soriya

On the night of her 23rd birthday, Isla Tang is swept into the dark, icy depths of the ocean during a storm on a luxury cruise. But when she wakes, she’s no longer Isla—she’s Lady Evangeline Marlowe, the infamous villainess from her favorite historical romance novel, *Scarlet Promises.*  

Doomed to a fate of betrayal, heartbreak, and death at the hands of the story’s heroine and male lead, Isla must navigate the treacherous world of politics, romance, and court intrigue to rewrite her destiny. Gone are the days of scheming for the crown prince’s love—Isla has no intention of repeating Evangeline’s mistakes. But as she tries to avoid the heroine’s shadow, her path collides with Duke Adrian Blackthorn, a cold and calculating man destined to become her greatest rival.  

With her modern perspective and knowledge of the novel’s plot, Isla begins to uncover secrets buried deep within the kingdom—secrets that may hold the key to changing not just her own fate, but the entire story. As alliances shift and truths come to light, Isla must decide: will she forge a new life in this world, or will she remain a prisoner of the villainess’s tragic tale?

Fate Rewritten: The Villainess

"Your Highness," Isla said, forcing a smile. "it's… an honor to see you again."

"Likewise." The prince replied his eyes searching her face. "You seem… different. Is something amiss?"

"Different?" she asked. "I… I don't understand. Perhaps it's just the heat." Isla fanned herself nervously.

"The heat? It is indeed quite warm today. But there's more to it than that, Something about you changed." he said with suspicion.

The Marlowe estate's magnificent ballroom glistened with luxury. The polished floors were illuminated by chandeliers, and the sound of aristocratic chatter filled the air. Isla had never felt more like an outsider in her own skin standing close to the room's edge.

She had survived her initial meeting with Prince Louis, but the tension lingered. She knew what was coming: Rosaline's entrance. In the novel, this was the moment when Louis first laid eyes on the heroine and fell hopelessly in love. Isla braced herself for the inevitable.

But then, something unexpected happened.

"Lady Evangeline," a deep voice said from behind her.

Isla turned, her breath catching. Standing before her was Duke Adrian Blackthorn, the male lead of the novel. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with dark hair and piercing blue eyes that seemed to see straight through her. In the book, Adrian was cold and calculating, a man who valued loyalty and honor above all else. He and Evangeline were rivals, constantly at odds.

"Duke Blackthorn," Isla said, inclining her head. She knew she had to tread carefully around him.

Adrian's gaze didn't waver. "You seem... different tonight," he said, his tone neutral but laced with curiosity.

Isla's heart skipped a beat. Did he suspect something? "I'm not sure what you mean, Your Grace," she said, keeping her voice steady.

Adrian studied her for a moment longer before a faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Perhaps I was mistaken."

Before Isla could respond, the crowd stirred, and all eyes turned to the grand staircase. Rosaline had arrived.

The heroine was beautiful, with soft blonde curls and wide, innocent blue eyes. She wore a pale pink gown that made her look like a vision of purity and grace. Isla felt a pang of heartache as she watched Prince Louis' gaze lock onto Rosaline.

And just like that, the story began to unfold as Isla remembered.

But she wasn't the same Evangeline. Not anymore.

As the evening wore on, Isla found herself drawn into conversation with Adrian again. His sharp wit and penetrating questions kept her on edge, but she couldn't deny the spark of intrigue between them.

"You're not what I expected, Lady Evangeline," Adrian said at one point, his tone thoughtful.

"Perhaps you shouldn't trust everything you hear, Your Grace" Isla replied, surprising even herself with her boldness.

Adrian's lips curved into a faint smile. "Perhaps. "

In that moment, Isla realized something important. Adrian might be her greatest rival, but he could also become her greatest ally—if she played her cards right.

CHAPTER 3: An Unlikely Ally