LILITH

Soft morning light filtered through the velvet pink curtains, casting a warm glow on the sleeping beauty on the bed.

A heart-shaped face. High cheekbones. A straight nose. Full, defined lips.

She was the kind of woman whose beauty defined all standards.

Suddenly, her peaceful face contorted, brows furrowing in discomfort-as if caught in a nightmare.

A moment later, her eyelashes fluttered, and her eyelids slowly parted, revealing expressive round eyes and warm brown irises.

---

I blinked, dazed and disoriented.

Wasn't I dead?

I clearly remembered the moment my last breath left my body...

That voice. The system!

In those final moments, I'd heard it ask: If you had the chance to do it all over again, would you take it?

And I had said yes.

Without warning, my heart lost control, pounding out of rhythm.

I sucked in a shaky breath, closed my eyes, and focused on feeling every inch of my body. When I sensed it brimming with energy, I nearly yelped in excitement.

This wasn't my broken, drug-ridden body!

Had I really been reborn?

The system hadn't lied?

In the next second, my eyes snapped open, focusing on the familiar pink chandelier overhead.

I was scared and anxious that this was all just a cruel dream. But I couldn't stand the uncertainty anymore.

I yanked off the covers, jumped onto the plush carpet, and ran over to the full-length mirror by the dresser.

And then...

I saw myself.

My twenty-two-year-old self.

Youthful. Radiant. Heart-achingly beautiful.

I was back?

Had I truly returned-to the time before it all began?

I stood frozen in stunned silence.

Then, without a word, big, fat tears began to fall.

I didn't sob or cry out, but the look on my face would have been enough to soften even the hardest heart.

Just then, I heard it.

That familiar mechanical voice rang out in my mind.

[Hello, host. Congratulations on your rebirth.]

[This time around, I hope you make different choices and change your bad ending.]

Though the voice sounded hollow and devoid of emotion, to me, it was the greatest comfort in the world.

Only then did I truly believe this wasn't a dream.

I was really back.

I laughed through my tears. It was a sound laced with joy, sorrow, hope-and overwhelming relief. The kind that only comes after you've experienced the deepest despair.

Minutes later, I managed to rein in the storm of emotions swirling inside me.

I reached for a wet wipe from the dresser and gently dabbed at the tear stains on my face. Then, I turned to the bedside table and picked up my phone to check the date.

May 12.

My eyes narrowed as I plopped myself down on the bed.

So it was today.

The banquet hosted by my parents to celebrate my college graduation.

It was also the night my engagement with Brandon was formally announced.

The very first wrong choice I ever made.

The system had said it hoped I would make different choices this time around. And what better way to start than by correcting the most important one?

But first, I needed to confirm something.

"System?" I called out softly.

[I'm here, host. Do you need something?]

"Not really. I just have a few questions."

[Go ahead.]

"First of all, are you like the systems in those web novels? With magical space, pills, that kind of thing? Second, why me? Why did you choose me to be reborn?"

[I'm just an ordinary system with no fancy functions. The biggest help I can offer is granting you this chance at rebirth. Occasionally, I might provide much-needed information directly related to changing your life, but that's about it.]

I actually felt relieved hearing that. If it had been one of those all-powerful systems, I might've been wary. Apprehensive even.

Because I didn't believe in free lunches-seemingly unreserved help like that always came with a price.

The system continued.

[As for why you were chosen... it's because you weren't supposed to end up that way.]

I frowned.

"What do you mean by that?"

[To put it in web novel terms, the system explained, you were originally meant to be the female lead-destined to have a smooth sailing life until you die peacefully in your twilight years. But there was a plot twist-you had your luck stolen by your so-called best friend, the villainous character. As a result, your roles got switched. She became the new female lead, and you were forced into the role of a tragic supporting character. One who was destined for a bad ending.]

I sat frozen for a moment, my mind blank from the overload of information. But I used to be an avid reader of web novels, so it didn't take long for me to connect the dots.

And once I did... I felt sick to my stomach.

So I wasn't supposed to go through all that pain and misery?

