FAMILY DINNER PT.2

"We're almost there, Young Miss."

Cherry announced as she stepped back from a set of double white wooden doors. Leading to what I believed advanced to the family's diner.

As much as I tried to hide the nerves, Cherry could easily read through my unfazed pretense, mainly because I kept fiddling around with my small fingers against the adorable dress I wore.

I was thankful for her kind gesture of consistently notifying me whenever we neared our entry point to the diner; my doom. The place where they awaited me.

Cherry's soft smile had somewhat eased my palpating heart as we walked. Added as another heavenly angel to my list and eyes, along with Sir Edward and Mariana.

Honestly, Cherry had impressed me with how quickly she could read me in such a short amount of time.

It was as if she knew I needed the mental prep talk with my inner demons and fears. So I could compose myself before arriving at the family dinner.

Deep inside, I was grateful for her consideration.

I suppose it must've come with working for a bunch of psychos—always on edge and not knowing what could go down.

Seconds after, the white doors were opened by a new face I hadn't seen before. A pretty woman wearing the same royal-blue maid uniform as Cherry and Mina.

The pretty maid simply displayed a perfect smile as she stepped aside for us to head inside with her arms stretched out, aiming at the entrance.

Cherry returned the smile with a brief nod and began walking while I followed behind her with a bedazzled expression.

'Sheesh. Do they all really work here? They look like they could be models! The houseworkers are THAT good-looking!'

For a few minutes, we walked straight until we spotted another pair of doors in a near distance.

The doors were frosted glass panels with rose designs scattered across every corner and edge. The details on both doors were immaculate and pleasing to look at. Certainly, the designer of the doors put a lot of effort into making them; having zero flaws.

Truthfully, everything in the enormous mansion was fancy and luxurious. From the furniture and floors to the walls and high-ceiling.

The uneasy feeling in my heart had smoothly vanished. It thumped with excitement at the sight of the word wealth screaming everywhere I strolled and observed.

'I don't think I'll ever get used to this glory.'

Seconds later, we stopped in front of the frosted set of doors. Cherry only stepped aside before she bowed, showing her respect and courtesy.

Her actions reminded me of where I stood compared to her lower position, and it brought back the anxiousness I felt beforehand as we stayed silent.

At first, I wasn't sure why she remained there in the same position, but then I grasped that she was waiting for me to proceed to the destination by myself. The bloody horror.

'She wants me to go inside by myself? Over my dead body! I ain't going nowhere! They're probably plotting my death as we speak!'

\( °ロ°)/

I couldn't help but overreact and exaggerate my thoughts. Not when I wasn't close to gearing myself to face the monsters inside the room alone—one-on-one.

Even so, I had to trooper my way through it. Just like I was raised and taught to do.

With a brave stance, I got close and personal with the two doors when I found an ounce of courage to open them and face what awaited inside.

"Thank you, Cherry. It was nice meeting you."

I smiled, taking a glance at her startled expression before walking inside the diner as the doors closed behind me.

After tonight, I wasn't sure if I'd ever see her again. Tonight could be my last. At least, the dramatic side of me believed.

Instantaneously, I felt the intense pressure and intimidation coming from the diner as I gulped down a quiet whimper and yelp.

'It's okay. It's okay. Remember the social skills James taught you throughout the years of modeling.'

I encouraged myself to not fret as I carefully took a few steps inside the fancy dining room.

Immediately, I took notice of four figures being present. Two of them were sitting causally on the fancy metallic chairs while the other two figures were standing behind them on guard.

However, something else caught my utter interest as my nose twitched at the whiff of deliciousness exposed in the air.

As always, I didn't take the importance of the male figures watching me. My senses were far too engrossed in the food laid out perfectly on the long table.

My mouth watered as my stomach grumbled at just the mere sight of the fancy dishes sitting at the table. Waiting for someone to devour its juiciness and tastiness like a starving beast.

