Lena slowly opened her eyes, groggily taking in her surroundings. She was met with an unfamiliar ceiling and a wave of confusion washed over her. As she tried to sit up, a sharp pain shot through her head, forcing her back onto the pillow.
A maid, dressed in a crisp uniform, rushed to her side. "Miss Lenaris, please don't exert yourself. You've had a nasty fall down the stairs."
Her memories came flooding back – the cafe, her mother's ultimatum, the truck... But something wasn't right. Where is this? She looked around, taking in the opulent decorations and fine furnishings.
"Who am I?" I asked, trying to play it cool.
The maid's cold expression turned sympathetic. "You're Lenaris Elsie Dunham, the daughter of the Duke of Dunham. You've been ill for a few days due to your accident."
My mind reeled as I processed this information. I had transmigrated into a novel? I recalled the story's plot, and my new identity as Lenaris, a side character known for her spoiled personality.
Deciding to fake amnesia, I looked at the maid with a confused expression. "I don't remember anything. What happened to me?"
The maid nodded understandingly. "Don't worry, Miss. Your memories will return with time. For now, let's focus on your recovery."
I nodded, relieved that my plan was working. I would play along, learn about this world, and make the most of her new life as Lenaris.
"What is your name?" I asked the maid who had a stoic look on her face.
"You can call me Rina my lady" she replied her face expressionless. "Please allow me to prepare you for the day" she added.
As the maid helped me out of bed, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. I couldn't help but gasp in surprise.
The reflection showed a stunning 18-year-old girl with long, golden hair cascading down her back like a river of sunset hues. Her emerald green eyes sparkled like gemstones, and her full, plump red lips seemed to invite smiles. A small mole under her left eye added a touch of uniqueness to her features.
I marveled at the beauty of this body, which was now mine. My skin was smooth, slender, and porcelain-like, radiating a soft glow. I couldn't help but touch my face, feeling the softness of my skin.
As I gazed at my reflection, I realized that I had a chance to start anew. I would leave the past behind and embrace this new life as Lenaris Elsie Dunham.
With a newfound sense of determination, she turned to the maid. "I want to learn about my life here. Tell me about my family."
Rina nodded, launching into a detailed explanation of Lenaris's life. "You're the adopted daughter of the Duke of Dunham, and you have two older stepbrothers, Lord Elvin and Lord Veneric."
"How is my relationship with them?" I questioned though knowing it was anything but good as the novel portrayed Lenaris as someone who was not loved by her family.
"They're not particularly fond of you, I'm afraid."
She wasn't surprised because it was to be expected. Lenaris was not the Duke's biological child, she was adopted by the late Duchess who mistook her for her dead daughter and brought her home which caused the brothers to dislike her thinking she wanted to replace their sister and with Lenaris spoiled and extravagant personality made matters worst.
"What about my engagement?" I asked, curiosity getting the better of me as I wanted to know what the prince thinks of Lenaris before the plot begins."
The maid's expression turned diplomatic. "You're engaged to Prince Caspian De Rico Regales, the second prince of the empire. Your engagement is a significant arrangement for the family. The prince fulfills
all his duties as your betrothed and only sees your relationship as purely political."
Lena nodded, taking it all in, if only she had read the entire book. She had a lot to learn about this world and her place in it. But she was determined to make the most of her new life as Lenaris Elsie Dunham, and forge her own path.