess I was just very nervous for tonight.” Jane reasoned though it was also not a lie. 

“Well, it is your special day, so I guess being nervous is normal,” Alice said and chuckled. “Oh, by the way, I have a surprise for you!”  

Jane looked at her confused when a familiar man caught her eye. Jane’s eyes widened as she covered her mouth in shock. 

“Oh my gosh! Master! How?” Jane gasped and looked at Alice questioningly. 

Alice chuckled at Jane’s reaction and called her companion to come closer. 

“He’s my escort for today,” Alice answered and gave Jane a wink. 

“Happy birthday, Jane!” The man greeted and pulled Jane for a hug. 

The man is William Carter, but Jane calls him Master.  

For 13 years of her life, Jane suffered tremendously. Her only escape was through training martial arts and swordsmanship, and Master William was the one who trained her.  

They first met 10 years ago, when Jane first attempted to run away from home. As young as she was, she got lost and found herself in danger. A group of men surrounded her and was about to do bad things to her when Master William came and saved her. 

Since then, Jane started training under Master William, but she kept it a secret from the Dela Vegas. Although, she doubts that they had no idea what she was doing for 10 years considering their power and connections. But even if they knew or not, they didn’t do anything about it and just let Jane be.  

It’s unusual, but Jane chose to ignore it and continued her training. 

“Master, I’m glad you’re here!” Jane cried and hugged William even tighter. 

William was more than a master and a coach to Jane. He was like her father who guided her and loved her like her own daughter.  

Seeing William at that moment, Jane remembered her thoughts from earlier. How could she think of dying when there are still people who are there for her. Alice, who had been her best friend for more than 13 years, and Master William, who stood as her father.  

Looking back to how much these two people have helped her, Jane was on a verge of tears. She felt guilty of even thinking about leaving them.  

“Of course, Jane. I won’t miss your 18th birthday for the world!” William replied and chuckled.  

Jane let go of the hug and managed to keep herself composed. 

“Thank you... thank you for coming, it really means a lot. And thank you, Alice. Thank you both for everything.” Jane smiled at them with all the sincerity she could offer. She wants them to know how grateful she is for meeting them and having them in her life.  

Alice and William smiled back to her, and they pulled Jane to the table allotted to them. 

The three of them talked and enjoyed the rest of the party together. Except when Jane has to go back on stage for some party formalities. It wasn’t really the typical 18th birthday, instead, it was more like a business party.  

Jane didn’t mind though. This was the only time she could attend such an event, and she, at least, have Alice and William with her. Also, Carl was nowhere to be seen which calmed Jane’s nerves a lot. 

And like that, the evening passed by quickly. 

The guests started leaving and only a few people were left, including Jane, Alice, William, the staff, and the Dela Vega and Rodriguez family. 

When the Rodriguez’ was about to leave, Julio called Jane. It was then that Jane saw Carl for the first time after he walked out earlier. 

“Jane, you’re going to Carl’s house tonight,” he announced. Carl and Jane turned to him almost simultaneously.  

“What?!” Carl reacted first, but Jane kept her mouth shut, not daring to talk back to her father. 

“Son.” Carl’s father warned in a strict tone. Carl only shook his head and stared back at Julio again with blazing eyes. 

The guts of this guy. Jane thought. Although she would have reacted the same way if she was just brave enough to disobey his father. 

“You’re going to get married anytime soon, anyways. Might as well get used to the idea of living together.” Julio replied in his stern and cold voice. Jane knew that her father was starting to get annoyed by just the sound of his tone. 

Carl wasn’t able to answer back and huffed in anger at the side. He then gave Jane a glare that sent chills to her body. 

“Okay then, that’s settled. We’ll leave now. Thank you, President Dela Vega.” Carl’s mom said, breaking the silence. 

They exchanged a few more formalities before the Rodriguez family left. After a short while, the Dela Vegas left as well, not before drowning Jane with warnings though. 

Carl stayed because he’s supposed to give Jane a ride. This caused Carl to become more annoyed.  

“Let’s go now, b**ch!” Carl yelled and walked out of the hall.  

Jane watched Carl’s figure for a few seconds before she turned back and looked at Alice and William apologizingly. 

“I’m sorry that you have to see that,” Jane said quietly and forced a small smile. 

Alice and William approached her with worried eyes. They both hugged her, causing Jane to let out a painful sigh. 

“I’m sorry you have to experience this,” William whispered. Jane shook her head and smiled at them. 

“It’s okay, I guess it’s just my faith. Don’t worry, guys. I’ll be stronger. I won’t let him control me as my father and my stepfamily did.” Jane reassured. 

The three of them walked out the hall and went to the parking lot. They stood at the waiting area since they didn’t know where Carl parked his car.  

Minutes later, they heard a car approaching—quite fast, actually, that its tires were screeching. It must be Carl, angrily driving. 

Jane was waving her hand to the car, and stretching her neck for Carl to see her. The car was getting closer when Alice called her. 

“Jane...”  

“Yes?” Before Jane could even fully turn to look at Alice, she felt a hand on her back.  

The next thing she knew, she was flying into the air and the blur of a car going by. Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion. Her limp body rose up, slamming over the hood and roof of the car. Jane landed on the ground with a sickening sound.  

Jane laid on the cold ground of the parking lot, with blood continuously flowing out of her. She tried to open her eyes, but everything was blurry. She couldn’t hear anything but she can see Carl’s and William’s silhouettes rushing towards her. 

The pain all over her body was too severe that she started feeling weak. Her breathing started to slow, and her eyes started to become heavy.  

But before she was fully consumed by darkness, a figure of a woman caught her eye. Her final breath came as she sighed the name of the lady she had the most trust in. 

“Alice...” 

- 

“My lady! My lady, wake up!”  

Tatiana opened her eyes and saw herself soaked in a bathtub. Standing beside her is a maid who was looking at her worriedly. It took Tatiana a while before she realized that the maid was Mia. 

“Ah, I must have fallen asleep,” Tatiana said to herself, stood up, and wrapped her body with a towel. She then turned to Mia and said, 

“I’ll dress first, you can go now. Also, please tell my father I’ll be visiting him in his office after I dress up.”  

Mia bowed and answered, “Yes, my lady.”  

When Tatiana was left alone, she looked at herself in the mirror and let out a deep sigh.  

That dream... 

No, it was not a dream. It was her memory. 

--- 

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