C3 Give It Back to Him

Despite the dimness of the room, she immediately noticed the photograph on the cabinet.

In the photograph were two girls: one thin and frail, the other fair and delicate; one with a timid smile, the other radiant as the morning sun.

Ilyana was taken aback. This was the bedroom in the Munro family's attic!

Could it be that...

Her heart raced as she gave herself a sharp pinch.

Pain.

Sharp and unmistakably real.

She wasn't dead?

Before she could fully process this revelation, a voice from outside the door jolted her.

"Mom, why hasn't that brat woken up yet? What if she's knocked herself silly? Would Dad blame me?"

The voice outside was crisp and pleasant, yet the malicious words sent shivers down one's spine.

It was Ines!

Ilyana's mind reeled. No sooner had the name crossed her mind than she heard another voice outside the door.

"The doctor said she's fine. Don't worry."

That was the voice of Ines's mother, her stepmother—Ondine.

"I should have pushed harder, made sure that wretch never woke up. Now she's just an eyesore. And Dad wants her to join us at the old lady's birthday banquet? I refuse to be seen with that country bumpkin; it would give me nightmares."

Ines stood with her arms akimbo, radiating defiance. Her face, rebellious and unapologetic, showed not a trace of remorse.

"You're so impatient, my child," Ondine cooed as she affectionately patted Ines's hair. "Now, the banquet is about to start. Let's not dawdle here any longer. We should head downstairs before your father starts to worry."

"But what if Dad asks about her..."

Noticing her daughter's concern, Ondine scoffed, "My dear, if your father asks, just tell him the girl is injured and needs to recuperate at home. Nobody's going to fuss over a nobody from the countryside."

Watching the familiar silhouette depart through the door's crack, Ilyana felt a chilling aura envelop her. Like a specter risen from the depths of hell, her eyes glowed with icy horror and deep-seated hatred.

Just as in her previous life, upon her return to the Munro family, Ilyana was informed that she was to attend Old Madame Munro's birthday banquet. Yet, on the very day of the event, she found herself cruelly shoved down a staircase, unnoticed by all.

Despite the numerous challenges, Ilyana managed to make it to the banquet, only to arrive as it was drawing to a close. Moreover, due to her own naivety, she made a spectacle of herself by showing up in a blood-stained dress, looking like a complete fool.

Under the watchful eyes of the guests, her disheveled and clumsy demeanor became the subject of ridicule. She was not only chastised by the Munro family elders but also mocked by everyone present, bringing shame to the family name. It wasn't until later that the full extent of the tragedy unfolded.

The root of all these misfortunes lay in the schemes of the Slater family mother and daughter!

Thankfully, fate was kind, granting Ilyana a second chance at life.

She couldn't help but laugh, even as tears streamed down her face.

The past was not merely a dream.

Every incident was etched deeply into her memory!

In her previous life, she was foolish enough to be ensnared by the illusions spun by the Slater family mother and daughter, which provided Ines with the perfect opportunity.

Now, Ilyana understood the depths of human malice all too well!

Thankfully, the heavens showed mercy, and the impending disasters had yet to occur, giving her a chance to set things right!

She was determined to reclaim what was owed to her, one by one!

For all those who had wronged her, in this life, she would ensure they paid back twofold!

She would watch as they each endured a living hell!