I am not the Villainess

Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3 

Tatiana was walking down the corridor to her father’s office. Mia, her maid, was quietly trailing behind her. 

Tatiana was wearing her pajamas and a shawl over them. She was sighing heavily as she thought of the dream she had from earlier. 

She knew it was not just a dream. It was a memory—to be exact, it was a memory from her past life.  

When Jane woke up almost a year ago, she was already in this bizarre world and inside Tatiana's body. It took her a month to adjust completely. It also took her a month to realize that this world was similar to the world of a novel she had read before.  

The novel entitled ‘Crown of Love’ is a cliché story about the Crown Prince falling in love with the daughter of a Count, who’s a noble only in title. The story was so romantic and well-written that it became Jane’s favorite book. One thing she didn’t like about it, however, is that it ended with a tragic ending. A lot of the characters died, including Jane’s favorite character and the female heroine. It also has an annoying but incredible cliffhanger in the end.  

 Anyways, aside from the book being Jane’s favorite, it was also very special to her. The reason being it was the first gift she had ever received in her life, and it came from Alice. 

Right, Alice... 

That night, Jane could swear she felt a hand on her back that pushed her towards the fast-approaching vehicle. She knew only William and Alice were behind her, and the timing of when Alice called her was suspicious. That said, there’s a high probability that Alice pushed her.  

However, Jane couldn’t help but doubt. Before she was fully consumed by darkness, Jane saw Alice staring at her with familiar eyes. She was looking at her with sadness and... guilt. Seeing that, Jane couldn’t afford to get angry at Alice. For her, Alice didn’t betray her, and that it was probably an accident. 

Anyhow, Jane was now stuck in this n*********d and inside a stranger’s body. She can't do anything about it, instead, she decided to think of this new life given to her as a second chance to live happily.  

Her only wish all her life was to become happy. She wasn’t able to achieve that in her previous life, so she will do it in this life instead. Besides, she was blessed to live as Tatiana who had a loving family, one of the many things she never had as Jane. 

However, in order to achieve that, she first has to change a few things.  

“Come in.” Tatiana came back from her sea of thoughts when a deep voice answered from the other side of the door. Tatiana let out a deep sigh before entering her father’s office. 

Duke Michael Thomas Cromello, is the only chancellor of the empire, making the Cromellos just below the royal family in power and authority. He’s a loving father who does everything for his family. He’s very sweet especially to his only daughter, Tatiana.  

This was also why the original Tatiana grew up as a spoiled brat who thinks she can have anyone and anything she likes. Her parents would also tolerate her bad behavior. As a result, the original Tatiana’s victims suffered more and they can’t even do anything about it. 

“Good evening, father,” Tatiana greeted. Duke Michael stood up and walked closer to her.  

“Have a seat, darling. What did you want to talk about?” Duke Michael asked as he led Tatiana to the sofa area. 

“It’s about my coming-of-age, father.” Jane started. 

In the original novel, Anastasia Monique Tatiana Cromello was the villainess that everybody hates. Like a typical antagonist, she bullies the heroine and does whatever it takes to have the Crown Prince for herself. In the end, Anastasia met her fitting faith which is death. Not only that, the whole House of Cromello met its doom as well, which means that everyone was either hanged or decapitated. 

Now, Jane, the new Tatiana wish to change her destiny and save her family and her people. To do that, she has to cut off her relations with the main leads. 

“Ah, it’s in two months, isn't it?”  

“Yes. I’m thinking of going to the capital as soon as this weekend. I think I should be there for the preparations.” Tatiana answered. 

Duke Michael nodded in understanding. Although at the back of his mind, he thinks that Tatiana wanted to go to the capital so she could meet the Crown Prince. Especially now that he heard the Crown Prince will be returning from the war. Duke Michael thought that Tatiana was still head over heels over the Crown Prince, though it’s not wrong if the current Tatiana is still the Tatiana they knew. 

“If that’s what you want, darling. I’ll inform the butler, so he could start the preparations.” Duke Michael replied. Tatiana smiled in relief. 

It's a good thing her father agreed because then her plan will start. 

“Thank you, father. I’ll retire for the night now.” Tatiana stood up, hugged the duke, and kissed him good night. “Goodnight, father.” 

 “Good night, darling.” 

Tatiana returned to her room and went directly to her desk. She grabbed some papers and a pen and started organizing her plans again.  

Firstly, she didn’t know what happened to the original Tatiana. When she first came into this world, the maids informed her that she was bedridden for almost a week. The doctors can’t explain her sudden sickness, but they didn’t give up on her and did everything they could to treat her. So, when Tatiana opened her eyes, they considered it a miracle.  

What they didn’t know, however, is that a new soul has resided in Tatiana’s body and that was Jane’s.  

Jane believes that the original Tatiana has perished, and her soul replaced Tatiana’s. She doesn’t know if she will ever return to her previous body, but for now, she will face the present and live as Lady Anastasia Monique Tatiana Cromello.  

Second, the original Tatiana is engaged to the Crown Prince. They got engaged due to Tatiana’s request when she was 12 years old. The emperor approved of this, and the Crown Prince had no choice but to comply. However, it was no secret that it was just Tatiana who was happy about this engagement.  

If one was to think about it, Tatiana had a similar situation with Jane except, Jane didn’t request it.  

Lastly, if Tatiana wanted to change her destiny, she has to break off any connection with the main leads first. To do that, she has to call off the engagement. 

However, it is not as easy as it sounds. It was already approved by the emperor himself and breaking it off would mean disregarding the emperor’s orders.  

Tatiana came up with a plan of talking to the Crown Prince first. Hence, she planned to meet the Crown Prince no matter what immediately after arriving at the capital. 

After she settles her engagement with the Crown Prince, Tatiana planned to move back here in the South and live the rest of her life with her newfound family. 

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