Villain of Fate: The Tyrant System-Chapter 40: Morning Theater

Morning Theater

Fragments of dreams still clung to her when the quiet tap came at the door. Morning had just begun, gray light seeping through the curtains. Her eyes opened slow, unsteady from nights that offered little rest. A pause followed the sound - brief, unsure. The wood shivered slightly under another gentle strike. She sat up without rushing, limbs heavy but mind now alert. Outside, birds started their usual chorus. The air inside stayed still, untouched by wind.

"Selena, are you up? It’s time for breakfast."

Softly, Veena D’Aurelius spoke into the trees, her tone a quiet presence, much like light slipping between fabric folds.

"Okay, Auntie."

Eyes gritty from lack of rest, Selena pushed herself upright. Light pressed hard against her vision. Sleep had slipped away again; each attempt to drift off brought back moments - how close he was, murmured words that meant nothing, the touch of her mouth on his neck.

Fingers touched skin where her cheek met palm.

Hot.

Out of the water, her gaze met the glass. Shadows beneath her eyes - light, yet there - refused to vanish. That cold, steady look she wore so often now bent, cracked open, showing what she’d rather hide. Weakness stared back, bare and awkward.

Out she stepped after breathing deep. The air shifted around her.

-

Footsteps fading behind her, she rounded the hall’s bend only to almost bump into Julian D’Aurelius - gray pajamas hanging loosely as he emerged from his doorway.

Fury danced in his eyes, yet he moved like morning light on a summer field.

That man’s dark hair looked messy, his yellowish gaze clear and alert - like royalty after perfect rest, while guilt kept her tossing till dawn.

A flicker crossed his face the moment her shape appeared. Then stillness returned.

He gave a small nod. "Morning," came out loose, like it didn’t matter.

[Why is this woman staring at me? Did she remember last night?]

[Sigh, a drunkard. Next time, I won’t drink with her, or I won’t be able to keep my pure and innocent self.]

Selena’s face warmed instantly.

Pure and innocent?

He had been fighting her like his life depended on it.

She lowered her gaze quickly.

"Morning," she replied softly, slipping past him.

[Yes! That’s the reaction you should have. Be cold to me, got it?]

[A heroine should act like a heroine. I’ll reluctantly forgive you for what happened yesterday.]

She bit the inside of her cheek.

Forgive me?

This man...

Julian followed behind her, oddly satisfied. Finally. Normal behavior. No drunk confessions. No sudden attacks.

They walked into the dining room.

—

The breakfast table was already set. Warm steam curled lazily into the air from bamboo baskets of dumplings. Congee simmered gently in porcelain bowls. Freshly brewed tea carried a fragrant calm through the room.

Veena D’Aurelius stood near the table, sleeves rolled up slightly. Today’s breakfast had not been made by the household chef.

It had been made by her.

After all, it was the future daughter-in-law’s first morning in the D’Aurelius residence.

"Good morning, Uncle and Auntie," Selena said politely.

"Good morning, Selena," Gary D’Aurelius and Veena replied almost in unison, smiling.

They were genuinely pleased with her. Beautiful. Capable. Composed.

Just...

Too cold.

Their son had chased her for three years like a loyal knight in a hopeless war.

Julian greeted them briefly and sat down first, reaching for a plate of steamed dumplings without hesitation.

He picked one up and bit into it immediately.

Veena’s brows twitched.

"What are you doing? Just eating by yourself? Serve some to Selena."

Julian chewed, swallowed, and shrugged.

"She can get it herself if she wants to eat. She’s not a child."

[Serving her food? That’s impossible. Not in this lifetime.]

[If she wants to eat, she can eat. If not, forget it. I’m not a caretaker; I’m not interested in taking care of someone else’s harem.]

[Women! They only get in the way of me surviving until the end!]

Selena’s fingers tightened slightly against her bowl.

This bastard.

It’s just serving food.

She lifted her head and said gently, "It’s okay, Uncle and Auntie. I can do it myself. I’m really sorry for causing trouble yesterday by drinking too much."

Her tone was soft—apologetic, almost fragile.

Gary waved his hand dismissively.

"It’s fine, it’s fine. It’s this brat’s fault for taking you out drinking. Next time he forces you to drink, tell me, and I’ll beat him up."

Julian nearly choked on his tea.

"It really wasn’t him who made me drink. You can ask Mike Valquin if you don’t believe me," he protested.

Selena lowered her gaze slightly, then added, "Yes, it was me who insisted on going with him. It’s my fault. Uncle, don’t scold him."

Her voice trembled just enough.

Gary and Veena exchanged a glance.

Look at that.

Protecting their son even now.

Such a considerate girl.

Julian stared at her.

[Damn it, you dead woman, you’re acting again, aren’t you?]

[And you’re trying to gain favor with my parents? Damn it, is this necessary?]

[I get it. You’re trying to set me up to avoid the pressure of breaking the engagement, making me the bad guy?]

[Cunning woman, damn it, I give up!]

Selena lowered her head to hide the faint curve of her lips.

So that’s how he sees me.

After swallowing another dumpling, Julian wiped his fingers and suddenly spoke.

"Dad, Mom... you see, we don’t really get along. I think maybe we should reconsider the marriage alliance..."

The air froze.

Gary slowly reached to his side and pulled out his belt.

The leather slid free with a quiet, ominous sound.

"What did you say?"

Julian swallowed.

"...I said the dumplings are really good."

Silence.

Then Veena lightly cleared her throat.

"Eat first," she said calmly. "No fighting at the table."

Gary gave Julian a long look before setting the belt aside—within reach.

Breakfast continued. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

But the atmosphere shifted.

Selena quietly served herself some congee. Julian avoided looking at her. Veena watched them both carefully, and Gary observed like a general assessing two soldiers who refused to follow orders.

Halfway through the meal, Gary spoke again.

"Julian."

"Yes, Dad."

"Marriage is not a game. If you don’t like her, say it clearly. If you do, act like a man. Stop playing around."

Julian opened his mouth.

Then closed it.

Selena’s heartbeat quickened.

He didn’t answer.

Instead, he picked up another dumpling.

[Like her? That’s suicide.]

[Female lead equals danger.]

[Survival first. Romance later. Preferably never.]

Selena looked down at her bowl.

So that’s how it is.

After breakfast ended, Veena insisted Selena stay for tea. Gary left for work, though not before giving Julian one last warning glare.

Julian escaped the dining room the moment he could.

Selena remained seated, hands resting quietly in her lap.

Her expression returned to calm.

But inside—

She felt something new.

Not anger.

Not embarrassment.

Something stubborn.

He wanted her to be cold.

He wanted distance.

He wanted her to act like the "heroine."

Fine.

She would act.

But she would decide the script this time.

And she would not lose.