Smelling and ogling the scrumptious feast simply awakened the hunger I didn't realize I had until now. Moments before, eating a good and full meal completely flew over my head when the chaos occurred.

Now, it was different.

'Dear heavens.... It smells so good. I'm so hungry. I forgot I have not eaten since the incident with Mariana. But now, I can feast...'

With steady steps, I approached the large table and salivated as the smell of food became stronger. I was so close to reaching my destination. The destination of food.

"Roselyn. The food isn't going anywhere, so take a seat and sit down."

Just like that, the desire for food evaporated, and I realized what was happening. The drool that slipped down from my slobbering lips and the grumbling of my starving belly.

"Uh..."

It was the only noise I made as the beautiful silver-blue-haired creature stared at me and I faced away. He had an unknown expression I didn't even want to even discover or see for myself.

'Darn delicious food.'

The embarrassment quickly overpowered the hunger within me as I felt the heat spread across my chubby cheeks. The obvious pink flush replacing my pale skin-tone.

"... y-yes."

Wasting no time, I hastily took my seat at the opposite end of the table from where he sat. I awaited for his next words as I kept my head facing down toward my lap in shame.

From a distance, I could hear a small burst of laughter coming from the two bodyguards, but I refused to look. I objected to lose the last bit of dignity I had left.

'I hope those jerks choke on their spit! Better yet, I hope they get food poisoning tonight.'

(*^‿^*)

Luckily, their muffled laughter died in a splat second. The dark glare of the man before them hastily sealed their lips shut like obedient dogs.

With a snap of a finger, a few maids came inside the room and placed the main meal in front of us. A thick piece of a juicy steak with fancy-looking vegetables and potatoes on the side.

Shortly, a maid with a tray of glass beverages came and handed them out to us. Our father had a new round glass of red wine, while Raphael and I had a glass of red colored juice.

Oddly, Raphael seemed strangely quiet when I peeked at him from across the table as the maids finished up their brief task.

All he did was stab the crap out of the side dishes as I eyed him. He had a gaze of boredom whenever he stabbed the food with a sharp knife.

To my dislike, he was beautiful. The novel failed to actually capture the details of his magnificent physical features. An ungrateful and selfish brat, who didn't deserve such a blessing.

In the future, he'd use his good-looks to deceive others for his own wickedness and pure benefit. A disgrace to humanity.

'Little shit. If ever met you in my world I'd whoop your bum until they—!'

Then, he glanced over at my direction and both of our blue eyes met. It caught me by surprise, despite knowing I was staring far too long.

"You got something to say, little sister?"

He jeered as he 'smiled' with a tilted head.

At Raphael's snarky tone, the handsome man sighed and spoke before I could even get the chance to clap back or give the brat a piece of my mind.

"Both of you. Settle down."

He demanded in an irritated tone as he pushed back the strands of silver-blue hair. Brushing the strands of locks that fell out of place from his slick-back hairstyle.

'Tsk. Why is he so hot? He looks fantastic doing just anything. I'm envious.'

Inspecting the hotness he possessed, I spotted two interesting things. He had a scar camouflaging on his forehead and a double eyebrow piercing on the right side of his face.

Details I didn't notice beforehand.

His existence and presence were something you couldn't look away or ignore when being in the same room as him. Everything about the man screamed power and wealth. A prominent and influential figure of a man.

He looked exquisite and expensive with the white designer suit he wore. The navy blue tie enhanced the stunning appearance even more.

"There's a reason behind tonight's dinner."

He began as the maids and the two bodyguards left the room, leaving only the three of us in the dining room alone.

"I'm sure you must be... confused. Concerned about your whereabouts. Curious about everyone's identity, including your own."

He spoke as he causally cut a tender slice of meat off his white plate and devoured it with elegance.

An odd feeling emerged within me as I gulped down the remains of saliva down my dry throat. I already knew who they were, where I was, and whose body I possessed.

