Revenge Heiress: Bow To My Reborn

Who else held a fresh grudge against me if not Carla?

She stared down at me in mock delight, her expression a complete contrast to the look she portrayed seconds ago while being cradled in Beatrice's arms.

"How dare you try to humiliate me in front of Louis?"

She bent down to my level and poked my head with two fingers, her manicured nails leaving a bruise with every stroke.

"Now listen, you heard Father. You're to be married off to Mr. Mallow once you come of age. I don't know if you're dumb or just outright stupid but it's a good thing you accepted your fate right away. From now on, don't even think of speaking in front of Louis. No, don't even breathe the same air as him. Got it?" She poked me again and stood to her full length.

I sat on the floor with a disheveled hair and looked utterly defeated but in reality, I didn't have any expressions. I knew I had to suck it in until I get a chance with Sebastian. Retaliating right now would do nothing but add to my misery. I tried it in the past and let's just say. Lesson learned.

All Carla has to do is play the victim and it would've been better I kept my mouth shut!

I didn't know what she was staring at but she refused to leave and then she spoke again.

"So you're not done with the painting and you had the audacity to leave the house. You seem to be getting bolder by the day, Lyla"

What painting is she talking about?

"I need this first thing in the morning, stay up all night if you must! You should consider it a privilege that we give your art a chance to be displayed in our art gallery!"

She stormed off and I finally stood up and dusted my dress.

'Our gallery?' She meant her and Beatrice. I find it hilarious because Carla isn't a direct member of the family. She is a relative of Regulus but her parents died in a plane crash so Regulus and Beatrice took care of her as a daughter which was convenient because Beatrice was obsessed with having a daughter but the heavens graciously gifted her three boys. So when Carla came along she didn't waste any time in playing the mother-daughter role while I always stood on the sidelines, not having any place where I belong, though I cannot deny that I longed to share that love with them.

There was a time when I truly envied their relationship and wanted Beatrice's attention but I never used underhanded tactics. Thinking back maybe I should've indeed used the devious means I was so often accused of, then the punishments would've been justifiable.

I was just a girl who wanted to be loved.

In the end, my heart turned cold from the constant rejection and I no longer want to experience the feeling called 'love'.

I walked towards the painting board which had an unfinished painting. I completely forgot Beatrice made me paint replicas for her art gallery and even the original arts I drew were registered under her name.

I'll be damned if I draw another piece for those scums!

I found my way to the table mirror and took my seat to glance at my reflection.

I've been so focused on meeting Sebastian that I failed to pause and think. What if I'm so skinny that my face doesn't remind him of his ex?

I felt my cheek and hissed when I touched the bruises. How convenient!

I placed a sheet mask on my face and went to bed. The me of before would've really stayed up all night completing the painting but that girl died a long time ago!

Right now, I need my beauty sleep, after all my face is my golden ticket to winning Sebastian's trust, I can't have it looking all puffy and dry in the morning!

The next day came swiftly and I prepared to practically sneak out of the house, the reason being I didn't finish the painting so naturally Carla was going to turn into a raging dog.

I had my breakfast at a restaurant, at least I could rest assured it wasn't poisoned, and when it was time for the exhibit I headed there with my invitation card.

A sudden thought hit me and I couldn't help wondering. if I had attended this art exhibit in my previous life, would anything have changed?

The news of Sebastian's ex-girlfriend being my doppelgänger only got revealed when I was acknowledged openly after my birthday. That's when the pictures and the news traveled far. So as it stands, no one is aware of this and I plan to keep things that way.

I entered into the magnificent gallery and I've always been a sucker for art so I got engrossed with my surroundings that I almost forgot my mission today.

Luckily, I heard some whispers of Sebastian's arrival and I snapped back to action mode.

"Okay, let's do this!"

I followed the directions from the gossip and I figured I was lost, this is why you should never follow the words of gossipers! I facepalmed myself and kept moving but I suddenly heard Carla and Beatrice conversing with some other aristocrats and I turned in the opposite direction.

I must avoid them at all cost today!

Immediately I took the other turn and spotted Sebastian in all his glory. He was decked in a black tux, looking sharp and refined just as in his photos but I must say, the pictures did not justify his looks enough!

He could easily be mistaken for a painting! He had the type of look that was ethereal to gaze upon, a heavy amount of unreal elements embodied in one man, and don't even get me started on his build. I might have a nosebleed if I looked too long.

"Get a grip, young lady!"

I sighed and walked towards his direction. Today I purposely tied my hair in a high bun so nothing could block my features. I was confident that the moment he saw me he would…

"Step back ma'am"

My daydream instantly shattered, how did I not notice the guards surrounding him?

I'm such a fool! I was so wholly smitten by his looks that I lost my mind and failed to devise a plan. On a side note, why did this guard call me ma'am?!

I think I'm gonna cry, do I look old because I'm skinny or does this guard have an attitude problem?!

For the sake of my mental health I'd go with the second option. I stepped back for a moment and the minute the man let his guard down I pushed through and grabbed Sebastian's suit.

I'd be fair on this, I looked like a total wacko caught in that position. The guard held one of my hands in time while my other hand was tugging on Sebastian's tux.

Yes, the very tux I was admiring seconds ago were now my lifeline. If he pulled me I'd pull Sebastian too!

I hope he chooses wisely for all our sakes.

I was so caught up in the decision of the guard that I actually forgot the real danger was right in front of me!

Sebastian turned and stared down at me. This was the moment I'd been waiting for so I looked up into his eyes but to my greatest disappointment nothing happened if anything he had a look that was anticipating an explanation with a raised brow but I had nothing to say!

I freaking had nothing to say! Was I wrong to think he'd instantly recognize me and take me away. I mean, isn't that what was technically supposed to happen when you see a girl that looks exactly like your dead lover?

So what's wrong with him? Did he lose his memories or something?!

I was really left at a loss, should I just burn down House Whitemore with everyone inside including myself? Wouldn't that solve everything?

Pull yourself together, Lyla!

I released his suit to try and make a point but that was my biggest mistake because I was instantly bundled away by the guard.

Curses!

I was dropped at a far end of the gallery but was I gonna give up?

Hell no! I must get to talk with him 'privately' today! I admit I was flustered for a moment but who wouldn't be? It's not every day you meet a man with such captivating appeal, his features were effortlessly unmatched and here I thought I was the fairest in the land! Even Snow White has competition! But that's not what's important now.

I already screwed the crossroad opportunity and now, this too! But you know what they say, the third time's the freaking charm!