It was a bright, sunny day when October found herself seated across from her eldest sister, Scheuer, in the drawing room for what was meant to be a "serious" discussion. The gleam of morning sunlight streamed through the lace curtains, casting golden shadows on the tea tray between them. But all October could focus on was the parchment in her hand—and the unfortunate portrait sketched upon it.
"What is this?" she asked flatly, lifting the drawing like it personally offended her.
Scheuer barely spared a glance, her porcelain teacup poised delicately at her lips. "He's a good man. His father is a wealthy merchant, and their family does business directly with the royal court."
October wrinkled her nose. "I'm sure he's wealthy. But Scheuer, he's ugly."
Scheuer sighed. The kind of sigh that said, 'I've heard enough of your nonsense, but I will play along because I'm patient.' "You asked for a suitor far from the capital. Someone who could help you escape the gossip and give you a fresh start. This is the best I could find on such short notice."
"I asked for distance, not disfigurement," October groaned, flopping back onto the settee dramatically. "Spare a thought for my future children. What if they inherit his face?"
Just then, a knock rapped politely on the door before it swung open. Elina stepped inside, radiant and casual, her smile warm as ever. "Am I interrupting?"
"Perfect timing," Scheuer muttered, setting her teacup down. "Maybe you can talk some sense into her."
"Oh? Is she still rejecting every suitor you present?" Elina asked with a smirk.
"She says they're all too ugly," Scheuer replied with the air of someone reciting a weather report.
"She's not wrong," Elina chuckled, taking a seat beside October and draping an arm around her shoulders. "Honestly, it's a sign from the heavens. You should stay single, like me."
"She will never be like you," Scheuer said dryly.
Elina laughed, unbothered. "That's what makes her special. Well, I'll leave you two lovebirds to your matchmaking. See you later!" And with a wink, she swept out of the room.
As the door clicked shut, October glanced at Scheuer. "You don't really expect me to marry that guy, right?"
Scheuer raised an eyebrow. "At this point, I expect you to at least consider someone."
Truthfully, October had bigger problems than unattractive suitors.
It had been two weeks since Isabella had been reincarnated into the body of Lady October Catherine Windsor. At first, she thought it was some cruel afterlife joke—a punishment for a life already filled with heartbreak and betrayal. But as her memories of this world unraveled, the situation proved even worse than she imagined.
October wasn't just disliked. She was doomed.
In a future that now haunted her like a ticking clock, October would be falsely accused of attempting to assassinate the prince's fiancée—a crime she didn't commit. Her own twin sister, May, along with the venomous Anna-Marie, would be the ones to frame her. Witnesses would be bribed. The court would believe them. And in the end, October would be executed—burned alive while pleading her innocence.
The only people who stood by her were Elina, Scheuer, and their father, Duke Theodore Windsor. Elina had tried to help her escape when the royal knights arrived. Scheuer and the Duke had fought to prove her innocence, bringing forth every resource, but none of it was enough. The public turned, the court decided, and October's screams were silenced in flames.
The story didn't end there. Elina, consumed by grief and a thirst for justice, attempted to incite a revolt. It failed. She was assassinated by a knight sent by the Northern Empire—the same empire whose emperor's daughter had become the prince's new bride.
Scheuer and Duke Theodore were stripped of their titles, the Windsor estate dismantled by decree, and their names buried in shame.
All because of the jealousy of two sisters and the indifference of a broken system.
"Such a pitiful end for a powerful family... all because of greed," Isabella—no, October—whispered as she sat by her window that night, tears trailing silently down her cheeks.
She clutched her blanket tighter. This time, things will be different.
She wouldn't wait to be framed. She wouldn't sit quietly and hope someone would save her. She would take charge of her fate.
"I will marry someone far away from here. Somewhere I can start over. Build a life. Become financially independent. And when I'm strong enough…" she inhaled shakily, "I'll divorce him and finally live free."
But to do that, she needed allies. Her sisters, Elina and Scheuer, were her only hope.
The next morning, October found them in the study. They were deep in discussion over estate matters, but October didn't hesitate.
"Good day, elder sisters," she greeted, smiling warmly.
Scheuer looked up, expression unreadable. "Good day, October."
"Morning, snowflake!" Elina beamed. "What brings you here? You've been hiding in your room lately."
"I wasn't feeling well," October replied honestly. "But I'm better now."
"I'm glad to hear it. Now—what's on your mind?" Elina asked, tilting her head curiously.
October stepped forward. "Sister Scheuer, I need your help."
"With what?"
"I want to find a husband."
Scheuer choked on her tea, coughing violently. Elina burst into laughter, almost spilling hers.
"You're serious?" Scheuer asked, recovering.
"I am," October nodded.
Elina grinned. "Well, this is sudden. A change of heart?"
"Let's just say I've gained a new perspective," October replied. "I want to start over. Somewhere far from here. A quiet life, peace of mind, and no royal politics."
Scheuer gave her a long look. "If this is what you truly want… I'll help you."
October felt a small weight lift from her shoulders. It was only the first step, but it was hers to take.
This time, she wouldn't let history repeat itself.