A plan for the future

Meanwhile, in the Royal Chambers…

Eiden Florian sat in his study, his fingers steepled together in deep contemplation. The candlelight flickered, casting long shadows across the walls. Across from him, Elory stood with worry etched across her delicate features.

"I don't think he'll back away from such a great opportunity," Eiden murmured, rubbing his temples.

Elory sighed. "Isn't there any other way?" Her voice was soft, almost pleading.

Eiden looked up at her, his expression troubled. "I'm thinking about it."

But no matter how much he tried to find a way out, the answer remained the same.

"For now," he admitted, "we have to accept it."

Elory looked down, her hands tightening into small fists. Her heart ached for their daughter. "You know," she said hesitantly, "I mean, Amelia—on my way here."

Eiden raised an eyebrow. "And?"

"I think she's sad because of the sudden news about her marriage," Elory whispered. "She… she was crying when she hugged me."

Eiden sat up straight, alarmed. "She was crying?"

"Yeah," Elory said softly. "I guess she doesn't want to get married to the crown prince at all. I think she hates him."

Eiden exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "I don't want to see our baby sad," Elory continued, her voice trembling. "Please, do something."

Without hesitation, Eiden stood and pulled her into his arms. "I will, baby," he murmured, holding her tightly. "I will find a way to break this marriage."

----

In Amelia's room~

Amelia sat by the window, watching the moonlight cast silver streaks across the room. Her heart was heavy, her mind burdened with thoughts of fate—of the life she once lived and the future she was desperate to change.

She turned to Chichi, the ever-watchful fox spirit who had been her companion through this strange rebirth.

"Chichi, I want to ask something else," she murmured.

The small fox spirit tilted its head, its golden eyes gleaming in the dim light. "What is it?"

Amelia hesitated before speaking. "According to my past life, my father told me about Caesar and my marriage after my mother's death. But in this life, Caesar appeared much earlier than before."

She met Chichi's gaze, hoping for an answer that would make sense of this anomaly. "What does that mean?"

Chichi sighed, as if tired of her endless questions. "Don't worry about that," it said nonchalantly. "The storyline will follow the same path."

Amelia frowned, her grip tightening on the fabric of her dress. "You mean no matter what I do, I'll still end up marrying Caesar?"

Chichi nodded. "You have to try a lot harder if you want to change it."

Amelia clenched her fists. No. This time, I won't let fate control me. I refuse to be a puppet in someone else's story.

Her voice was firm when she said, "I will."

(I will try my best, and I will save my mother in this life.)

But how? The memories of her past life reminded her how little control she had over the events that unfolded. If she wanted to prevent her mother's death, she needed a plan.

(For that, I need to find a good doctor…) she thought.

A skilled physician could change everything. But skilled physicians didn't come cheap, and more importantly, they needed protection. She would need someone powerful by her side—someone with enough influence to secure the best help.

(If I want to find a good doctor, I need the help of my husband.)

A small smirk crept onto her lips.

(And if I want to make him help me, I need to make him stand on my side…)

That meant winning over the one man who could change everything.

(I need a plan for that.)

A slow, mischievous smile formed as an idea took root.

(A plan to seduce my villain husband.)

Chichi gave her a wary look. "Amelia… what are you planning?"

But Amelia simply smiled, eyes gleaming with determination.

(I know the right person to help me with my plans.)

The game had begun.

Amelia flopped onto her bed with a heavy sigh, the weight of her thoughts pressing down on her.

Chichi, who had been watching her closely, hopped onto the bed beside her. "How was your first day of being reborn?" the little fox asked.

Amelia sat up and looked at him. "Hey, little fox. You're back."

Chichi smacked her head lightly. "I'm not little, you brat. I'm older than you."

"Okay, oldie fox," Amelia teased, grinning despite herself.

Chichi rolled his eyes. "So… how was it? Did you meet your future hubby?"

Amelia sighed, throwing herself back against the pillows. "I did meet him, but I don't think I'll ever get a chance to make a move on him."

Chichi blinked. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"You know his personal assistant, Logan?"

Chichi nodded.

"He hates me," Amelia muttered, rubbing her forehead.

Chichi tilted his head. "What? Why?"

Amelia let out another sigh. "It's not his fault, though," she admitted. "In the past, he was the only one who saw my every plan right through me."

She rolled onto her side, staring at the flickering candlelight on the bedside table. "As long as he's beside Caesar, forget about making a move. I won't even get a chance to meet him properly."

Chichi tilted his head. "Oops… sounds like it's going to be tough."

Amelia smirked. "Tough? Maybe. But impossible?"

Her eyes gleamed with determination.

"Not at all."

She would change fate. She would rewrite her story.

And this time, she would win.

---