kro86

Seraphina Vaelcrest was never meant to live. In every life, she dies—branded as the villainess, betrayed by those she tries to love, and executed for crimes she never committed.

Whether she begs, reforms, or runs—fate always finds her.

But on her fifth death, something changes. A strange golden mark glows beneath her skin, and for the first time in all her lives... she feels the flow of time bend around her.

A power she shouldn't have.
A power thought impossible.
Time magic.

Now, Seraphina no longer begs for survival. She plans for revenge. Cold, methodical, and detached, the girl once known for her desperate pleas becomes a shadow cloaked in patience and foresight.

The crown prince who betrayed her? The noble houses who watched her fall? The family who used her as a pawn?

This time, she won't die quietly.

Because the world gave her a cheat code—and time is finally on her side.

Cheat Code Villainess

This chapter contains scenes of emotional confrontation, public humiliation, and references to infidelity. Reader discretion is advised.

Gasps echoed through the golden-lit ballroom, bouncing off marble pillars and painted ceilings.

The Crown Prince—Caelum Aurelian—stood stunned, a faint red imprint still on his cheek.

Seraphina's voice rang with unwavering resolve.

"I, Seraphina Vaelcrest, declare this engagement null and void."

The crowd erupted. Some gasped in shock, others whispered behind trembling fans, while a few nobles exchanged gleeful glances—delighted by the scandal unraveling before their very eyes.

Seraphina stood tall, every inch the noblewoman they once laughed at. Her amethyst eyes were cold, her expression unreadable.

Caelum's face contorted between rage and disbelief. "You think you can just—break an imperial engagement?!"

"You raised your hand to me in public. That alone is enough reason."

Liliana, still clinging to the prince's side with tear-stained cheeks, looked between them, lips parted in disbelief.

"But… but she pushed me…!" she cried, playing the victim again.

One noble whispered, "But wasn't Seraphina standing at the bottom of the stairs the whole time?"

Another replied, "Exactly. It didn't make sense…"

The Crown Prince stepped forward, his pride burning, but nobles began to step back. Some from the scandal, others from fear—afraid to be associated with someone who had just been humiliated so easily.

But one man—still seated in the shadows—watched the scene unfold with growing interest.

This little duchess… might just burn the empire to the ground.

And I would gladly offer her the match

The murmurs hadn't died down when Seraphina raised her voice again—clear, sharp, and damning.

"I mean… Your Highness," she began, her gaze locking onto Caelum, "you're not even trying to defend me… or clear my name. Need I remind you that I'm your fiancée?"

"But instead, you rush to Lady Liliana's side, as if she were the one you were betrothed to. You don't reply to my letters. You don't write back. You avoid me at every turn." Her voice didn't tremble—it cut deep, like a dagger hidden in silk.

Caelum's mouth parted to speak, but she didn't give him the chance.

"So tell me, what exactly is this engagement for? Was I simply a pawn to solidify your power? A placeholder until you found someone more 'suitable'?"

"With Lady Liliana clinging to your arm like that… You're not just breaking decorum. You're cheating. Openly."

A gasp ran through the room like wildfire.

Liliana paled, and Caelum's face darkened—but it wasn't with guilt. It was with fury at being called out in front of so many.

But Seraphina didn't stop. Her expression remained calm, composed, regal even.

"I'm done being your shadow. I'm done being mocked. I'm done playing the role of the 'villainess' in your perfect little love story."

She took a breath, then raised her voice again for all to hear:

"As Seraphina Vaelcrest, I officially end this engagement."

The ballroom erupted again, but this time… a few nobles even clapped—quietly, carefully, but defiantly.

And in the corner of the room, Zephriel Corven chuckled to himself, sipping his wine as if enjoying a fine performance.

5)The Villainess Declares Freedom