VFAI 02

Chapter 02

 We’re Not Even a Real Family Anyway

July 7, 2022

“Good. That’s one hurdle cleared.”

Having sent off the annulment papers, I felt much lighter.

That day, after the shock of recalling memories from my past life, I took some time to calm myself down. I enjoyed a relaxing “healing” break—soaking in a warm bath and indulging in sweet desserts.

Just thinking that I no longer had to struggle for attention or approval from others made me feel at ease.

I wouldn’t have to behave meekly in front of my family while lashing out at servants who looked down on me as an illegitimate child.

I wouldn’t have to secretly cry over the gossiping nobles talking about me.

I wouldn’t have to question why I couldn’t live a normal life like everyone else.

Strangely, realizing that I wasn’t truly part of this family made me feel freer.

Yeah. From now on, I’ll live smarter.

As soon as I get some money… I’m leaving this place.

But that peaceful moment didn’t last long. The very next day, something happened.

“Miss. The Duke has summoned you.”

The butler—famous for his unwavering loyalty to my father and for being notoriously strict—had come to fetch me himself.

And apparently, it was for something serious.

“My father? Right now?”

“Yes. He asks that you come immediately.”

But I couldn’t follow him right away. Meeting my father didn’t exactly fill me with joy.

No… actually, I’m scared.

Since I was left at this estate as a baby, there had never been a single moment when I wasn’t tense in front of him.

Even a child learns quickly in a household like this.

My father doesn’t like me.

I understood that long before I could even put it into words.

The family atmosphere where my mother could never be mentioned. My father’s cold eyes whenever he looked at me. In that indifference, I was raised solely by my nanny.

He probably hated me because I was an illegitimate child—an unwanted existence, a stain on the family.

If he finds out I’m not even his child, but another man’s daughter… I’m done for.

As my thoughts reached that point, the butler gently urged me again.

“Miss, please hurry.”

“…Alright.”

Why did he call for me?

I had done enough wrong that nothing immediately came to mind.

As I followed the butler, I tried to guess the reason.

Ever since I regained memories of my past life, I’d been cooped up in my room making plans—but just before that, hadn’t I caused trouble?

Was it because I argued with the maids?

But he’d never summoned me for things like that before.

Even when I grabbed other noble boys by the hair at social gatherings, Duke Ferdia said nothing. He had little interest in his children to begin with, so I rarely saw him.

Maybe once a month at family dinners—formal occasions that felt more like confirming everyone was still alive.

Still, there was a difference in how he treated me compared to his two sons.

From the beginning, we didn’t even live in the same place. I stayed in a detached building, while they lived in the main house. He would call them to discuss family matters—but he almost never called me.

There was a time when I tried to earn his affection.

All I got in return was silence… and a cold gaze.

He never said anything, but those eyes alone were enough to hurt.

So why did he call me?

Now that I remembered the original story, unexpected events were frightening.

“I will inform the master of your arrival.”

“Okay.”

I stood in front of the office, waiting anxiously.

Soon, the heavy door opened.

Inside, a man sat reading documents with his eyes lowered.

That handsome man… was my father, Sylvester Ferdia.

The Duke of the Ferdia family, ruler of the underworld—called the Emperor of Darkness.

He slowly lifted his head.

Black hair so dark it seemed to swallow the sunlight, and piercing golden eyes that felt like they could bind you.

There was no emotion in them.

Like a beast.

Bang.

The door shut behind me.

I stood in front of his desk, forcing myself to hide my nerves.

Before I could speak, he did.

“Elodie Ferdia.”

Just hearing my name made me want to run—but I couldn’t move.

“Yes.”

“You caused trouble.”

His voice was flat, without even a hint of emotion.

Here it comes.

It had to be about the maids.

I took a deep breath and clenched my fists.

“I’m sorry!”

“…What?”

“I was wrong!”

“Elodie Ferdia.”

“I won’t do it again!”

“….”

A triple apology combo.

If you apologize first, the other person usually has nothing left to say.

It seemed to work—his cold expression briefly showed surprise.

Did it work?

At least he didn’t look angry.

But then he pressed his forehead and spoke again.

“I received a message from the First Prince. I hear you requested an annulment.”

“Oh? That part—I’m not sorry about.”

Oh, that.

I thought this was about the maids.

I never expected to be called over the annulment.

I thought he wouldn’t care.

But his expression darkened.

Oops.

I’d gotten too bold after regaining my past life memories.

“I overlooked everything you’ve done within the family.”

“I know.”

“But this is different.”

“…”

“Wasn’t this engagement something you wanted?”

It was.

Back then, I wanted to be engaged to the First Prince.

I wanted power—so no one could mock me as an illegitimate child.

If I became Empress, no one could look down on me.

If I’d known it would lead to my ruin, I wouldn’t have done it…!

“I remember you opposed it. So I thought breaking it wouldn’t matter.”

“The situation has changed.”

There were two candidates for the throne.

The First Prince, born of the Empress—and the Second Prince, born of a concubine.

My engagement meant the Ferdia family supported the First Prince.

“Are you saying I can’t break it?”

“Yes.”

“…Understood.”

My calm response made his eyes sharpen.

I avoided his gaze.

So it won’t be easy.

Why had the prince contacted him instead of agreeing?

He didn’t even like me.

I’ll have to make him break it first.

“Stay confined for now. Reflect on your actions.”

The punishment was lighter than expected.

As I turned to leave, I noticed something in his expression.

Does he have something else to say?

“…No. Leave.”

But the question lingered.

On my way back, I ran into two people.

“My, hello, Lili.”

My older brother, Yansi Ferdia.

“And what are you staring at?”

My younger brother, Carlott Ferdia.

“Did you just see Father? I heard you asked the First Prince for an annulment—is that true?”

Yansi asked gently, smiling.

I smiled back—but stayed cautious.

He looked kind, but he wasn’t.

“More like the prince dumped her.”

Carlott sneered.

He openly hated me.

“Yep, I just spoke with Father.”

I ignored Carlott.

“Did you get scolded?”

“Just confinement—”

“Serves you right.”

I continued calmly.

“—that’s all.”

“Must be tough.”

“I’ve been staying in my room anyway.”

“Hang in there. Tell me if you need anything.”

“Don’t rely on him,” Carlott snapped.

Yansi sighed.

“We’re family.”

“Family?”

Carlott scoffed.

“Yes. My dear siblings.”

Liar.

He smiled sweetly—but inside, he was calculating.

“Are you crazy? Me and that thing?”

If this were yesterday, I’d be hurt.

But not anymore.

So what? We’re not even real family.

“Thanks for your concern, brother. And Carl.”

“…Ugh.”

Carlott made a disgusted face.

I turned away.

Whatever.

I just need to leave this house.

Then I won’t have to see them again.

I walked off without looking back.