I opened my eyes, staring at the unknown ceiling. The room was bright, brimming with morning light. My eyes shifted from the ceiling to the surroundings. Everything looked like it was straight out of a historical fantasy novel-tall drapes, vintage gold-rimmed furniture, and floral wallpaper. I let out a slow, shaky sigh.
Am I dreaming?
This isn't my room… nor the hospital bed. Where is this place?
Am I dead?
As I sat up, the door opened, and a woman with a soft expression wearing a blue apron entered. She bowed gracefully.
"The bath water is ready, my lady," she said in a gentle voice.
I blinked. What did she just say?
I squeezed my eyes shut and then opened them again. Nope, this wasn't a dream. I could feel everything. The sheets, the breeze coming from the window, my own heartbeat-normal and steady.
How is this possible?
Is this the side effect of reading too many novels?
"You… What's your name?" I asked, my voice shaking slightly.
"It's Ana, my lady." She said calmly.
"N-No… What's my name?" I asked again, this time stammering more. My palms were sweating .
"It's Selena Valemont, my lady. Is there any problem?" she asked, tilting her head with concern.
"No… No, there's no problem," I replied, standing up and walking toward the mirror in the corner.
I gasped.
My face hadn't changed. It was still me. But something was different. My skin looked healthier and brighter than before. I could breathe freely. No more dull ache in my chest. No tightness, No pain. My body… It felt light and strong.
And my name-Selena Valemont-was the same.
But I didn't know any story, any world, any novel that had a girl named Selena Valemont. Who am I in this world?
Ana helped me take a bath, and I asked her a few questions while she washed my hair and laid out the clothes.
I still had a stepmother and a stepbrother. And my father was one of the dukes of this empire. But she didn't mention a mother. Just like before, I thought bitterly.
How ironic. Even in another world, I don't get a mother.
"Tell me," I asked her while we sat down for breakfast. "What kind of person am I?"
"Just like you are now, my lady," she answered, smiling as she poured tea.
I stared at her. Either this body was always odd… or Ana was used to dealing with strange behavior.
After breakfast, I sat at the balcony table, warm tea in my hand. A gentle breeze rustled the petals of the climbing roses nearby. I stared at the sky, thinking.
What novel is this? Who am I supposed to be? Am I the villainess? An extra? The side character doomed to die?
Nothing matched. My name didn't appear in any of the books I have read so far. Still, it felt too real. Too detailed to be a coincidence.
Ana returned with a curtsy. "Will you be joining the family for lunch, my lady?"
I blinked. "Lunch?"
"Yes, the duke said you mustn't skip it," she said softly.
I nodded, standing up slowly. But a thought tugged at me. If we always dine together, then… Why did I eat breakfast alone?
Still, I didn't ask Ana. That would be strange. I had to pretend. I had to blend in until I figured everything out.
________________________________________
The dining hall was stunning—polished marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and a long table set with silverware. When I walked in, a tall man with dark black hair and striking features stood at the head.
My father.
Or rather… the father of the owner of this body.
He looked different from the cold, distant father I remembered from my old life. He smiled when he saw me.
"Selena, come," he said warmly. "We were waiting for you."
I sat beside him. Across from us were sitting a woman with elegant curls-my stepmother-and a boy about my age who was likely my stepbrother. Both of them wore polite smiles, but something about their eyes felt off. I shook the feeling away.
As we began eating, my father turned to me.
"Your 17th birthday is next month," he said with a small smile. "Would you prefer to hold the ceremony here or at the vacation estate?"
I froze. A birthday party?
"In this house, of course," I replied carefully.
He laughed lightly. "If that's what you want. We'll make it grand. You've grown so well, my daughter."
I stared at him, stunned. His voice was full of warmth, like I truly mattered. A lump rose in my throat.
Has my real father ever spoken to me like this?
As I was lost in thought, my stepmother chimed in, her tone polite but firm. "There's no need for anything massive. She'll debut into society next year officially on her eighteenth birthday. So it might be better to wait."
But my father waved her off without hesitation. "Nonsense. A daughter's 17th birthday only comes once. Let her be celebrated."
I couldn't stop the smile that bloomed on my lips. So this is what it feels like to be loved. To hold a place in a family.
Even if everything was strange, I wanted to enjoy it for a little while.
________________________________________
After lunch, my father looked at me kindly. "Come to my office, Selena."
I followed him to a grand study with tall bookshelves and velvet armchairs. He gestured for me to sit, then took the chair beside me.
"You've been quiet today. Are you feeling alright?" he asked.
"Yes… Just a bit tired," I admitted honestly.
"I was worried when you fainted yesterday in the garden," he said, frowning slightly. "Come here. Let me heal you and check if everything is alright."
"…Heal me?" I blinked.
He stood and placed his hand gently on my head. A soft green light shimmered beneath his palm, glowing faintly like fireflies in the summer.
Magic?
My breath caught. Is there magic in this world?
I was frozen with wonder as I felt warmth spread through me. It was gentle and comforting.
He removed his hand and looked at me with fatherly concern. "You're healthy. But remember, Selena, I know you're strong. Still, before turning 17, don't use your powers too much. It could be dangerous."
"…I have powers?" I whispered.
He nodded. And said,"You have to be careful. You're my only daughter and my successor."
I could barely contain my excitement. Magic. I have magic.
In my past life, I couldn't even breathe properly. Now I am strong and powerful.
"I promise I'll be careful," I said with a grin.
________________________________________
When I returned to my room, still glowing from what just happened, Ana greeted me.
"My lady, you have a guest."
"A guest?" I paused at the doorway.
Ana smiled. "Lady Bianca is waiting for you in the garden."
Bianca? I thought in my mind.
I tilted my head. "Who?"
"Lady Bianca Elrose. Your friend." she replied gently.
Friend? I didn't remember anyone with that name. But I nodded and made my way to the garden, trying to act natural.
Under the shade of the pergola stood a beautiful girl with wavy blonde hair and green eyes, wearing a soft floral dress. She turned the moment she saw me and rushed over with a wide smile.
"Selena!" She said excitedly.
She hugged me, laughing. "I was so worried after I heard from Ana that you fainted. Are you feeling better?"
I nodded automatically, still observing her.
Blonde hair. Green eyes. That face…
My breath caught.
Lady Bianca… This is her. The female lead from the novel I read-
Fated to Be Loved.
A harem romance fantasy novel I finished reading not long ago.
She was the kind, naive but determined heroine.
Now she was standing in front of me, smiling like we were best friends.
What kind of world have I landed in? But I don't remember if she had any friends named Selena.