When she opened her eyes, she found herself in a world of silk curtains, gold-trimmed furniture, and the scent of flowery perfume lingering in the air. She then came to the conclusion—she was reincarnated! It was the only logical explanation.

But the question was: as whom?

She had read so many novels in her past life that they blurred together. Still, as she examined her hands, the extravagant gown she wore, and the opulent bedroom surrounding her, she felt a flicker of excitement. This was so female lead material.

It didn't take long to piece the story together. A noble lady named ‘Serena’, engaged to a mysterious king with piercing eyes and an intimidating presence? This had all the makings of a classic romance!

And so, she waited for the inevitable story beats.

First, a dramatic first meeting? Check. She had 'awoken' just in time for an engagement banquet where she locked eyes with the cold yet devastatingly handsome King.

Next, misunderstandings? Of course! He barely spoke to her at the event, making her certain he was suppressing some deep, hidden emotions. And finally, a royal wedding with a husband whose heart only she could melt? Yes. Yes. Yes!

The night of their wedding, she sat in their bed, sneaking glances at her now-husband. He was undressing at the other side of the room, his broad shoulders and sharp features even more intimidating in the dim candlelight.

She braced herself for the next trope: the secretly passionate man warming up to his new wife. Instead, her 'male lead' poured himself a glass of wine, leaned back in his chair, and spoke. "Tell me," he said, voice smooth yet laced with something dark. "How long do you think you'll survive?"

She blinked. That... wasn't a romantic line.

As she pieced together scattered fragments of memory, details from forgotten novels surged to the surface. A kingdom bathed in blood. A heroine who struggled against fate, who fell in love with the true male lead—someone else entirely not...

Him, the villain.