Claire had stolen my luck, my life, and everything that should've been mine. And to top it off, she drugged me to death?

It sounded insane and absurd.

But deep down, I knew it was true.

My fingers clenched at my sides as a storm brewed behind my eyes.

"How did she get such powers? She didn't awaken them or anything, did she?"

I wasn't sure if it was my imagination, but I could've sworn I heard the system sigh helplessly.

[A corrupted system slated for destruction somehow managed to escape from its world-an extraterrestrial plane-to this one. It needs an immense amount of luck to repair itself and survive. Claire was the host it chose.]

A corrupted system? Extraterrestrial plane?

This world just kept sounding weirder and weirder-but I'd just been reborn, hadn't I? So who was I to talk?

Still, it took me a moment to digest the information.

"Am I the only one whose luck got stolen?"

[No. But you were the first. Your family-and many others-fell victim too. Her actions have thrown the world into disarray. She and that scrap metal are responsible for singlehandedly increasing the number of wronged souls wandering the earth.]

A cold laugh escaped my lips.

"Compressing all that luck to her person... isn't she afraid of choking to death?"

The words came out through gritted teeth, my voice laced with venom.

[She won't. In fact, the laws of the world would bend for her, turning illogical events and unnatural fortune into her reality.]

I froze, a look of realization in my eyes.

No wonder.

No wonder so many things hadn't made sense. Things I'd brushed off as coincidences... turned out they were all side effects of stolen luck.

"So, that's the real reason you let me be reborn, isn't it?" My tone was unnervingly calm now.

"You need someone to fix things."

[Yes. She can no longer be allowed to run wild or else the world may fall into irreversible chaos.]

[You and your family were the starting point. You brought her into the upper circles-a world brimming with people with strong luck and powerful destinies. Only you can set things right.]

"So as long as we get her away from us, she won't be able to steal anyone else's luck?"

[It's not going to be that easy as she's already absorbed a considerable part of your luck. Besides, wouldn't it be wiser to keep her under your watch?]

A flicker of irritation crossed my face. "Then what exactly do you want me to do? How do I stop her?"

[I told you already-make different choices. Change your bad ending.]

Huh? I blinked. That was it?

[Claire steals people's luck when the positive emotions-love, affection, admiration, trust-they have towards her reach a certain threshold. But she can only target one person at a time, and unless a target's luck is fully drained, she can't move on to the next.]

"And I happen to be that unlucky target?"

[Correct.]

"But now that I no longer harbor anything but hatred and disgust toward her, she shouldn't be able to drain my luck anymore, right?"

[You are right. She can't. But neither she nor her corrupted system knows that yet.]

[That scrap metal has a fatal flaw. Once a person's emotions cross the threshold and luck absorption begins, the index freezes at that point. It won't update even if your emotions change or drop afterward.]

[For instance, if the total emotional index is 10 and the threshold is 8, the index will freeze once it reaches 8/10.]

My eyes lit up with understanding.

"So even if my feelings have already turned to hate, they'll have no idea?"

[Exactly. The corrupted system won't get any notifications about the drop because it's in a dormant state. Most of its energy was burned escaping to this world. By the time it realizes something is wrong, it'll already be too late.]

I tapped my toe on the carpet, my mind racing.

Then it clicked.

"If the corrupted system tries to switch targets before my luck is fully drained, will there be backlash?"

[Yes. Severe backlash. For both the system and Claire. If you're lucky, it might even lead to the corrupted system's destruction.]

A slow, chilling smile crept onto my face.

"All right then," I said, my voice cold. "Happy cooperation."

LILITH

Maybe it was because everything had been laid out so plainly, but I felt more comfortable with the mechanical voice in my head.

"By the way, do you have an actual name besides 'system'? Calling you that every time feels too impersonal."

"We're stuck together for the foreseeable future, so I'd prefer something... less formal."

[I don't have one.]

It replied matter-of-factly.

"Then I'll give you one," I decided.

It made a mechanical hum, as if agreeing.

