Infamous villainess of history makes the crown prince fall for her

The moment Selene saw her parents' worried faces, something inside her broke. Tears welled up in her eyes, and before she could stop them, they spilled down her cheeks.

She had done so much to hurt them.

In her past life, she had been blinded by her obsession with the crown prince, ignoring the love and guidance of her family. She had disregarded their concerns, betrayed their trust, and, in the end, doomed them all.

She could still hear their final words as they faced execution.

"Do not worry, Selene. We love you."

Even in death, they had not resented her. Even as they took their last breaths, they had begged for her life to be spared.

And she had repaid them with nothing but ruin.

A bitter sob tore from her throat.

Her mother and father rushed to her side, alarmed by her reaction. "Selene, what's wrong?" Duchess Seraphina Vasari asked, gently cupping her daughter's tear-streaked face. "Why are you crying?"

Selene couldn't answer. She only clung to them, her sobs shaking her entire body. "I—I'm sorry," she choked out between gasps. "I'm so sorry."

Duke Aldric Vasari exchanged a worried look with his wife. Their daughter had never been one to apologize, much less break down like this.

Seraphina wrapped her arms around Selene, stroking her hair soothingly. "Hush now," she whispered. "It's alright, my dear. There's nothing to apologize for."

But there was.

Selene had been given a second chance, and she would use it wisely. Right now, she was only eighteen. She had yet to commit the terrible deeds that had led to her family's downfall. Though she had already begun obsessing over the crown prince—stalking him, forcing her presence upon him—she had not yet crossed the point of no return.

She still had time.

She still had time to save them.

Sniffling, she turned to her brother, Eric. Unlike their parents, whose eyes brimmed with concern, Eric's face was unreadable. He stood a few steps away, arms crossed, studying her with suspicion.

Of course, he didn't trust her.

Selene had always been headstrong, selfish, and reckless. She had embarrassed their family countless times with her desperate pursuit of the crown prince, ignoring Eric's constant scoldings and advice.

It made sense that he would be wary of her sudden change in behavior.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped closer to him. "Eric…" she whispered hesitantly.

His blue eyes narrowed slightly.

Selene swallowed hard. "Are you mad at me?"

Eric blinked, clearly not expecting that question.

"I know I've been a terrible sister," she continued, gripping the front of her dress. "I've caused trouble for you, for Mother and Father… I've embarrassed you with my foolishness. I—I was selfish and never once thought about how my actions affected our family."

Eric didn't respond.

Selene clenched her fists, bowing her head. "I'm sorry," she whispered.

A long silence followed.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, Eric let out a sigh. "…You're acting strange today," he muttered.

Selene bit her lip, unsure how to respond.

Eric crossed his arms again, eyeing her with a mixture of curiosity and caution. "What exactly happened while you were sick?"

Their parents stiffened slightly. That was the very question they had been meaning to ask.

The maids had reported that Selene had woken up in a daze, confused about her identity. She had even asked where she was, as though she had forgotten her own home.

Seeing their expectant gazes, Selene quickly forced a small, sheepish smile. "It was nothing," she lied. "I think I was just disoriented from the fever. My head feels much clearer now."

Her parents looked unconvinced, but they didn't press further.

Eric, however, didn't look satisfied. His sharp gaze lingered on her as if he were trying to figure something out.

Selene held her breath, afraid that he would push the matter.

But to her relief, he simply sighed again and shook his head. "Whatever," he muttered. "Just… try not to cause any more trouble."

Selene smiled weakly. "I won't."

At least, she would try not to.

As Eric walked past her, she hesitated for a moment before suddenly reaching out and grasping his sleeve.

He froze.

"…Thank you," she murmured softly.

Eric stiffened slightly, clearly caught off guard. But after a brief pause, he sighed, gently shaking her off.

"Tch. Just don't do anything reckless," he muttered before leaving the room.

Selene watched him go, her heart heavy.

She knew earning his trust wouldn't be easy. After all, she had spent years proving to him that she was nothing more than a selfish, lovesick fool.

But this time…

This time, she would prove that she was different.

This time, she would protect her family.