It was just a matter of time before the actual storyline began. Certain events I must change for replacing the soul of the initial sub-villain who owned this body. Just for the outcome of living an stress-free life.

Finishing his bite, he spoke again as I clench my fists under the table. His wording and tone of voice were one of distrust, yet I didn't expect any less from him.

"A curse and result of having amnesia after a severe incident, that is."

He reckoned with a pause, waiting for a response or any reaction of mine, while he eyed me with suspicion.

This time, the way for me to accomplish such a goal was to play along with the lie I committed since the day I spawned here. The amnesia trope. A common route I read in various stories that the female leads would take or do to remain alive.

A risky or non-risky route I had to follow for my plans of survival to succeed.

'It's now or never.'

Feeling brave, I looked up and made eye-contact with the handsome man. Slowly, I nodded my head as an indication of confirmation to his doubtful assumption about what I was thinking, feeling, and my 'amnesiac condition'.

I only prayed he'd fall for it and never touch the subject ever again after today. Thankfully, he didn't pry further.

At least, for now he didn't.

"Of course. I wouldn't be surprised if you have various questions in mind."

He said and glanced my way for a second before cutting another piece of meat on his plate.

However, there was one thing that bothered me. Raphael was quiet. Too quiet for my liking. I couldn't read his body language or guess his thoughts as he ate his own share of food.

Even then, I was glad he didn't interfere in our conversation or didn't attack me with insults he always enjoyed spitting. It gave me the time to think properly about how I wanted to execute my responses and behavior.

"..."

Taking note of my silence, he spoke after taking a refreshing sip of his red wine.

"That being so, ask away. I'll answer you with full honesty and no lies. You're my child, after all."

Seeing his poised smile, I bit back from screaming like a maniac because I already knew everything I needed to know. I was aware of their world and the future. Precisely my future and what awaited me.

'I need to calm down and think.'

Momentarily, I thought about how I wanted to approach the first question before asking away. I thought of what could benefit me for the meantime.

At last, I made my first approach as I looked at him innocently and played the role of an exceptional actress.

"I.. I am curious about one thing. My age. How old am I?"

Briefly, his expression faltered before he regained his cool composure and spoke.

"You're nine. Three years younger than Raphael. Your brother."

He answered as he swayed his head toward Raphael's direction, which I briefly followed.

'So, that means I came right on time before that problematic incident and his arrival.'

Shortly, my gaze returned to our father who never broke his sight on me. I forced a close-eyed smile.

"I see..."

In a hurry, I took a chug of the red juice, feeling awkward at not knowing what else to say. Luckily, he merely said nothing else and took a few bites of his food while I was left with my thoughts once more.

Deep inside, I was relieved knowing I could prevent Raphael from getting ambushed by the Hellions, which occurs when he's twelve and Roselyn's nine.

The attack caused Raphael's crucial eye injury. The reason he had to wear an eyepatch was to cover the 'ugly' scar imprinted on his flawless face.

The scar was a reminder of his weakness of that day. A mission he'd been ashamed about for getting hurt by the enemy until he met Leonardo, who told him it was a beautiful scar.

Even then, he'd cover the unseeable scar with his side bangs despite being reassured by Leonardo each time that it wasn't displeasing to look at. A slight insecurity of his.

Unaware, I frowned when I glanced at Raphael's right eye. Precisely, at the thought of an extra troublesome factor, I came to remember.

The begrudging fact Raphael would come to hate Roselyn even more after the incident because of the darn injury he got from it.

'Tsk..'

The reason Raphael's incredible hatred toward Roselyn grew was because she refused to heal him. A high-level mana ability only she possessed. Healing any kind of injury or sickness to the extent she could bring back the deceased from the dead.

The exact reason their father questioned why I hadn't healed myself when we were at his office.

Of course, Roselyn's healing abilities came at a price. Her blood was the price as it got sucked out of her body by her mana spirit—her blue butterflies, Navi.

