chapter 2

"I know about your gambling debts, Father, and how much of our property you've squandered to feed that addiction. And now, you're selling your own daughter, all because she's become a 'shame' to you. What a noble father you are."

Taya's words came out in a scornful whisper, though her father had already left the room. 

The maid's mouth dropped open as she looked at Taya, horrified by her audacity. She checked nervously, confirming that the Duke hadn't overheard his daughter's bold remarks; if he had, the punishment would have been severe, and perhaps even fatal. For now, Taya's life was spared by mere luck.

"Lady Taya, you must have lost your senses completely," the maid whispered, shocked, as she watched Taya fling pillows across the room in a sudden burst of frustration. 

"Have you gone mad, my lady? What has come over you?" the maid cried, reaching out a hand to calm her.

"Don't touch me," Taya snapped, brushing the maid's hands away. "And remember your place."

She felt a surge of resentment at the maid's pitying touch, a feeling she could no longer bear. For too long, she had suffered under the weight of others' judgments and restrictions. Despite being the most beautiful girl in the seven kingdoms, her father had never allowed her to attend any official gatherings or family events in the capital. She was nothing more than a disgrace in his eyes, someone to hide away and control.

Yet now, as Taya gazed at her reflection, a newfound strength burned within her. *Destiny has granted me another chance,* she thought, a fierce determination gripping her. "I'm Taya Rodolphe Diduchi, and I swear I will not relive that miserable life. I'll start by changing my worst mistake… marrying Orig."

Her heart ached even at the thought of him. But now, she had an opportunity to change her fate, to win her family's respect and perhaps even their love. For the first time, she saw a chance to build a life of her own choosing.

"Are you… smiling, my lady?" came a cold, mocking voice from the doorway. "I doubt you have anything to be happy about, Taya. That smile is a lie, and frankly, it disgusts me."

Taya recognized the voice immediately, dripping with disdain. Her sister Yuray stood in the doorway, her lips curled in a sneer, her brown hair pulled back to reveal the diamond pin above her left eye. Taya took a deep breath and looked away, determined to ignore her.

"And did you know?" Yuray continued, laughing, "Your marriage is being arranged as we speak. Soon, we'll finally be rid of you."

"Quite the busybody, aren't you, Sister Yuray?" Taya replied coolly. "Perhaps you should focus more on your own concerns—like keeping an eye on your fiancé. He's not as loyal as you think."

Yuray's eyes flashed in anger, and before Taya could finish, Yuray slapped her hard across the cheek, the blow stinging as fresh pain bloomed across her skin. Taya winced but held her ground, refusing to let her sister intimidate her.

"How dare you slander my fiancé, Onyas?" Yuray snapped, seething. "Did you forget he's the king's cousin? Those accusations are nothing but lies."

"I'm only trying to help," Taya replied calmly. "Betrayal isn't limited to any rank or title, and if you want proof, look no further than Father himself."

Another slap landed on Taya's cheek, reddening her skin. Taya clenched her teeth, whispering under her breath, *Damn it.* She reached up to smooth her hair back, feeling the anger build inside her.

"Why don't you just disappear, Taya?" Yuray hissed. "You're a nobody. Nothing you say or do will ever change that. You're a curse on this family."

Taya stared at her, swallowing the sting of her sister's words. In her previous life, she had witnessed the scandals her sister's fiancé would bring upon the family, his infidelities staining the family name. She had tried to warn Yuray, but it seemed her concern only fed Yuray's scorn.

*Focus on yourself,* Taya reminded herself. *You can't protect everyone from their own destiny. This time, be selfish. Think of what you want.*

A few minutes after Yuray stormed out, a group of maids entered Taya's room, arms filled with beautiful gowns and sparkling jewelry.

"These are a gift from the Duchess," one maid explained, placing the dresses and bracelets carefully onto the bed.

Taya glanced at the fine clothes, her lips twisting into a bitter smile. "You can leave them; I'll dress myself."

In the past, her stepmother had chosen gowns that were deliberately too tight, leaving Taya struggling and uncomfortable, often late to gatherings and subsequently scolded by her father. She remembered one birthday party where she'd arrived disheveled and flustered, all because of her stepmother's subtle cruelty.

"This dress is out of style and only hides my beauty," Taya muttered as she inspected the fabric. She tossed it aside, casting a wary glance at the door, as if expecting someone to enter any moment. Anxiety gnawed at her; the party was about to start, and she was far from ready.

Another servant entered, carrying a collection of boxes. "My lady, these are from Prince Dean Michael. He sends his apologies for being unable to attend your birthday celebration in person."

Taya watched as the boxes piled up. In her previous life, she had accepted similar gifts from him, though her father had scorned her for even acknowledging a prince from such a minor kingdom. He'd gone so far as to burn the gifts in front of her as punishment for not rejecting them immediately.

But now, she carefully opened each box, her eyes lighting up as she lifted an exquisite gown from one of them. She noticed a small, folded note tucked inside but set it aside, not wanting to lose time on pleasantries. She slipped into the dress, savoring the feeling of finally choosing her attire with a sense of autonomy.

Just then, her maid reappeared, looking flustered. "My lady, the guests are all gathered, and they're waiting for you in the grand hall."

Taya didn't respond, lost in thought as she glanced at herself in the mirror. The reflection staring back seemed like a stranger—a young woman filled with a quiet, fierce resolve. The maid, growing anxious, rushed to inform the head of maids.

The hall had been transformed into a dazzling spectacle, adorned with rare roses and shimmering candlelight, casting warm glows across the walls. Lush bouquets filled every corner, their fragrance mingling with the faint scent of polished wood and fresh linens. Crystal lamps hung from the ceiling, their brilliance lighting the space more brightly than any other part of the estate.

Tonight would be the beginning of something new. Taya took a deep breath, steeling herself as she prepared to enter a world that had once been her prison but would now become her path to freedom.

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