I pursed my lips thoughtfully, brows furrowed. Moments later, my frown smoothed out and I clapped my hands together in delight.

"Got it! I'll call you May."

[Why May?]

"Because thanks to you, I was reborn in the month of May. Coincidentally, it also happens to be my birthday month. It feels... meaningful and significant."

[Understood. The choice is yours.]

"It's settled then."

With that, I straightened my back, letting my voice take on a sharper edge.

"Now, let's get down to business."

[What business?]

My eyes glinted with coldness.

"The business of stopping my engagement with Brandon, of course."

[But it's already scheduled for tonight. How do you plan to stop it from happening?]

May paused, then added thoughtfully,

[Just so you know, revealing my existence or disclosing future events is strictly prohibited. Both actions violate system regulations.]

I chuckled good-naturedly. "Don't worry. None of those were ever within my consideration."

[Then what's your plan? Sweet-talking your parents into annulling the engagement?]

[Actually, I think it'll be better to go along with it first and then think of countermeasures later on. That'll give you enough time to prepare.]

I couldn't help but smile faintly.

It was clear that although May had told me to make different choices, it still thought of me as the same person I used to be-passive, powerless, and prone to compromise.

Although the second part was still very much true, I would never again allow the other two to define me.

From now on-

My eyes blazed with confidence and determination.

I wouldn't compromise. Not even an inch.

[I'm sorry.]

May said suddenly.

Confusion flashed in my eyes. "What are you sorry for?"

[You're right. I still don't understand you.]

In that instant, realization struck me, making a chill crawl up my spine. "Wait... can you read my thoughts?"

[Yes.]

May admitted, then quickly added.

[But I don't do it unless necessary. I only heard you just now because your emotions spiked.]

Even with the explanation, I felt unsettled. Uneasy.

"Then let's make the first ground rule: in the future, you're not allowed to read or pry into my thoughts without my explicit permission. Do you agree?"

[Yes.]

I exhaled in relief. The idea of someone having free access to my mind and thoughts felt absolutely horrifying and suffocating.

My voice softened. "Don't hold it against me for reacting this way. I don't think there's a single human alive who would be comfortable knowing their thoughts were laid bare."

[It's fine. I understand.]

With that, I finally relaxed.

"You said you could provide me with helpful information. Does that still stand?"

There was a brief pause.

[Yes. As long as it's within controllable limits.]

My tone turned razor-sharp.

"Then tell me-when did Brandon and Claire's affair begin?"

I had married Brandon one year after our engagement. Around the same time, I got pregnant. For the baby switch to go unnoticed, Claire's child had to be of similar age. If the baby were older, no matter how dumb I was, I would've sensed something off.

Which meant those two snakes had been together for far longer than I realized.

[They've been involved for five years now.]

My fingers curled into tight fists.

Five years? That meant the affair started during our first year of college.

My eyes widened in disbelief.

"That was just one year after Claire came to live with us."

How could I have been so blind? That for over thirty years, I hadn't suspected a thing?

Something so absurd could only be a side-effect of the corrupted system Claire possessed. I had been manipulated.

A new thought struck me.

"When did that corrupted system bind with her?"

[Around the same time she joined your household. That's why I said your family was her starting point.]

"No wonder I never noticed anything," I muttered. Then my face paled.

"So... she's been stealing my luck for close to six years now?"

[Yes.] May's voice sounded heavy.

[Fortunately, her system's absorption rate is slow, so she's only taken a quarter so far.]

[But as long as you do as I instructed, you'll gradually reclaim everything she's stolen from you.]

My gaze darkened.

A quarter might not sound like much to others, but after the life I'd lived... I knew better.

Even a single strand of luck could change everything.

This new life of mine-there's no way I'd allow anyone to ruin it again, I thought, my jaw clenched tightly.

Perhaps May felt sorry for me, because it chimed in with something unexpected.

[Today is one of the days Brandon and Claire meet in private. Do you want to catch them in the act?]

My eyes sparkled. This was exactly the kind of information I needed.

For a second, I was tempted to go personally. To catch them red-handed.