In the novel, Roselyn was one of the five Selected who could possess a mana spirit. A rare and difficult creature to summon unless the other party had powerful mana like the Selected did.

However, the Selected are naturally born with a mana spirit since their given birth. Unlike the rare variety that must train to become substantial enough to conjure up a mana spirit, which is 99% guaranteed with fail.

Soon, my expression changed to a more subtle one as I observed the beautiful dining area. Thinking of a simple yet convincing plan.

Propitiously, I only had to persuade Raphael not to go on a mission they classified as an A-rank level. Then, most of my future problems with Raphael would be solved.

Now, all that would be left to do would be to change a second canon event between two individuals. An encounter with the first male lead and the beloved protagonist.

Fortunately, Michael's arrival would be in the incoming year. The time he meets Leonardo at the Veilchenblau's welcoming party. A party they held for the Favio's heir as a tribute and celebration of their recent alliance. A union between the two mafia parties.

The very day Michael becomes smitten by Leonardo's beautiful innocence without him realizing it. Not until much later on his eighteenth birthday.

'I just need to find a way for our families to cross paths and come together by some sort of agreement.'

Truthfully, I wanted to intercept such a union because I didn't believe Michael deserved Leonardo. My pink pookie.

If I could, I'd like for Leonardo to end up with solely Lucerne. In my opinion, he was the most promising male lead out of the five.

A mature man with a good sense of direction and a compassionate heart. He seemed like the most reasonable male lead compared to the others.

"Roselyn. Your food is getting cold, so eat."

Instantly, I snapped out of my thoughts at hearing our father's thick voice.

"Uh.. yes."

I muttered, embarrassed, as I grabbed a knife and fork placed on the side of my dish. Carefully, I cut the juicy steak into small pieces—one at a time.

Even as I cut the pieces of meat, I couldn't find the will to eat. Nor could I resist myself from glancing at the two males as I did.

Being alone in the same room with them made me feel too wary and distrustful about everything. After all, I was in a dangerous mafia world. A place where I could die whenever. The opposite of my past life.

"Is there anything else you're curious about?"

His voice froze me from slicing more meat before I looked at him as he took a sip of his vibrant red wine. He awaited another question of mine with an intimidating, yet laid back posture.

A typical attribute of a mafioso displaying their dominance and assertiveness.

To his disappointment, I didn't ask another question because I wasn't sure what else there was for me to ask about. I had all the information I needed to survive.

Truthfully, I couldn't care less about 'my' past relationship with them in full detail. I had bigger problems to deal with and fret about.

"..."

He sighed, hearing no response, then stared at me dead in the eye and casually leaned his arm over the armrest.

"I take it you know somewhat about us because of Sir Edward and your maid, right?"

'Shit. I need to lie and say yes, but I can't say they're the ones who told me. I need to pick a different victim just in case things go south.'

Swiftly, an imaginary light bulb it up as I came up with a lie and gave him an answer.

"Yes, but I came to know about it from someone else."

Then I briefly looked over in Raphael's direction before returning my sight to the handsome man. My glance was enough for him to know that Raphael was the person who informed me of such information.

Technically, I wasn't lying since Raphael spilled the beans not too long ago about where I ended up, which was inside my favorite BL novel.

Of course, he didn't tell me in much detail about our family history. Only who we were and what we ruled over.

At that, he nodded and dismissed the subject from continuing. Surprisingly, Raphael didn't argue back or try to deny my statement. He only ate his food without a care in the world.

He seemed too calm to my liking. As if the man before us had him on a leash and warned him to behave himself during dinner.

Then again, he's our father and the respected head boss of our mafia. The powerful man who's in control of Grunge City. The most feared city in Maven. Meaning, that they take it seriously when showing their respect and courtesy to him.

"That's good. It makes things easier for what I'm about to tell you."

Drastically, his tone of voice became scary and serious as he spoke.

"I'll get straight to the point. Our family runs an organization called the Bleu Rosén. We're significant influential figures in Grunge City."

