“Are you just coming of age? Life is about to begin. You’ll have a lifetime of wealth, starting from your youth. Even if you don’t like it, money will stick to you!”

 

That was the fortune I heard from the fortune teller when I became an adult. Curious if I’d ever experience such wealth, I bought a lottery ticket on my way home.

 

I won the jackpot. Suddenly, I had $2 billion in my hands. I couldn’t believe it when I went to the bank to collect the prize.

 

I had no idea I would come into such a large amount of money. Back in my college days, I’d occasionally picked up money on the street, but I’d never won Two Billion.

 

Just in case, I bought another lottery ticket the following week. This time I won four billion.

 

I hit the jackpot five times in a row.

 

The stock I started with a friend just for fun skyrocketed. Even the lost wallets and items I found by chance on the street turned out to belong to wealthy individuals who generously rewarded me with finder’s fees. I invested the money I saved into real estate, and property values shot up like crazy.

 

I bought a house and a car, and I couldn’t think of any other way to spend money, so I started making small donations. But it was as if the money was coming back to me in even greater amounts, as the fortune teller had said.

 

Was it nice to have so much money?

 

Not at all. Absolutely not.

 

Our family was an ordinary family.

 

In other words, my money was no longer mine alone. At first, I used it willingly for the family’s needs. But as time went on, their demands became excessive.

 

“Hey, Geum-hee. Contribute some money for a golf outing with Dad and his boss’ friends.”

 

“Geum-hee, let’s go shopping with Mom. I heard there are new arrivals.”

 

“Hey, Kim Geum-hee. Can you spare some money so I can go out with my girlfriend?”

 

I ended up having to support the whole household.

 

Unfortunately, it wasn’t just my family that worried me. Even distant relatives I’d never heard of tried to take advantage of me.

 

I fought and argued with these people, which resulted in an advanced stage of cancer.

 

What a meaningless life.

 

If there is a next life, I prayed that I wouldn’t die from such foolishness.

 

But then…

 

“What did you say?”

 

“Is our youngest already hard of hearing?”

 

The restaurant was lavish, a far cry from the days of Kim Geum-hee.

 

I blinked, my eyes dazed, not even cutting my meat when I heard that unfamiliar voice.

 

“Honey.”

 

A middle-aged man with pink-blonde hair, totally unsuitable for this solemn setting, nervously called to his wife. The young man with pink-blond hair sitting next to him was also out of place.

 

But Grand Duke Praviche paid no attention. In fact, he casually reached over and took my plate while scolding his wife.

 

“Don’t stop her. That’s not something a member of the Praviche family should do.”

 

By the time I realized my plate had been taken away, the neatly sliced meat had been placed in front of me. The Duke gave me a cold look, then pulled a heavy wallet out of his pocket.

 

“If you don’t spend all this money by tomorrow, you won’t get any pocket money next month. You have to know how to spend money when you’re associated with the Praviche.”

 

Under the Duke’s scolding, the little brothers sitting across from me and the younger brother next to them began to sniffle, and the older brother sitting next to them sneered.

 

The novel, “Oh, My Dahlia.”

 

I had become the youngest daughter of the villainous family of this novel.

 

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“F*ck….”

 

I concluded an uncomfortable meal and retreated to my chambers, collapsing onto the bed. The situation I found myself in remained an enigma that I couldn’t quite fathom.

 

“So, I’m Evelyn Praviche?”

 

A bitter laugh escaped my lips.

 

Evelyn Praviche, who was she exactly?

 

Pink-blonde hair, lavender eyes that gleamed with malice. She was the villainess who actively impeded the romance between the male and female leads in “Oh, My Dahlia” and met her demise.

 

And what about the Praviche family?

 

In reality, the entire family served as obstacles to the love between the male and female leads. Among them, Evelyn merely played the role of awakening the family’s malevolent tendencies. In the original work, despite being portrayed as a novice villain, she was a cherished daughter within the family.

