Chapter 1: Death, A New Life, and a Dangerous Deal
What does a person think about when they're dying? Ji-yun had always assumed it would be something profound… something philosophical.But in reality?
As she counted her final breaths, one tired thought drifted through her mind:
"I just wish I could get a break… just one."
It was half past midnight. A lone girl walked down a deserted road, her steps heavy, her eyes clouded with exhaustion. Her body felt like it had been drained of everything. She was heading back to her tiny apartment after finishing work. No one walked beside her.
Only the same loneliness that had accompanied her throughout her life… and the same dull routine she followed every single day. That routine had earned her a promotion. But in return, it had quietly stolen her life away.
Back when she had just started her job, she still had a few moments to breathe, to exist.
But ever since that promotion…
The concept of living had simply vanished from her world. She stepped forward to cross the road And suddenly
A violent impact.
Something dark flew through the air.
Blinding headlights flooded her vision. A truck.
As her body was thrown into the air, her thoughts remained strangely calm.
"Oh… so this is how people die."
Thud.
The world dissolved into darkness.
When she opened her eyes again, the first thing she felt was softness beneath her.
A blanket.
Warm. Luxurious.
"…I'm alive?"
Her lashes fluttered as she looked up.
The ceiling above her was high and white, decorated with intricate golden carvings.
Her heart skipped.
"…This isn't my house."
She jolted upright. A sharp pain shot through her head.
"Ugh… hangover? No… I don't even drink."
Her gaze swept across the room.
It was massive.
Heavy velvet curtains. Expensive furniture.
And right in front of the bed. A large golden mirror. As if pulled by something invisible, she slowly stepped out of bed and walked toward it.
Her breath stopped.
In the mirror. Long golden hair. Violet eyes.
Pale, flawless skin. A face so beautiful it looked like it belonged in a painting.
Her trembling fingers touched her cheek.
"…This isn't me."
The reflection copied her perfectly.
Panic flooded her chest.
"No… this has to be a joke… a dream… or I'm hallucinating after dying…"
Then
Pain exploded in her head. It felt like thousands of files were being forced into her mind all at once. Memories.
Fast. Violent. Overwhelming.
Aria Voss. Daughter of a Duke.
Arrogant. Cunning. Poisonous.
And… The Crown Prince's fiancée.
Ji-yun's face went pale
.
"Wait… wait… wait…"
Her voice shook.
"Isn't this the novel I binge-read last month?" Her heart pounded wildly.
The villainess. Aria Voss. The one who
Her breath caught. Public execution.
Guillotine.Poisoning attempt.
"Chapter 300-something"
She grabbed her head and shouted,
"NOPE!"
She stumbled back.
"I just died… I am NOT dying again. Not happening."
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to think.
"Okay… calm down. Think like Ji-yun."
Her eyes scanned the room again.
Everything screamed wealth. Royalty.
She pressed her temples.
"So… I'm officially in trouble."
She looked around and called out,
"Any system? Cheat? Skill? Hello?"
Silence. She clicked her tongue.
"Great. Transmigration with no benefits. Amazing service."
Knock.
"My Lady, you should prepare. The engagement banquet will begin in an hour."
Ji-yun froze.
"…Today?"
Realization hit her like lightning.
"So the timeline starts now…?"
She clenched her fists.
"If I act like the original Aria… I'll end up dead."
Her eyes sharpened.
"So I'll change the game."
A dangerous idea formed.
"The Crown Prince Lucius Walter…"
"He trusts no one."
"But he's searching for a traitor."
"And I just need to survive."
She whispered,
"…Deal."
The door opened. The air in the room froze.
"He's here…" Tall. Black hair.
Cold, piercing silver eyes.
Crown Prince Lucius Walter. His presence alone dropped the temperature of the room.
"The banquet is about to begin," he said coldly. "Try not to embarrass me."
Aria (Ji-yun) looked at him and smiled faintly.
So that's him.The future tyrant. And my executioner. She met his gaze without fear.
"Your Highness… before we begin… may I say something?"
One of his brows lifted slightly.
"Speak."
Her heart pounded like it was trying to escape her chest. But her voice remained calm.
"We both don't want this engagement."
Silence filled the room.
"So why don't we… make a deal?"
Lucius's eyes narrowed.
"A deal?"
She held his gaze. "I'll help you find the real traitor poisoning the royal court."
She paused. "And in return… when you ascend the throne…"You will free me from this engagement."
Silence.
Then Lucius laughed. Cold. Mocking.
"You?" he said, stepping closer. "You'll help me?"
His presence pressed down on her.
"What kind of game are you playing, Aria?"
Not a game… survival.
Please agree… or I'm really going to die.
He studied her in silence.
Then slowly extended his hand.
"Prove that you're not lying."
Her breath hitched.
"A handshake…?"
She hesitated—
Then placed her hand in his.
The world shattered.
Pain.
Burning, violent pain surged through her body.
Her vision blurred.
Images flooded her mind—
A child in chains.
A dark room.
Blood.
Screams.
"Lucius…?" she gasped.
At the same time—
Lucius's eyes widened.
He saw her memories.
An exhausted office worker.
Loneliness.
And then—
The accident.
Both of them collapsed to their knees.
Breathing ragged.
Hearts racing wildly.
"What… was that?" Aria whispered.
Lucius stared at her, shaken.
For the first time—
Emotion appeared in his eyes.
"That… was your pain."
Her heart sank.
A curse.
He released her hand abruptly.
"You felt it too… didn't you?"
Despite the pain, she forced a faint smile and extended her hand again.
"Welcome to my nightmare… Your Highness."
"…Partners?"
He didn't answer immediately.
He just looked at her.
As if seeing her for the first time.
From outside, a voice called,
"Your Highness, the banquet is ready."
Silence returned.
Inside Aria's mind, one thought echoed—
Shit… this deal didn't make things easier…
It made them a hundred times worse.
But she looked at him again.
And smiled faintly.
At least…
This time, I won't die alone.