Kaida/Lingling(2)

Lingling adjusted the dress, feeling its weight settle around her. The bold greens and reds were Kaida's signature, and now, they were hers too.

The emerald jewels twinkling from her neck seemed to shine even brighter against the rich fabric.

It was the kind of outfit that demanded attention, exactly what Kaida would have wanted.

As Victoria stepped back, a satisfied smile tugged at the corners of her mouth, but she didn't say anything more about the lord.

Lingling knew exactly who her father was in this world—Lord Everard, a powerful man who doted on his daughter. He was used to Kaida's dramatic flair and bold choices.

"Milady," Victoria said, her voice soft but carrying a slight edge of impatience, "the men are waiting for you."

Lingling turned toward the door, taking one final glance at herself in the mirror.

The tall heels clicked against the stone floor with each step, reminding her that she was no longer just Lingling.

She was Kaida, bold, beautiful, and brash.

It was hard to ignore the power that came with wearing these clothes, the weight of the gold chains, and the delicate but sharp stiletto heels.

She couldn't help but smile at the reflection.

~I look damn good.~

"Lead the way, Victoria," she said, her voice now carrying the same commanding presence that Kaida would use.

Victoria nodded, stepping aside, and Lingling walked with the kind of grace Kaida would have, the rustling of the luxurious fabric of the dress accompanying her every movement.

As they passed through the grand hallways, she tried to push aside the overwhelming sense of unfamiliarity.

"This is my life now" she reminded herself, trying to anchor herself in Kaida's world.

~I'll play the game and follow the script~

They arrived at a large, sunlit dining room. The lord was already seated at the head of the table, his figure imposing and large.

Lord Everard had a regal presence—his black hair slicked back neatly, his dark eyes sharp, even though his face softened slightly when he saw her enter.

The room was filled with his eleven sons, who sat like a row of well-behaved soldiers, all waiting for Kaida to make her grand entrance.

Kaida's life was like this—always in the spotlight, always the center of attention.

The Everard family was ruthless, but Kaida was the golden child, the one they could never get enough of.

Lingling stood tall, the heels clicking loudly as she approached.

The moment she stepped into the room, all eyes turned to her. She didn't hesitate, didn't falter in her stride, because Kaida never would have.

The family didn't need to know she wasn't the real Kaida yet. She could be her, for now.

Lord Everard's lips curved upward slightly. "Ah, Kaida, darling, you finally decided to join us." His voice was deep and commanding, but there was a certain softness to it when he addressed her.

"Father" Lingling greeted with a smile, her voice smooth, with just the right amount of affection—Kaida's voice, not hers.

She walked up to him and leaned down just slightly, brushing a kiss across his cheek.

She was well aware of the dynamics in this family. Kaida's father adored her, indulged her every whim.

"Your brothers have been waiting for you," Lord Everard remarked, gesturing to the long table. His gaze softened, but Lingling could see the faint edge of concern hidden beneath his features.

He wasn't completely oblivious to Kaida's actions, her mischief. But she was his daughter. He had always turned a blind eye to her faults.

Lingling gave him a playful smile, leaning against the back of her chair as she slid into her seat at the table.

"I'm sure they can wait a little longer," she replied nonchalantly, glancing at her eleven brothers. They all stared back, some with approval, others with cold indifference.

"You've gotten a little too spoilt aren't you?"

".."

"Who's fault is that? Big brother, it's all you guys and father's fault I'm so spoilt.."

".."

"Should we strip her of her jewel supply?"Knox asked, Kaida's 6th brother.

"You know just one whimper and father will open her supply again. She has become our weakness, father even refuses for her to get married." Kayden answered, he was the oldest among the 12.

"Ahem..you know ever since your mother died, I've tried my best to take care of you all. Kaida is the only one who didn't meet my dear Rosalyn, so let's give her whatever she wants in the world to make up for it."

"Got it!" The men replied and Kaida decided to focus on her food.

She had 11 older brothers, Kayden, Kenton, Kester, Kieran, Knox, Kane, Kade, Kyle, Ken, Kaleo, Kaiden.

They age difference between them wasn't much but because she was the youngest, there was a large gap.

"It seems the Count would try to woo Kaida again today, what shall we do to him my dear brothers.."

Kaida blinked and dropped her fork, the count? Then she remembered in the novel before she married Thane, there was Count Brandon.

He had died in Thane hands after a little scuffle, she hissed she didn't like him anyway.

"Father can I see Thane?"

"…"

Lord Everard sighed as he shook his head "That's the prince were talking Kaida and he's married to your friend Anastasia.."

Kaida sighed she guess she'd just have to kill Anastasia first then, she bit her lips..could she really kill Anastasia? Though in the novel, Anastasia had died due to her own carelessness.

She guessed she would just wait for that part of the novel to reach and focus on meeting Thane.

"Very well. I shall go on a walk then and maybe visit uncle.."

"…"

"Kaida that's the same way as seeing the prince!"

"…"

Pushing off the chair, she smiled, that smile should be able to reassure him.

"I won't see him. You don't have to worry father. I'll be good.."

Lord Everard sighed, it's not like he could stop Kaida, she'll eventually do what she liked.