"An organization? So we're a part of a mafia?"

I spat out as a scoff, but I rapidly gulped down saliva in pure horror. Of course, my first stupid mistake had to be right now.

'I'm an idiot—!'

"Don't worry, we're the good guys unless someone seeks otherwise."

He simply said, unbothered by my remark, as he flashed a close-eyed smile, which gave me bloody chills.

He didn't seem to care about my snarky remark, despite how rude I was. So I believed.

'Are you crazy!? Good guys my bum! You people are inhumane criminals!'

Ignoring the horror in my expression, he proceeded with his words and had a cunning smile.

"Now that you know of such things, I'll be sending you to a mission. Somewhere you'll definitely enjoy."

'A MISSION!? WHAT THE HECK IS THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!? AM I GOING ALONE?!?'

I was terrified when I heard I would have to go on a mysterious mission. Who knows what could happen to me when I arrive at the bloody scene all by myself? Perhaps witness torture, or even worse, death itself.

After all, I remember being gratified when I read that the male leads would be sent out to various missions at a young age just to murder. Not to roam around freely and play like the children they were.

'Tsk... where is he going with this?'

I couldn't pinpoint the motive behind him wanting to send me on an unknown mission and what for. It wasn't to annihilate anyone. Right now, I was useless in their eyes.

Unless he wanted me to gather information of some sort.

"Of course, you won't be going alone. Not with your condition. I've assigned someone to assist and accompany you for that day."

My ears perked up and a huge wave of relief consumed my shaken soul when he said those words.

'I hope it's someone nice and... hot, hehe.'

(„ಡωಡ„)

"The person I assigned to watch over you is Raphael. He will be your chaperone and will guide you through the process since you can't maneuver around by yourself. I'm sure the both of you can handle such a simple task."

He instructed as both Raphael and I stilled. Our blue eyes widened as our utensils fell out of our grasp and landed on our glass plates, making a loud cling.

We were both equally stunned by our father's bizarre announcement.

'Me? Spend time with HIM? As if!'

"Father that's not what—!"

"Raphael. It's not an order as your father, but as your boss."

A glass cup broke as Raphael harshly stood up from his metallic chair. Luckily, I held myself back from gasping at the scene.

"I refuse! I'm not some babysitter! I'm your heir! I have various responsibilities I must take care of, so I decline!"

I was beyond stunned hearing him talk back to our dangerous father in such an aggressive manner.

In a matter of seconds, our father emitted a light blue energy from his body. He remained in his seat while he glared at Raphael with a warning.

"It's a punishment for causing a scene earlier. Either that or you're excluded from being assigned to missions starting today, Raphael."

He rebuked, showing his displeasure at Raphael's protest.

Looking back between the two, I sipped on my red juice and stayed quiet. I didn't want to interrupt the family drama unfolding before me.

Raphael only hissed with his tongue before he faced his head away and sat back down. He had a glower expression.

Then, our handsome father focused his unwanted attention on me.

"Do you have any objections, Roselyn?"

Before I could utter a single word, he spoke again with clasped hands. Obviously, he wasn't going to give me an option.

"As a reward, I'll gift you a present you once badly wished for. Only if you do a phenomenal job at impressing me with your performance."

His expression became smug, which I instantly raised an eyebrow at. However, the new valuable bit of information overshadowed the oddness.

'Huh? Something Roselyn badly wished for? What could that be? Better not be something ridiculous. Or worse, something that'd get me killed.'

The offer intrigued a part of me, but his wording did not thrill the other half. Why did it feel like his uncalled recompense had an intention behind it?

"The same goes for you, Raphael."

Instead of getting thrilled, Raphael just bit his inner cheek before he looked at me with a dark expression. It declared a lot of unspoken hostility and promises to destroy me.

I only continued to sip my tasty juice and ignored his death stare by looking away.

'Yikes. Someone's very mad.'