But I quickly shook off the thought.

In my previous life, I'd learned the hard way: getting directly involved with those two always ended badly-especially when it came to Claire.

Better to send someone else. Someone skilled. Someone professional.

A private investigator, for example.

But...

I frowned. I had no idea how to find one.

Whether in my past life or this one, I'd never been exposed to that sort of profession. And asking my family?

No way.

Though I'd told myself I didn't blame them for being deceived, pretending I held no resentment would be a lie.

I... couldn't fully trust them anymore. Or anyone else, really.

I closed my eyes, heart heavy. When I opened them again, they were calm. Cold.

"May, I have a question. Would giving me the contact info of a reliable private investigator fall under 'controllable limits'?"

[...I think so. Probably?]

A small smile tugged at my lips. It probably never expected to be used as a phone book.

Not that I gave it time to reconsider.

A moment later, a message appeared on my phone from an unknown number, containing the contact information for a Langston Consulting Services.

"Thanks, May. You just saved me a lot of trouble." I flattered it sweetly.

[You're welcome. It's what I should do.]

The sly smile at the corner of my lips deepened.

I didn't waste time. After saving the number, I opened my messaging app and reached out.

I forwarded Brandon and Claire's names, along with other relevant details and the meeting place May had revealed.

Shortly after, I received a response requesting a million deposit, with the balance due upon delivery of the results.

I wired the money without blinking.

{I need the information before 6 PM today. The more detailed, the better. Can you deliver?}

{Don't worry, ma'am. Our agency's reputation is built on discretion and speed. With the details you've provided, this case will be easy.}

{Then I look forward to your good news.}

{Happy to be of service.}

With the chat coming to an end, I leaned back and smiled, satisfaction gleaming in my eyes.

"Brandon. Claire," I whispered.

"I'm coming for you. Are you ready?"

DEAN - RAVEN ENTERTAINMENT

Callum looked like he was one step away from losing it.

Seated behind a sleek black desk, he flipped through the growing mountain of paperwork that hadn't stopped multiplying since morning. Every now and then, he'd pause to adjust those gold-rimmed glasses of his and rub at his temples.

Meanwhile, I lay stretched out across the recliner directly in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, letting out a lazy yawn.

As I did so, I could feel Callum's death glare on me.

It was honestly entertaining how obviously his irritation grew the more relaxed I looked.

In the next moment, I heard the rustle of fabric and knew he finally decided to take a break.

Following the sound of footsteps, he dropped onto the sofa across from me with the force of someone fed up with the world, or at least with me.

"It seems you've turned my office into your personal spa," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Have those rumors about you being nothing more than an idle, useless playboy finally gotten to your head, so you decided to make them a reality?"

I didn't respond immediately, quietly watching him groan and rub his forehead in circles before continuing.

"I've been behind that desk since morning, drowning in paperwork and you've been here just as long. Yet, not once did it occur to you to help. If I didn't know better, I'd think this company had changed hands, and you're no longer the largest shareholder."

His voice sounded exasperated, together with a fair dose of resentment.

Ignoring him, I shut my eyes and folded one arm behind my head.

"I'm just an honorary director," I drawled. "What real work do you expect from me?"

Even without opening my eyes, I could feel his piercing stare on me. No doubt he was also clenching his jaw so hard it could almost break while fighting the urge to strangle me where I lay.

A soft chuckle escaped my lips thinking of that scene. An action which did nothing but add to his annoyance. But eventually, all his exasperation and frustration turned into one, long sigh.

"Fine. Forget helping me. But what about your other business? Don't you think it's time you went back?"

He shot me a look. "You've been here on 'vacation' for nearly a months. That's long enough, don't you think?"

He paused, then added, "Do you have any idea how many times Blake's called, asking when you'll return? It's obvious the work is becoming too much for him to handle."

Blake. My assistant.

Highly competent and sharp.

I didn't feel an ounce of guilt for dumping everything on him and leaving him in charge. If he couldn't even handle things in my absence, what was the point of paying him a six-figure paycheck?

