The Mask of Deception (2)

Her father's betrayal was compounded by another devastating revelation—she was not his biological daughter. Her mother had been pregnant when she met Alexander, and they had struck a deal: Lisana would help him build his business, and in return, he would claim her child as his own.

For ten years, they had played the role of a happy family, all while Alexander schemed to gain control of Lisana's fortune. And when the time came, he had divorced her, taking half of her wealth with him, and leaving Selene to his tender mercies.

But his mercies were anything but tender. With Lisana in a coma, Alexander had complete control over Selene's inheritance, and he had used that power to his advantage, manipulating her, isolating her, and slowly stripping away everything she held dear. And when Selene finally learned the truth, it was too late—her life had already been destroyed.

But now, Selene was back, reborn with the knowledge of her past life and the determination to take back what was rightfully hers. She would not be the naive, trusting girl she once was.

She would be strong, cunning, and ruthless, just as her father had not taught her to be. But unlike him, she would use her power to right the wrongs of the past, to protect those she loved, and to ensure that those who had betrayed her would suffer for their sins.

Taking a deep breath, Selene stepped into the dining room. The room was bathed in the soft, golden light of morning, the sun streaming through the large windows that overlooked the garden.

The table was set with an array of breakfast dishes—freshly baked bread, eggs, fruit, and, of course, the pot of coffee that her father favored. Alexander was seated at the head of the table, as she had expected, his expression calm and composed as he read the morning paper.

He looked up as she entered, his eyes lighting up with a smile that made her stomach churn. "Good morning, Selene," he greeted her, his voice warm and paternal.

"Did you sleep well?"

 Selene forced herself to smile, her voice steady as she replied, "Good morning, Father. I slept well, thank you."

She moved toward the table with measured grace, each step deliberate as she fought to keep her emotions in check. The memories of her past life were still fresh in her mind, vivid and raw, but she could not let them overwhelm her.

Not here, not in front of him. She had to play the part of the dutiful daughter, the naive girl who still believed in the goodness of her father. 

As she took her seat across from Alexander, she couldn't help but study him with a new perspective. He was a handsome man, with sharp features and a full head of dark hair, just beginning to show the first signs of gray.

His clothes were impeccably tailored, his posture impeccable, his every move exuding an air of authority and control. To the outside world, he was the perfect image of a successful businessman, a loving father, and a devoted husband. But Selene knew better.

She could see the cold, calculating mind that lay behind those sharp eyes, the mind that had orchestrated the downfall of her mother, the mind that had destroyed her life. And she could see the subtle signs of his duplicity—the slight tension in his jaw, the way his eyes flicked over her, assessing her, searching for any sign that she was not the obedient daughter he believed her to be.

But Selene gave him nothing. She kept her expression neutral, her eyes downcast as she picked at the food on her plate. Inside, her mind was racing, calculating her next move. She would not confront him directly—that would be foolish.

Instead, she would bide her time, gather information, and slowly unravel the threads of his carefully constructed life. And when the time was right, she would strike, ensuring that he suffered for every crime he had committed.

"Is there something on your mind, Selene?" Alexander's voice broke through her thoughts, and she looked up to find him watching her, his gaze sharp and inquisitive.

Selene quickly forced a smile, shaking her head. "No, Father. Just thinking about school."

He nodded, seemingly satisfied with her response, and returned his attention to his newspaper. But Selene could feel his gaze lingering on her, as if he were searching for something—

some sign that she was not as innocent as she appeared.

But she would give him nothing. She would play the part of the dutiful daughter, the obedient child who idolized her father, all while plotting his downfall. And when the time came, she would take everything from him—his wealth, his power, his reputation. She would destroy him, just as he had destroyed her.

But for now, she would be patient. She would bide her time, gather her strength, and prepare for the battle ahead. Because this time, Selene would not be the one to fall. This time, she would be the one to rise, and she would make sure that her enemies paid dearly for their betrayal.

And this time, she would not fail.

The game had begun, and she would not rest until every piece was in place, until her father, Cassandra and all those who had wronged her were brought to their knees.

With that thought, she left the dining room after finishing her breakfast, her mind already spinning with plans for the future.

She had been reborn with a purpose, and she would see it through to the end—no matter the cost.