 

Evelyn’s death had greatly incensed the Praviche Duchy’s household. While the Duke himself and his second son, Brother, were actively engaged in undermining Dahlia in high society, it was the eldest son, Douglas, who posed the real challenge.

 

Stung by the attacks on his family, Douglas challenged the Crown Prince to a fatal duel and had perished in vain.

 

“That final boss, the Praviche Duchy, probably became even more unhinged after that…”

 

Though I didn’t understand why, I had no intention of involving myself in the family’s downfall, now that I had assumed Evelyn’s identity. I harbored no intention of falling in love with the male lead, the Crown Prince, in this life. Even in the written account, the unimpressive male lead didn’t align with my tastes.

 

If I had to choose a favorite character from the original work, it would be Raphael, the secondary male lead.

 

He possessed exceptional good looks and an admirable personality. There was no reason to dislike him.

 

But that wasn’t my concern.

 

“In reality, he’s a psychopath who takes lives, and I want no part of it.”

 

I’ll simply lead a quiet existence. My plan is to deviate voluntarily from the original narrative.

 

Evelyn had only openly opposed the Crown Prince thus far, so she hadn’t committed any crimes like attempted murder. In other words, even if I remained secluded at home, I could diverge somewhat from the original plot.

 

“Even if I have to spend all this money by tomorrow…”

 

Shopping could be done from the comfort of my home, rendering it inconsequential. Money was not in short supply in this life, and my family happened to be affluent.

 

Moreover, Evelyn’s infamous reputation might prove advantageous. Being benevolent and wealthy made you a target, so a tarnished reputation could, paradoxically, be beneficial.

 

“All right. In this life, I won’t be exploited, and I’ll discreetly use my wealth.”

 

I had no vested interest in the original narrative. I had never been fond of going out in the first place, so as long as the characters from the original narrative didn’t bother me, I could live out this life quietly.

 

After enduring torment in my previous life at the hands of others, I had warmly embraced this tranquil and comfortable existence. While setting goals for this life, I was interrupted by a knock at the door.

 

“Daughter, are you asleep?”

 

It was Henry Praviche, the Duke. I pondered my response and ultimately settled for a neutral and appropriate one.

 

“No, I’m not asleep.”

 

“Daddy will come in.”

 

The door creaked open cautiously, and Henry entered my room with such stealth that his steps produced no sound. He regarded me as I sat on the bed and his face suddenly contorted with confusion. He patted my shoulder as he settled down beside me.

 

“Your mother was a tad forceful earlier, wasn’t she? I apologize, dear. Allow Daddy to apologize on her behalf.”

 

I tilted my head in surprise at his unexpected words.

 

Was there really anything to apologize for? Her tone had been a tad assertive at most, probably because she intended to provide me with some funds. Who could resist such offers?

 

Nonetheless, Henry seemed ambivalent–as though he wasn’t quite sure how to handle me–someone who appeared to be genuinely concerned.

 

“Your mother is also worried about you. It’s because you haven’t been shopping as you used to, all because of the Crown Prince. I’d like to help lift your spirits, dear. Do you understand, Daughter?”

 

Was that person truly a villain? Why was he behaving so affectionately?

 

At first glance, the Duke exuded an aura of malevolence, but outwardly, he projected the image of a refined middle-aged gentleman. In a way, he appeared less villainous than my family back in Korea.

 

He sighed deeply and began to gently stroke my disheveled pink-blonde hair.

 

“Daughter, there are many men in this world. So forget about this impudent rascal quickly. Or should Father find someone else for you? Men are meant to be forgotten, at least in words. Tell me, what do you prefer? Papa will find it for you.”

 

Scrapped. This amiable Duke was indeed a villain.

 

The Grand Duke currently held substantial sway in high society. I could only bow my head, inwardly lamenting that outsiders should never be diplomats, as I feared that merely speaking would result in him ensnaring all the eligible men in high society.