"I'm not going back," I said calmly, finally opening my eyes.

Callum frowned. "What do you mean you're not going back?"

Then came the realization. "Wait. Are you saying you're planning to settle down here?"

I sat up slightly. "More or less. I plan to open a branch here, after all."

He looked genuinely stunned for a moment, then narrowed his eyes. "Is this a long-term plan or just one of your spur-of-the-moment whims?"

I smirked. "Guess."

"Be serious, Dean. I know you can be spontaneous at times, but this is no joking matter. "

He leaned forward, hands clasped as he spoke.

I let out a soft laugh, completely unbothered.

"Relax. This has been in the works for a while. I just never got around to telling you."

That was actually a white lie. But as long as the outcome remained the same, I guess it wouldn't matter that much, right?

"The market in Agate Country had become stagnant and over-saturated with similar products," I explained, my aura shifting into seriousness "Downloads are dropping, user feedback is lukewarm, and investing in new ideas has become risky."

"With slower growth, more risk, and tighter competition, something had to change."

Callum frowned. "So you're basically trying your luck here?"

I shook my head. "No. I don't put my faith in fickle things like 'luck.' I only believe in myself."

I dropped my legs from the recliner and faced him directly.

"I've done my homework. Compared to Agate Country, the market here still has untapped potential. The mobile game scene is expanding fast, especially in narrative and female-oriented genres-and no one's capitalizing on it. Yet."

"But soon, they will," Callum replied, his expression softening. "There are plenty of smart people in the world. If you've figured it out, someone else will too. In fact, they might already have."

"Exactly. That's why I plan to strike early and secure a dominant position in the market. That way, no matter who enters the game later, they'll be playing catch-up."

He nodded, clearly impressed and aware of the potential behind my plan.

If things went as planned, Raven Entertainment and Astral Studios could create a complete entertainment chain: comics, animations, live-action adaptations, game-themed merchandise... the possibilities were endless.

"So the nickname "Treasure Hound" our friend circle gave you wasn't just for show, after all. You really never miss a money-making opportunity," Callum commented.

"What about the game?" he asked. "Is it already in development, or are you starting from scratch?"

"It's already underway at HQ," I told him. "But the launch and localization will be handled here by the new branch."

Callum snorted. "So you already had everything planned and were just informing me of the result?"

"Isn't that better?" I winked playfully. "I do the work, and you get to rake in a fortune."

He rolled his eyes but didn't argue.

The office went quiet for a while, comfortable silence settling between us.

Then he looked at me again. "By the way, will you be attending the Caldwells' banquet tonight?"

I shifted back into my previous position and asked lazily. "What banquet?"

"The Caldwells are throwing a party to celebrate their youngest daughter's college graduation. But from what I heard, the true reason behind the banquet is to officially announce her engagement to... Brandon."

He looked at me carefully as he said the last name, but I pretended not to notice.

Instead, I nonchalantly raised a brow. "Oh?"

"So?" he asked. "Will you go?"

Of course not.

That's what I meant to say.

But for some reason, an image surfaced in my mind. The Caldwell's youngest daughter.

Her name, if I remembered right, sounded like a flower.

Lily, maybe?

It had been ten years since I last saw her, but somehow, I remembered her. A quiet little thing in frilly pink dresses. She was like a delicately carved but lifeless doll.

All of a sudden, I felt a flicker of curiosity.

Sudden. Unexplainable.

I didn't question it too deeply at the time. But later, I would look back on this moment, quietly grateful for that impulse. For the fact that I decided to go.

Has her style changed? Was she still the same doll-ish girl?

I wondered.

"I suppose trying out the desserts wouldn't be a bad idea," I said after a moment of consideration.

Callum blinked, clearly surprised at my decision. He knew how much I despised events like this, especially if I had to rub shoulders with people from 'that' family.

But he didn't press. He simply shrugged his shoulders and stood up.

"I'll finish up the rest of my work."

I hummed in response, gaze drifting toward the window.

Looking forward to meeting you, Lily.