(^~^)

Honestly, I found his spitefulness silly and entertaining. He was a child, which made the situation unserious.

Of course, I knew he would soon become a powerful and ferocious adult man, but right now, he was still a kid. There's still hope for him to change for the better and not remain as he is.

Yes, he was intimidating, but he didn't terrify the living crap out of me. He was merely an annoying and rude little boy with problems because of his merciless childhood.

Whereas I was once physically an adult woman in my past model life. Currently, I merely have the mind of an adult, despite possessing the body of a nine-year-old girl.

In no time, my heart wavered at the sight of the boy before me. The sudden guilt and sympathy for him absorbed my mind.

Even then, he was an innocent child who didn't have the choice of his birthplace and family. A child being corrupted by the dark mafia world, destined for his ruling. His written fate.

He doesn't deserve such a gruesome fate. No innocent soul does.

In this lifetime, Raphael being my flesh and blood. My older brother and only sibling, unlike my previous lonely one. This time, I was blessed with the older brother I would always dream about and wish upon a star as an only child, yet I was letting him down.

My previous anxious and mixed emotions were impeding me of seeing clearly.

Foolishly, I was driven by my fears to the extent I neglected my duty as his sister. The duty to save him from an ill-omened future.

I felt ashamed for only thinking of myself beforehand. I was choosing to be selfish simply because of the knowledge I knew about being inside a twisted BL novel.

Now, it was up to me to make a choice. A decision that might change the storyline for the better or the worse. Still, it didn't hurt to try a different approach and test out my options.

Suddenly, I had a great plan for the upcoming days. A new goal.

'Alright! Starting today, I'm befriending the second male-lead of the novel! No matter the struggle!'

My eyes held a blazing flame inside of them, along with the vibrant beating of my heart.

I was determined to win over Raphael's sibling love, despite the various rejections I'd have to face onward.

'Just you watch. I'll attack you with my greatness when you least expect it.'

(•̀ᴗ•́)و

Unknown to me, my expression became bright as I stared into a far distance of the dining hall.

Soon, I felt a pair of eyes staring at me, so I turned to the individual, only to witness our handsome father's soft gaze.

I was stunned.

The unbelievable sight nearly made me rub my eyes just to ensure I wasn't hallucinating or becoming delusional, yet I convinced myself it was my pure imagination.

There was no way he'd show any kind of affection or soft emotion towards anyone. Not even to his children.

Luckily, before my brain could malfunction, our father spoke as his stoic expression returned.

"I'll have to cut dinner off short since I have important affairs I must urgently attend to. You may proceed to eat dinner if you'd like."

He said sternly as he rose from the chair.

I was about to nod but froze when Raphael also stood up and bowed midway at our father's claimed departure.

'Crap! I forgot they bow in respect whenever they greet him or wish him farewell!'

I mentally gasped and face-palmed myself at the forgotten fact.

Before I could tag along and bow, he turned away and left his spot as the two previous men from before came inside the dining room. They were each holding a door open for him to take his leave.

"I'll see you both until then. Do not disappoint me."

At that, they left the dining hall with the two doors closing behind them. Their broad backs fading from a certain distance.

I had no time to comprehend what I just witnessed moments before because the dreadful dinner was finally over.

As a result, my tense shoulders relaxed, but Raphael's sudden sharp voice cut my peaceful moment short.

"How ridiculous."

At the cold tone of his, my eyesight moved in his direction and our identical blue eyes met.

For a moment, we stared at each other before he abruptly made his way out of the dining hall. Not until he paused at the entrance behind me.

"Mark my words, Roselyn. If I ever come across your wicked lies, I'll make you regret you ever uttered them. Your life will be a living hell."

Raphael threatened as he gave me the most unsettling and coldest side glare I've ever witnessed when I looked back.

With that, he left the dining hall and the slam of a closed door echoed throughout the walls of the empty room.

Once again, the dread that had formerly vanished, returned in an instant.

'This is going to be harder than I thought…'