 

“It’s all right. I have no intention of engaging in any romantic affairs for a while.”

 

My response was meant to reassure Henry, yet his countenance grew even sadder.

 

“Daughter, why are you addressing me so formally? Are you angry with Dad?”

 

Oh, right. The manner of speaking I used at home was still deeply ingrained.

 

I promptly adjusted my tone. “It’s all right. I’m not angry.”

 

The Grand Duke seemed skeptical of my claim. Perhaps the wounds of disappointment ran deep. He even mumbled to himself, saying:

 

“That’s not sufficient. Daughter, let’s summon a designer immediately. We’ll peruse some lovely dresses and jewelry, and your spirits will soar.”

 

“What?”

 

It was presently 9 p.m. Did designers genuinely answer such abrupt calls, even in this sinister aristocratic family?

 

Ignoring my bewildered expression, Henry instructed the butler to summon a designer.

 

And 30 minutes later, in the drawing room.

 

“Did you summon me, Your Grace?” inquired Aziel, her tone deferential.

 

“Did you bring the catalog? Our daughter will be making her selection,” responded the Grand Duke authoritatively.

 

“Of course. We have an array of designs exclusively for Lady Praviche,” assured Aziel, her demeanor polished.

 

Now, the time was 9:30 PM, and it was quite remarkable that they had all arrived so punctually. The infamous aristocratic Praviche family undeniably carried considerable weight. Despite the abrupt request, the five designers were all assembled, their expressions reflecting their readiness. Soon, catalogs featuring fifty exquisite dresses from five different boutiques materialized, accompanied by an array of fabric samples.

 

“What… is all of this?” Douglas, with his black hair and violet eyes, entered the room, his brow furrowed. While Henry’s illegitimate son bore a striking resemblance to the Praviche Duchy’s legitimate offspring, Douglas seemed so distinctly foreign that he could easily pass as the Praviche Duchy’s true heir.

 

Upon Douglas’ arrival, my instincts prompted a frown to grace my face. Tensions were palpable, as irate gazes were exchanged between us. Aziel, who was watching the situation with evident anxiety, was also on high alert.

 

The Grand Duke, however, remained blissfully oblivious to the brewing discord.

 

“Oh, Douglas, you’re here? If you’re having trouble sleeping tonight, let’s examine dresses together with Evelyn,” the Grand Duke suggested with a warm smile.

 

In response to the Grand Duke’s invitation, the designers, who had been on the verge of departing, promptly produced their catalogs once more. Douglas, however, displayed no interest in the catalog offered to him. Instead, he locked his gaze directly onto me and delivered a contemptuous remark.

 

“No dress will suit you for the Crown Prince. Cease this futile endeavor.”

 

Even within an unconventional family like ours, there was always one individual who resembled the archetypical family member. In this instance, it was Douglas. During the preceding meal, he had been the sole individual audacious enough to openly ridicule me.

 

The Grand Duke was taken aback and exclaimed, “Douglas! Is that the way you speak to your sister?”

 

“Brother, are you out of your mind!?” Aziel reacted with astonishment, her gaze darting between her siblings.

 

Yet, Douglas remained resolute. “Father, you’ve raised an adult far too carelessly. Isn’t it time for her to come to her senses and discontinue this nonsense? She’s merely idle due to a lack of meaningful occupation, allowing her mind to wander toward frivolous matters. It’s truly pitiable.”

 

“Douglas!” The Grand Duke’s exclamation conveyed both surprise and disappointment.

 

Aziel eyed me apprehensively, her concern evident. Nevertheless, to my surprise, I discovered myself oddly unaffected by the situation. After all, I wasn’t genuinely Evelyn; hence, his reprimands held no sway over me.

 

“But oddly enough, that vexatious expression irritates me,” I inadvertently muttered, a slip of the tongue. Quickly, I covered my mouth, realizing the imprudence of my comment.